China Datang orders 20 units of Vestas’ V90-2.0 MW turbine and now has Vestas’ entire product line currently available in China

According to the Press Release, “China Datang orders 20 units of Vestas’ V90-2.0 MW turbine and now has Vestas’ entire product line currently available in China. Vestas, the world leader in wind energy, has received an order from China Datang Renewable Power Co., Ltd. for 20 units of the reliable V90-2.0 MW wind turbine.

The order has a total capacity of 40 MW and will be installed in Zhaolitouzi, Liaoning Province. The contract includes delivery, transportation, installation and commissioning of the wind turbines, a VestasOnline® Business SCADA solution and a two-year service and maintenance agreement. The contract does not include towers.

“With the purchase of the V90-2.0 MW turbine and the previous order for the V60-850 kW turbine, China Datang will own all the turbines in Vestas’ current product line in China, which is an important recognition of Vestas’ versatile product offering,” says Jens Tommerup, President of Vestas China. “No sites are similar and Vestas offers the products, experience and specialized knowledge to meet the challenges of delivering wind energy solutions to many different kinds of geographical and meteorological conditions.”
The 2.0 MW platform – which has sold more than 4,000 units worldwide – delivers a very low cost of energy, particularly for sites with low wind speeds.

“More than 70 per cent of China’s wind regime is low to medium winds,” adds Tommerup. “Datang’s choice of this wind turbine reflects their commitment to applying the right solution to the right wind and site conditions. Vestas has partnered with Datang over a long period and Datang is truly a partner that is focused on taking a scientific approach to developing wind energy in China.”
Datang is one of the largest wind energy developers in China and has since 2005 been one of Vestas’ most important and valued partners in China.

China has a cumulative installed capacity of approximately 15.5 GW1 as of June 2009. China is expected to be the world’s fastest-growing wind energy market in 2009.

Source: Green Street Journal and Vestas

SolarCity Expands to Colorado, Introduces State’s First Zero-Down Solar Lease

SolarCity Expands to Colorado, Introduces State’s First Zero-Down Solar Lease

SolarLease™ can allow Colorado homeowners to install solar for less than they previously paid for electricity and start saving money from day one

SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced its expansion to Colorado, and availability of its SolarLease™ option to Colorado homeowners. SolarLease is the first solar financing option available in Colorado that allows homeowners to put no money down and save money from day one by installing solar panels, because the electricity bill savings enabled by SolarLease are typically greater than the monthly lease payments. SolarLease pricing for a 5 kilowatt solar system in Colorado—appropriate for a typical three- or four-bedroom home—starts at $45 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, the company’s SolarGuard® proactive monitoring service, repairs and insurance.

“I’m pleased to welcome SolarCity to Colorado’s New Energy Economy,” said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. “Even in this tough economy, we’re continuing to attract new companies and new jobs while making clean energy more affordable for families all across the state. Today’s announcement is the direct result of forward-thinking legislation that has established Colorado as a national leader and positioning us for a quick and strong recovery.”

SolarCity moved into a new sales office in Westminster earlier this month, and is extending its solar financing, design, installation and monitoring services to Colorado homeowners this week. The company expects to hire 30-40 new employees in Colorado initially, and also plans to open a separate operations facility in the Denver area, with solar installations expected to begin this spring. SolarLease will initially be available to Colorado homeowners served by Xcel Energy in the greater Denver/Boulder area. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

"Because of the legislative changes we made last year, solar is now available in affordable monthly payments so that a typical Colorado family can now afford solar and save money on their utility bill. SolarCity’s expansion to Colorado demonstrates the real value and economic benefits of green technology,” said Colorado State Senator Morgan Carroll. “Not only are we committing ourselves to environmentally sound practices, we are creating good jobs in Colorado even in the midst of a recession."

"The New Energy Economy continues to be a shining light in Colorado, and I am so pleased that SolarCity has selected Colorado," said Colorado State Rep. Claire Levy. "Thanks to the Governor's support of legislation like SB 09-51, which helps homeowners finance renewable energy upgrades for their homes and businesses, more new energy firms are bound to continue coming to Colorado."

