Solar Energy Investing

Business Wire reports Sunrise Solar Corp. is able to significantly reduce a person’s carbon footprint through their solar panel, solar lighting, and solar water heating systems.  The company is able to provide service to residences or government mandates.

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.

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.

Renewable Energy World.com reports the Summer Olympics in Beijing boasted renewable energy sources, even if they had to hire people to scoop up the much from polluted waters and enforce alternate day driving.  Suntech provided a solar system of 8 million kWh at the “Bird’s Nest,” while Canadian Solar provided photovoltaic technology for the streetlamps lighting up Olympic Boulevard.  Also, the Olympic Village installed a solar energy hot water system to be used the 12,000 athletes and trainers.

VentureBeat reports Ausra, a solar thermal power company, is looking to raise $50 million in funding from investors.  Their plant, currently operating in Las Vegas, is expected to produce 700MW of electricity.  The company also has a 177MW facility under construction at this time.

CNW Group reports the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance scored Ontario with an “A” for 2007 to show the province’s committment to conservation energy plan.  Their effort includes a $14.4 million Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive.

Weekend America reports volunteer labor installed a solar water heater in a home in New Hampshire.  The non-profit group, Plymouth-Area Renewable Energy Initiative, looks to make solar power more affordable by saving homeowners about $2,500 in labor costs.  The group travels from home to home installing solar collector arrays to provide a solar water heater that will pay for itself with time.

Phoenix Business Journal reports BrightSource Energy Inc. is seeking partners to develop solar power plants. The Phoenix Mayor is looking to bring solar technology to Arizona after seeing a development facility in Israel.  BrightSource has found a possible site for a plant and land to accommodate transmission lines, they are now looking for a utility partner.

Triangle Business Journal reports Prince George’s County Council has approved a tax incentive for residents to install solar power or geothermal heating systems.  Those residents who use a hot water system will receive $1,500 and a heating system will qualify for $5,000.