Solar Energy Investing

Forbes.com reports ExxonMobil has been banned from running a misleading television commercial on natural gas in England.  The misleading advertisement compares natural gas to renewable energy sources, including solar energy, versus other fossil fuels.

TradingMarkets.com reports Simtek Corp., a design and manfacturing company of semiconductor products, including silicon memory chips, has been removed from the NASDAQ.  Several other companies were removed as well.

SignonSanDiego.com reports San Diego’s downtown Civic Center is contemplating corporate sponsors to name pieces of the complex, this does not include City Hall.  Another thought was to include a beacon of light at the top of the buildings that illuminate when that building is producing its own electricity from solar energy.

Royal Gazette reports a meeting was held to discuss the energy needs of Bermuda.  Hosted by the Department of Energy, other Public Town Hall meetings will include topics of solar and wind energy.

MarketWatch reports APS customers will be able to take advantage of tax incentives and rebates to install renewable energy systems thanks to a new loan program.  APS and Electric Gas Industry Association allows financing for renewable energy systems such as roof top solar electric, solar water heating, and wind turbines.  A roof top solar system initially costs $21,000, after rebates and incentives it costs $9,000.  The GEOSmart Loan Program allows this out of pocket cost to be financed.

TransWorldNews reports Quality Stocks News is highlighting GT Solar International Inc.  The company manufactures solar grade polysilicon, solar wafers, and solar cells for photovoltaic technology.  They have recently experienced a revenue increase of 272% from last year.

Clarkson University reports Professor Tom Oretmeyer has recently published a study on Solar America Initiative Renewable System Interconnection.  The study asks how much solar power can be put on a grid and what impact that energy will have.  It will aslo identify the engineering requirements needed to increase the level of photovoltaic installation and will weigh the benefits and cost of solar and photovoltaic energy.  To conduct research, Oretmeyer worked in the Department of Energy Office with Alumni of the University.

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.

Freep.com reports GM, Ford, and Chrysler will not survive until 2010 unless the Federal Government provides $50 billion in low cost loans, which will come with stipulations - including what to build and where to build it.  Both Presidential candidates are focused on bringing solutions through solar power, wind power, and electric cars. 

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.