Homeowners interested in SolarLease or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com/request. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Colorado can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“As a result of visionary thinking by Governor Ritter, the Colorado legislature, Xcel Energy and the state’s environmentally-minded citizens, Colorado has the potential to become a national leader in solar power adoption,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “SolarCity is introducing an option that can allow Colorado homeowners to install solar with no upfront cost and begin saving money immediately. We believe SolarLease will ultimately allow thousands of Colorado homeowners to adopt clean power for less than they previously paid for electricity.”

About SolarCity
SolarCity—a national leader in solar power system design, financing, installation, monitoring and related services—was founded with the mission to help millions of homeowners and businesses adopt solar power, protect themselves from rising electricity costs, and protect their environment from polluting power sources. The company’s SolarLease™, SolarLease™ and Commercial Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) options can make it possible for homeowners and businesses to switch to clean, solar power for less money than they currently pay for electricity. SolarCity currently serves 500 communities in Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon. Additional information about the company is available on the Web at www.solarcity.com.

Media Contacts:
Jonathan Bass
SolarCity
650-963-5156
jbass(at)solarcity.com

Emily Douglas
A&R Edelman for SolarCity
650-762-2945
Emily.Douglas(at)ar-edelman.com

Source: EarthTimes.org

Solar Power, Inc. Enters Sales Representation Agreement with Belgium Based BNL-Tactics Group International

BNL Tactics Will Sell Solar Power, Inc. Dealerships Throughout Belgium and Surrounding Regions to Represent SPI Products

Solar Power, Inc. (“SPI”) (OTCBB: SOPW) announced today that it has signed an exclusive sales representation agreement with BNL-Tactics Group International (“BTGI”) based in Belgium and Luxembourg. Under the terms of the agreement BTGI will represent the Yes! TM residential photovoltaic (PV) solar solutions product line, as well as the SPI’s commercial solutions. BTGI will solicit dealerships throughout Belgium and surrounding regions for the purpose of distributing SPI’s solar product lines and also provide direct product sales and sales training to ensure the success of those dealers. SPI will sell its products directly to the dealers established by BTGI under separate individual dealer agreements.

“The BNL-Tactics Group International and Solar Power, Inc. relationship is a unique and exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Bradley Ferrell, President of Business Development for Solar Power, Inc. “This part of the European market offers significant growth opportunities in the near term for PV solar. Our turnkey integrated solutions allow BTGI to set up dealers and quickly ramp sales through the BTGI sales force and sales training programs. Similarly, it provides us with a rapid growth opportunity and a means to accelerate market penetration in an area in Europe with major growth potential. It’s a win-win arrangement.”

“Our company is focused on delivering high-quality solar solutions into a significant solar market opportunity throughout Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Northern France, Poland and other European countries,” said Bart Cops, CEO of BNL Tactics Group International. “We share common core values and a commitment to high-quality products with Solar Power, Inc., and these are the key attributes we look for in a strategic relationship. BNL Tactics Group International brings a unique aspect to our combined business model. We provide the sales engine with a proven sales force and sales training for the dealers we establish to enable a very fast business ramp. We look forward to a long and successful relationship by leveraging the strengths both teams bring to the table,” Mr. Cops concluded. Orders through BTGI have begun with an initial shipment of 300 kilowatts of product completed.

Solar Power, Inc. currently has 17 dealers within the United States and a growing number of dealers and distributors across Europe, Asia and Australia. The Company’s Yes!TM products are fully integrated solutions sold in a kit form to qualified dealers. All of the Company’s solutions feature Solar Power, Inc.’s high-performance solar modules which have been top ranked by the California Energy Commission.

About Solar Power, Inc.:
Founded in 2005, Solar Power, Inc. is a vertically integrated solar energy solution provider offering the North American commercial and public sector building markets a complete solution through a single brand. Throughout Europe, Asia and Australia the Company sells its products direct to distributors and turnkey solutions providers. The Company’s Yes! Solar, Inc. subsidiary provides the U.S. small- to mid-sized business and residential market segments with turnkey PV solar systems through a growing dealer network. Solar Power, Inc. operates from its Roseville, California headquarters.

