As Greentech Media reported yesterday, at least one analyst has concluded that First Solar has achieved the nirvana of green power: grid parity, or being able to produce electricity that’s as cheap as or cheaper than conventionally produced power. According to Mark Bachman, an equity analyst at Pacific Crest,First Solar’s 12.6 MW system for Sempra Generation is producing power at a cost of .075/kilowatt hour, compared to conventional power’s cost of $.09/kilowatt hour.
Greentech … Read the rest
With the Obama administration just weeks away from move in day, there are quite a few articles out there being written about ways to play the coming infrastructure and green energy boom. Much has been made of Obama’s plan to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and to a lesser degree, plans to spend big on infrastructure. Certainly infrastructure and green energy will be two big themes over the next 4 years and possibly beyond, … Read the rest
Due to delayed installation at a few large commercial project, Akeena Solar (AKNS) is cutting its 2008 annual revenue growth estimate from 30 – 40% to 25 – 20%.
“As several large commercial projects got underway during the quarter, our customers encountered construction management issues that caused the solar installation phase to be pushed out into early 2009,” said Barry Cinnamon, president and chief executive officer. “In contrast to the lumpiness of the commercial business, … Read the rest
Valence Technology (VLNC) which develops safe lithium phosphate energy storage systems, is announcing today a multi year non exclusive supply agreement with PVI, a French commercial electric vehicle manufacturer. VLNC will provide its U-Charge XP Energy Storage System and engineering support to power 4 commercial EV platforms and will begin shipments late next year, which could add $3 million in revenue in 2010.
“This is a major milestone in our company’s history,” said Alastair … Read the rest
Cree (CREE) a leading player in the LED lighting market is announcing the volume availability of the LR24 LED which provides energy efficient lighting for suspended ceiling applications.. and will compete with the traditional tube fluorescent lighting often seen in commercial spaces. The LR24 features superior color rendering and is dimmable up to 5%, providing design flexibility and energy efficiency.
“With the addition of the LR24, we can light an entire office using Cree LED … Read the rest
Ener1 (HEV), the lithium battery maker who is a supplier for Th!nk electric vehicles of Norway has indicated it’s secured a $30 million line of credit from its principal investor, Ener1 Group that will keep the company fully funded through 2009. Terms of the financing are still being finalized. The company has also confirmed that it remains on schedule to deliver its lithium ion batteries to Th!nk electric which will begin selling its vehicles commercially … Read the rest
Central Jersey Waste & Recycling has hired Clean Energy Fuels (CLNE) under a 5 year contract to provide financing, design, construction, operating and maintenance for a compressed natural gas fueling station. Central Jersey Waste is the first firm in New Jersey to convert a portion of its fleet to natural gas.
James Harger, CLNE VP said, “We are pleased to provide these services for Central Jersey Waste that will in turn benefit the state of … Read the rest
Although Toyota’s Blue Springs, Mississippi plant is 90% done and the company has invested over $300 million into it, the company has decided to put the project on hold due to the economic collapse, which has caused the bottom to drop out of the US auto market. Since even hybrids aren’t selling well at the moment, Toyota has put the plant on hold "indefinitely."
CLSA’s Tokyo-based analyst, Christopher Richter, commented on the decision:
… Read the rest"With the
Suntech will open a new sales and customer service office in Milan, Italy, to cater to its customers in the growing Italian solar market. Solar energy is expected to expand next year in sunny Italy, helped along by generous government subsidies of up to EUR0.49/kWh.
Here’s what Mauro Sgherri, Suntech’s Director of Sales, Italy, had to say about Suntech’s expansion:
… Read the rest“Suntech’s involvement in many of the highest profile solar projects in Europe combined
with
Last week, Advanced Battery Tech (ABAT) announced it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire 55% of Wuxi Angell, which it has been working closely with to develop and electric bike. ABAT will issue 2 million shares of common stock and pay out approximately 3.65 million in cash to acquire a majority portion of Wuxi Angell and the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2009.
Wuxi Angell makes … Read the rest