Solar Energy Investing

The Vancouver Sun reports that consumers continue to view solar energy as a “luxury good” and financing for solar utilities is dwindling. The bright spot is that politicians continue to push solar energy projects and the incentives that come with them. Most experts view the government as the key to turning the solar market around.

TheDaily.com reports that Auzion Limited in Austrailia has experienced a huge increase in solar panel installations. The main reason is simple — people have realized they can save money by going “green.” A single kilowatt system can save people an average of 25% on their total power charges.

Milpitas Post reports Milpitas is an example of schools saving $12 million with energy partnerships through Bank of American and Chevron in solar energy projects.  Also, Solyndra Inc. has a manufacturing plant in Milptas that produces tubular photovoltaic thin film solar cells and recently won a loan from the US Department of Energy for this technology.  The money will be used to build another manufacturing plant and create 1,000 local jobs.  The loan is designed to expand the solar energy market to make it more cost competitive with fossil fuels, Solyndra makes less efficient solar cells than traditional models, but the cells are easy to apply to thin sheets for easy manufacturing at a lesser cost.

Businesswire.com reports Carmanah Technologies will updrade a City of Toronto parking facility with solar power.  The $550,000 project will help the city meet renewable energy goals and generate revenue through incentives like the Ontario Power Authority Feed In Tariff.

Building Design & Construction reports Carlisle SynTec has been awarded a $650,000 grant to install a 200 kW solar photovoltaic system on one of their rooftops.  Carlisl is one of five energy projects in Pennsylvania to receive a federal stimulus grant.

Greentech Media reports Japan’s recent return of a national solar subsidy has only attracted 21, 653 applications versus the anticipated 35,000 it was expecting in the first three months.  The subsidy provides US $700 per kW of installed solar power or 10% of a 3.5 kW system.  The US is also hoping a 30% tax credit for solar power installations will boost business.

Gerson Lehrman Group reports China has announced a solar subsidy program to boost consumption of solar power.  The country has preferred wind power to solar power in the past for cost purposes, but the subsidy will help stimulate the economy and provide manufacturers with a new source of revenue.

Summit Daily News reports Colorado expects $130 million in federal stimulus money for the state energy program and weatherization of homes.  Colorado expects to dedicate $50 million for state energy programs, including training for people in energy jobs.  Many solar, wind, and biofuel companies moved to Colorado to take advantage of the three research universities and be near the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, CO.  Ascent Solar Technology is opening a new headquarters and plant in the state to manufacture thin film solar generating modules. 

TheLedger.com reports Publix Supermarket Headquarters recently installed 4,000 square feet of solar photovoltaic laminates that follow the weather patterns through a tracking device.  Polk County, FL is no stranger to solar power however, from solar power apartment complexes, to mini-storage facilities, to the credit union down the street, everyone is participating solar power and Tampa Electric’s energy sharing incentive program.  Last year, the $5 million budget for solar power tax incentives was expended in Florida.

BusinessGreen.com reports the Chinese government has pledged up to $3 billion investments for new incentives for solar photovoltaic projects.  The projects will be selected from 1,200 proposals to cut carbon emissions by 36 million tonnes.  The Finance Ministry has also designated a $2.93 per watt incentive to solar pv developers from installations 50kW and higher.