Safe Harbor Statement:
This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Solar Power, Inc., its subsidiaries and the solar industry, which can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as “believes, expects” or similar expressions. The forward looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the Company’s ability to execute its growth plan and meet revenue and sales estimates, enter into formal long-term supply agreements, and market acceptance of products and services. These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but are not limited to, general business conditions, managing growth, and political and other business risk. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary Statement and the risks and other factors detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

Solar Power, Inc.
Mike Anderson, 916-745-0916
Vice President Marketing
Manderson(at)solarpowerinc.net
or
CleanTech IR, Inc.
Brion Tanous, 310-541-6824
btanous(at)cleantech-ir.com

Source: BusinessWire

Flux Power Introduces Safe Lithium Battery and Charging Systems for Industrial, Solar, EV, Wind and Peak-Shaving Power Applications

Flux Power Incorporated introduced its new safe lithium batteries as well as its new 12-450v ruggedized and environmentally protected AC-DC charger. These high power products are meant to serve as backbone technology for the Electric Cars, Solar, Wind, Industrial and Peak-Shaving industries.

“I’m excited we are launching the most advanced and complete power system we’ve seen in the energy industry. By allowing adaptive charge capabilities and system-wide communication, Flux’s new devices will optimize the health and life of each battery cell,” said Joseph Gottlieb, CTO. “Our data collection and cell metrics allow for extended warranties and determining the residual value of a cell after primary use which creates an opportunity for battery leasing options.”

Flux Power’s LiFePO4 family of products offer great energy density, discharge ability, communications, redundant safety and life cycle tracking at an affordable price. Each 12v pack comes with an integrated Battery Management System featuring Flux Power’s “Cell Guard” technology which monitors the individual cells within the battery. Voltage, temperature, charge and discharge cycles are all monitored with “Cell Guard” and managed to dramatically extend the life of each lithium cell in the system. This management has been shown to extend the life of Flux Powers’ Lithium cells by four to five times versus an unmanaged system. Flux Power’s system also records every charge and discharge cycle that each cell sees through over its lifetime. This unique tracking enables instant identification of any cell deficiencies and allows extended warranties on the complete system. In addition, the new Flux Power 12-450v charger is a ruggedized and environmentally protected AC-DC charging solution that can be easily adapted to many applications. This charger features a dual CAN Bus Interface and can be run as a single unit in a variable output mode up to 3.3kW or stacked to provide more than 50kW of charging power.

“With these new products, Flux Power is now able to supply its clients with safe, powerful and cost effective solutions to almost any energy storage application,” said Chris Anthony, CEO. “Creating innovative products to help the industry become more efficient – and more environmentally friendly – is something Flux will continue to do as demand for these technologies grows.”

About Flux Power Incorporated:

Flux Power, a spin-off of LHV Power (formerly known as HiTek Power Corporation) has developed innovative high power battery cell management systems that have proven to greatly extend cycle life. Flux Power couples this with a robust communication system to provide accurate and timely data on numerous cell metrics. To display all of this data, Flux Power has a suite of display systems and diagnostic utilities to help clients get the most value out of the information available. In addition, Flux Power has smart charging systems that are versatile and stackable to multiple charging configurations, while communicating directly with each cell to make sure the most beneficial charge is available. Flux Power has manufacturing capabilities in both Asia and the US with ISO-9001 quality to assure superior products to many different industries. www.FLUXpwr.com

Flux and Flux Power are trademarks or registered trademarks of Flux Power Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products or service names are or may be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of, and used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.

Flux Power Incorporated
Sarah Mori, Media Relations
866-972-FLUX
Sarah(at)FLUXpwr.com

Source: Earth Times / Business Wire

Codero goes green with its electricity usage

Codero, a dedicated and managed hosting provider, is going green with its electricity usage. The company has purchased green power through renewable energy credits for its two data centers located in Phoenix, AZ and San Diego, CA, as well as its headquarters location in Overland Park, KS.

Codero purchased 12,600 MWh of Green-e certified renewable green power to meet 100% of annual electricity needs for its entire operations from Ecoelectrons Renewable Energy, a company specializing in supplying green power to corporations through renewable energy credits.

"Greening our dedicated server and managed hosting operations is not only good for the environment, it's good for our customers, too", says Phil Spencer, CEO of Codero. "Our Green with Codero Initiative signifies our commitment to making smarter energy choices and allows our customers to move their businesses in a more environmentally-sustainable direction."

