Solar Energy Investing

Business Wire reports Ardour Solar Energy Index is comprised of companies that produce solar electricity, heating or lighting.  These companies make at least 66% of their revenue from solar energy.  The index has returned -24.8% year-to-date through August 2008.

Metromode reports non-profit developers are able to bring sustainable architechture to the low and middle class to help save on their utility bills.  A project called Exceptional Green Living in Detroit, Michigan will feature tankless water heaters and paint that will increase insulation by reflecting and retaining heat from the sun.

Morpeth Herald reports Northcumberland Business Services LTD assisted Solar Energy Centre as a start-up.  The energy company is now one of the fastest growing businesses in the Northeast and has won two large contracts to employ three full-time employees.  Solar Energy Centre features installation of solar panels to provide a water heating system.

Times & Transcript reports NB Power is offering meters to residences looking to generate their own electricity through solar power & other sources.  Currently, 2,300 customers have shown interest, but it will take a while before the technology is accessible to the average consumer.  The second meter will provide consumers the knowledge of how much electricity they are generating vs. how much they are using.

The Whir reports Hostivia will purchase renewable energy from Nevada Power, which receives most of it electricity from solar panels, to launch its “green” initiative.  The company will also implement new server configurations to reduce its power usage by 30-40%.

Daily Camera reports Dr. George Lof began a solar heat project 30 years before solar was the rage in Boulder, CO.  During World War II, when the fuel shortage scare was present, Colorado University funded Lof to build a small house with an experimental solar heating system in 1943.  Lof lived in the house which could maintain 70 degrees inside in the middle of winter, as long as the sun was shining.

US News and World Report reports that while uncertainties about polysilicon costas and subsidy programs continue, sales have picked up in the solar industry.  LDK’s shares are up 20% at the end of the 2nd quarter, earnings have doubled from a year ago.  JA Solar also saw a double increase in revenue, the company expects 23% increase in revenue above current expectations.

Alternative Energy reports across the globe 40% of companies have installed are are looking to install a renewable energy source.  The international study shows that companies are looking to solar power and other sources to reduce their rising energy costs and to address environmental issues.

Solar Industry reports Day 4 Energy Inc. has develeoped a manufacturing process for a photovolotaic module with an 18% conversion efficiency rate on multicrystalline silicon materials.  This technology will allow for a lower price and the manufacturing process will reduce production costs by 25%.

Ithaca Times reports Tompkins County, New York residents have an incentive to install solar power in their homes- it currently has the most solar power systems in the state.  The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority has put a local tax exemption into place indefinately.  NYSERDA will provide a 40% savings of installation by giving $16,000 back from up front costs.