Solar Energy Investing

AZCentral.com reports that a solar land auction was held in Phoenix earlier this month as solar project proposals continue to grow in the state. Over 40 projects have been considered and, if built, they would create power for nearly 25 million homes. The rush to claim land is raising value for some properties that began to dip when economy hit a downturn last year.

ToledoBlade.com reports that Toledo, Ohio is fast growing center for the solar energy industry. First Solar is close to completing their $100 million expansion as production of solar panels will increase by 800,000 per year. Xunlight Corporation is also expected to open it’s doors for business later this year. Williard and Kelsay and Calyxo USA, Inc are also taking off in the area.

BusinessWeek.com reports that the green energy market has been struggling financially since mid-2008. German company Q-Cells, the solar cell maker, had a first quarter loss and had to cut down their expectations for 2009. Howeve, experts expect these companies to get back on their feet when economic incentives start to kick in for companies who go “green.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that the value of solar stocks have increased significantly since Barack Obama won the Presidential Election. Shares of GS Yuasa, BYD of Hong Kong, and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (creators of lithium-batteries) have all doubled.

EarthTimes.org reports that nearly 45% of homes in India do not have electricity. The country as a whole receives over 5,000 trillion kWh per year–surpassing its annual usage. However, it’s location and population are making it a very suitable solar market and one of the fastest growing in the world.

Examiner.com reports that low oil prices have contributed to the drop in solar panel sales in Hawaii — a place where power prices are directly tied to oil. People have been encouraged to buy solar now while the prices are down becuase once the oil prices come back up, so will solar panels.

EnergyMatters.com reports that solar panel installations reached 5.95 gigawatts during last year. The record was a 100% percent improvement over 2007’s numbers. The United States ranked second behind Spain and Germany with 360 megawatts of solar panel installed. The reason for the growth? Experts suggest the availability in gross feed tariff incentive programs.

Robert Redford of The Huffington Post reports that America has fallen behind in their progress regarding solar energy technology. He agrees with President Barack Obama’s contention that America needs to use our ‘ingenuity’ to continue to make strides in clean energy. Redford also discusses his experiences in the past when he realized that solar power was becoming an important issue. He contends, however, that the Regan administration was quick to put a halt to any renewable energy policies that had been in affect.

Physorg.com reports research has been published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry on a record conversion efficiency with solar cells based on organic models.  Organic solar cells produce 5% efficiency compared to 15% efficiency of silicon cells but are abel to be manufactured cheaply with little environmental impact.  This technology’s intended use is for packaging, clothing, and recharging cell phones and laptops - not to compete with silicon cells.

NAFEMS reports a new software has made Energy Innovations Inc. able to provide a more cost effective high concentration photovoltaic commercial solar product.  Sunflower integrates pv modules and advance tracking among other features to reduce installation and maintenance costs.