As a member of Green-e Energy's Marketplace program, Codero can display the Green-e logo on its company website and other communication materials to help customers identify the services delivered with certified renewable energy. The credits purchased by Codero were certified by Green-e Energy, the leading renewable energy certification program in the U.S. Green-e provides independent, third-party certification to ensure renewable energy meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards. Codero will also join the prestigious Green Power Partnership - a voluntary program that offers organizations purchasing green power expert advice and technical support. It is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"We are very pleased that Codero has purchased green power," said Rahul Chitrapu, Chief Executive of Ecoelectrons. "Codero's commitment not only inspires new online wind-energy generation but is testament to the environmental ethos that runs within the company. People today want companies to act in a socially responsible manner, and the purchase of green power is a simple and effective step."

Codero joins a growing list of companies and organizations that are taking real action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their energy use. Electricity generated from renewable sources results in less environmental waste and pollution, and displaces other non-renewable sources from the electric grid. Currently, renewable energy accounts for only about two percent of total electricity generation nationwide. Codero's purchase of electricity generated from nearly emissions-free renewable sources avoids carbon dioxide and other pollutants and serves to build the market for renewable energy nationwide, while increasing incentives for building new facilities.

About Codero

Specializing in dedicated and managed hosting services for small-to-mid-sized businesses, Codero offers advanced email, eCommerce, security and networking solutions. This includes a full line of high-performance Windows(R) and Linux servers as well as EVault Backup, Pinnacle Shopping Cart, and more. All Codero products are backed by secure data centers, live 24/7/365 U.S.-based support and a seasoned staff with international experience in the hosting business for over 15 years. An industry innovator, Codero recently launched its Codero Rewards program and the Green with Codero Initiative, powering 100% of its dedicated server and managed hosting operations through renewable energy credits. For more information about Codero, please visit www.codero.com.

About Ecoelectrons

Ecoelectrons helps businesses quantify and reduce their environmental footprints by supplying Green-e Energy certified Renewable Energy Credits. Green power, from sources such as wind, is more expensive to produce than conventional fossil fuel and nuclear power sources. Renewable Energy Credits represent this premium and their purchasers become the owners of the environmental attributes of the electricity. To learn more, visit www.ecoelectrons.com.

About Green-e Energy

Green-e provides forward-thinking organizations with a simple, nationally recognized tool they can use to communicate their commitment to renewable energy to their customers and stakeholders. The Green-e logo is the nation's leading symbol of renewable energy excellence and distinguishes Green-e Marketplace participants as environmental leaders. Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e is a program of Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a San Francisco-based nonprofit with a global impact. To learn more, visit www.green-e.org.

About US EPA's Green Power Partnership

The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that supports the organizational procurement of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources. Partnering with EPA can help your organization lower the transaction costs of buying green power, reduce its carbon footprint, and communicate its leadership to key stakeholders. Buying green power is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your organization's environmental performance.

Source: Ecoelectrons Renewable Energy

Salazar Highlights Fast-Track Renewable Energy Projects

Citing what he called America's urgent need for a diverse energy supply, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently detailed several renewable energy projects that are on a fast track, including a 400-megawatt solar tower development available for public review and five others that are poised to begin environmental impact studies. Five of these are solar projects and one is a wind farm; all are located in California.

"Under President Obama's leadership, we have entered a new energy frontier," Salazar said. "By putting these renewable energy projects on a fast track, we are managing our public lands not just for conventional energy development but also for environmentally responsible renewable energy production that will power our clean energy future."

Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the California Energy Commission have completed a joint draft Environmental Impact Statement for the BrightSource solar project in the Ivanpah Valley near Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County. The draft EIS is ready for public review and will be published in the Federal Register next week. This project, which will deploy solar power tower technology on about 4,000 acres of land, will have the capacity to generate 400 megawatts of electricity.

The other five fast-track projects noted by Secretary Salazar are:

Name	State	Type	Size	Acreage
Solar Millennium (Palen)	California	Solar	484 megawatts	5,200
Solar Millennium (Blythe)	California	Solar	968 megawatts	9,500
Solar Millennium (Ridgecrest)	California	Solar	250 megawatts	3,920
NextEra Genesis (Ford Dry Lake)	California	Solar	250 megawatts	4,640
AES (Daggett Ridge)	California	Wind	82.5 megawatts	1,575

Each of these projects will be fully or partly sited on public lands managed by the BLM, which has identified nearly 23 million acres of public land with solar energy potential in six southwestern states and more than 20 million acres of public land with wind energy potential in 11 western states. "Moving forward with these projects is a tangible sign that our nation is poised to enter its green energy future," said BLM Director Bob Abbey.

