CNET News is reporting that General Electric plans to use software from smart-grid startup Tendril to make its appliances more energy efficient. The software will allow you to control your GE appliances from several different locations, including an in-home display, over the Internet or even through your iPhone (is there anything you CAN’T do with an iPhone these days?). The system will be in a testing phase starting in the 4th quarter of 2009. Tendril’s … Read the rest
All posts by Tate Dwinnell
NRG Energy (NRG) To Exelon (EXC): No Deal
NRG Energy just announced that its Board of Directors has rejected Exelon’s revised offer for the company. The vote was unanimous and was based on the belief that Exelon is undervaluing NRG, even with its revised offer, with was equivalent to $27 per share. NRG’s Board sent a letter to Exelon calling the revised offer a “step in the right direction” and explaining the specific areas in which the company believes it is being undervalued, … Read the rest
McDonald’s (MCD) To Open Eco-Friendly Restaurants With Electric Car Charging Stations
Last night I wrote about Best Buy’s move to begin selling electric bikes, scooters and motorcycles which has raised some eyebrows. It appears McDonald’s (MCD) is preparing for the green vehicle revolution as well, announcing yesterday that it would open its first green restaurant complete with eco-friendly materials and electric vehicle charging stations on July 14th at a restaurant in Cary, North Carolina. It’s certainly not hard to imagine retailers and restaurants offering EV charging … Read the rest
3rd Generation 2010 Toyota Prius Generating Excitement & Sales
Vacationers who have been pleasantly taking in the sun in a remote corner of the world for many, many months may be shocked by the announcement, but to everyone else, the fact has been increasingly clear for a while: the auto industry isn’t doing very well. From bankruptcies to dealership troubles, halts in production and other major upsets, automakers around the world are suffering in a market impacted by a population that simply can’t prioritize … Read the rest
Change To Hoku (HOKU) Polysilicon Agreement With Tianwei
Hoku just announced an amendment to its polysilicon agreement with Tianwei New Energy Wafer Co Ltd. The amendment relieves Hoku of its upcoming shipping obligations in exchange for an 8 percent reduction in the price of the polysilicon.
Instead of paying Hoku $511 million over the 10-year contract period, Tianwei will only pay $468 million. In addition, Hoku will receive a $5 million payment upfront. Hoku is having some trouble getting financing to finish its … Read the rest
ITC Holdings (ITC) Green Power Express Motoring Along With MDU Resources Alliance
ITC Holdings (ITC) may be the biggest player in the build out and upgrade of transmission lines in order to distribute renewable energy across the US. The company solidifies that with a key ally in its Green Power Express initiative – MDU Resources Group (MDU). Today, ITC announced an agreement with MDU Resources to collaborate on design and development of the project and a possible investment in Green Power Express LP down the road.
The … Read the rest
Cree, Inc (CREE) Announces Release Of New Z-Rec(tm) Silicon-Carbide Power Diode Product
Cree, Inc just announced the release of a new line of Z-Rec Silicon-Carbide power diodes: 600V SiC Junction Barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes. These diodes are mainly used in boost diode applications in power factor correction (PFC) circuits, where their improved efficiency gives them an edge over silicon diodes, shrinking AC-DC power supply losses by 10%, due to zero reverse-recovery current.
In a company press release, Cree’s VP and GM for power and RF, Dr. … Read the rest
Arotech (ARTX) Scores 3 Million In Battery And Charger Orders
Arotech just announced that it has received $3 million worth of orders for rechargable lithium-ion batteries, chargers and related components. Arotech focuses on supplying the military, police departments and private security firms. The chargers will recharge unmanned air vehicles and the batteries will power night-vision goggles.
In a press release, Robert S. Ehrlich, Chairman and CEO of Arotech Corporation, commented on the orders:
“The orders confirm our world-wide customers’ continued satisfaction with our range … Read the rest
Best Buy Selling Electric Bikes & Scooters On West Coast, Brammo Enertia Motorcycle Coming Soon
An unlikely participant in the green vehicle revolution has entered the fray. Today, the WSJ highlighted Best Buy’s (BBY) effort to expand its offerings and take a gamble by selling electric scooters and bikes at 19 west coast locations (you can buy them from anywhere online). Not only will they sell them, but their Geek Squad will be trained to provide low level service and repair. It’s a great move from Best Buy and … Read the rest
Barclays Cautious On Q2 Solar Earnings; Cuts Price Targets on FSLR, ENER, STP & YGE
Solar stocks were slammed today as oil prices continued to retreat and the cautious comments out of Barclays didn’t help either. Barrons reported this morning that analyst Vishal Shah is cautious on solar heading into Q2 earnings because of the magnitude of the recent rally and the unlikelihood of US & China demand picking up the Germany slack.
He made price cuts as well:
– ENER from $13 to $17 on customer financing
– FSLR … Read the rest