Fast-track projects are those where the companies involved have demonstrated to BLM that they have made sufficient progress to formally start the environmental review and public participation process. These projects are advanced enough in the permitting process that they could potentially be cleared for approval by December 2010, thus making them eligible for economic stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. All renewable energy projects proposed for BLM-managed lands receive full environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Protection Act. A number of other renewable energy projects also are on fast-track status and could soon be ready for environmental study and public review.

The draft environmental impact statement for the BrightSource solar energy development concluded the project could proceed without harming federally and state protected plants and wildlife under certain conditions. Among those, the statement recommends that the developer be required to purchase and manage up to 12,000 acres of habitat for the desert tortoise because the project would remove about 4,000 acres of habitat used by the protected species.

The solar-thermal power plant proposed by BrightSource Energy Inc. would serve utilities owned by PG&E Corp. (PCG) and Edison International (EIX). The facility would help meet California's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing 33 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020.

For more information about the proposed Ivanpah Solar Electric Solar Generating Station visit: http://www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/ivanpah/index.html or http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/alternative_energy.html.

Source: Interior Ken Salazar

Placer Gold Corp., Wisconsin State Wind Energy Project

Placer Gold Corp. (PINKSHEETS: PGCR), the "Company," is securing new renewable energy business opportunities.

PGCR is a 10% equity partner in a Consortium that recently lodged a high-level proposal with the Wisconsin State Government to develop a large wind project on a 4,000-square-mile windswept area of Lake Michigan.

This project is of large enough scale as to provide substantial industrial and job growth in Chicago and Wisconsin.

The JV Applicants control a newly developed 20MW floating wind turbine design that could make the Great Lakes Class 3 wind resources financially viable by accelerating the ambient average windflow from approximately 16 mph average speed to 30mph average at the turbine blade, thus increasing energy output by 400% per square ft of blade.

The Wisconsin, Lake Michigan clean power project would be completed in stages over a 25-year period, consisting of a number of connected wind-farms, each with 10,000MW output.

The project's capital cost is estimated at 1/4 of a nuclear, coal or conventional wind plant. The wind-fuel is free.

FINANCING: 30% of the capital cost of wind projects is currently available as a government grant. Renewable energy loan guarantees are also available.

This proposed wind power project would eventually add 50GW+ of new clean power capacity to the Electricity Grid to power Chicago and Milwaukee homes and GM's future electric vehicle fleet.

The additional wind power proposed would allow Great Lakes region targeted C02 emissions reductions to be met at a lower allowance cost, saving consumers an estimated $3-$5 billion per year in future carbon taxes.

To view a wind project presentation please visit: http://www.zero-carbon-energy.com/PGCR.htm

http://www.placergoldcorp.com

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks associated with resource exploration risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, government regulation and taxation. More information about factors that potentially could affect PGCR's financial results is included in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Peter Sterling
323-356-7777

Source: CNNmoney.com

Local Developer ‘Flips the Switch’ at Historic Building To Energize Solar-Power System from Baker Renewable Energy

The developers of one of this town’s most historic building renovation projects flipped a switch this week energizing electrical power produced through a rooftop solar-energy project built by Baker Renewable Energy.

With local dignitaries and a representative of the state’s Renewable Energy office on hand, the developers of The Historic Mitchell Building sent electrical power produced by the bank of photovoltaic cells onto the electrical utility power grid.

The system from Baker creates renewable energy through some 72 photovoltaic laminate panels that are only one-quarter inch thick but linked together generate 10 kilowatts of power. That power will be sold by developers Eric and Mary Christofferson to Progress Energy through a direct connection to the utility’s grid. The couple converted the 63-year-old former automobile dealership building into retail and restaurant space.

The Mitchell Building’s photovoltaic system is one among many of the energy-saving technology and sustainable building products offered by Baker Renewable both for new and renovation projects where alterative energy systems like solar might prove viable.

“The Mitchell is typical of what the sustainable energy products we offer can achieve when tailored to a client’s specific facility needs,” said Jason Epstein, Baker Renewable Energy’s manager. “The key in this industry is identifying a specific solution with the right, practical technology.”

Baker Renewable Energy is a subsidiary of Raleigh-based Baker Roofing, the third-largest roofing company in the United States with roofing and renewable energy projects across much of the Southeastern U.S. (more)

The Christoffersons say that with incentives offered by the NC Greenpower program, as well as state and federal energy tax credits, they will yield a payback in less than four years for the system.

The system at The Mitchell allows the developers to achieve real-time monitoring of the system through a simple dashboard interface accessible with any computer with internet capabilities.

Baker Renewable Energy has expertise in the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, wind turbines, innovative garden roofing and other renewable products and systems that demonstrate a commitment to environmentally sustainable building and construction. The company is well-versed in The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System which is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green building. Baker Renewable’s key managers are LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) designated by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Founded in Raleigh in 1915, Baker Roofing today is the largest roofing company in North Carolina and ranked third in the United States by a leading industry trade publication. Baker Roofing employs more than 800 workers with operations in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte and Wilmington as well as Richmond, Norfolk, Harrisonburg and Roanoke, Va. Visit Baker Renewable Energy, visit www.bakerrenewableenergy.com. For more information on Baker Roofing, visit www.bakerroofing.com.

Source: carolinanewswire

Envision Solar Completes New Solar Shaded Parking Structure at Dell Headquarters

Solar Trees® Produce More than 130kW of Clean Solar Power

Envision Solar International, Inc., the leader in solar integrated building systems, announced today the completion of a solar shaded parking structure of Solar Trees® at Dell's headquarters in Round Rock, TX. This configuration of Solar Trees®, called a Solar Grove®, is designed to produce more than 130kW of solar power, helping avoid 145,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Envision Solar International, Inc., the leader in solar integrated building systems, announced today the completion of a solar shaded parking structure of Solar Trees® at Dell's headquarters in Round Rock, TX. This configuration of Solar Trees®, called a Solar Grove®, is designed to produce more than 130kW of solar power, helping avoid 145,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

Led by a group of visionary architects, builders and engineers, Envision Solar transforms heat-absorbing parking areas into beautiful, efficient solar power plants. McBride Electric, the general contractor of the project, chose Envision Solar as its partner because of the company's success and experience in designing and installing aesthetically superior Solar Integrated Building Systems (SIBS™).

The Solar Trees®, located in the Dell employee parking lot, will simultaneously shade 50 parking spaces and generate clean electricity directly from the sun. In an example of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, the solar arrays also incorporate two Envision Solar CleanCharge™ solar charging stations utilizing Coulomb ChargPoint™ for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Photos can be viewed here.

"Dell's commitment to environmental sustainability is a beacon to organizations worldwide. We're proud our Solar Trees® and CleanCharge™ solar charging stations can help serve as visible symbols of their environmental stewardship. The future of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles has arrived and our experience in solar innovation has allowed us to lead the market in the development of solar charging stations," said Robert Noble, CEO & Chairman of Envision Solar.
Envision Solar partnered with McBride Electric Inc., BP Solar and The Weitz Company to design and build the Solar Grove®.

Mr. Noble of Envision Solar explained how more corporations, governments and institutions are viewing sustainability as a significant factor in the way their businesses manage and compete saying, "Dell's Solar Grove®, with CleanCharge® solar charging stations, presents a bold symbol of their commitment to a clean, healthy environment and a sustainable future for their employees, their community, their customers and the world. They should be applauded for their leadership and example."

For more information on Envision Solar, visit www.envisionsolar.com.

Envision Solar International Inc.:
Envision Solar International, Inc has leveraged its core expertise in architecture, industrial design and structural technology innovation to build "solar you can see." The company is a solar project and technology developer providing turn-key design/build solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional and residential projects. Envision is a leader in Parking Lot Solar Arrays, and other solar installations which utilize public or residential space to positively impact the environment but are still pleasing to the eye and architecturally innovative. Envision has coined the term "Solar Integrated Building Systems" (SIBS™) to define the industry in which it operates. Envision also provides Sustainable Strategy and Sustainable Infrastructure Master Planning (SIMP™), which offers professional advisory and project management support in coordination and partnership with institutions, agencies and other parties participating in sustainability projects. Envision's mission is Solar Forestation and an end to energy poverty. Solar Tree®, Solar Grove®, CleanCharge™, SIBS™ and SIMP™ are trademarks of Envision Solar International, Inc. (http://envisionsolar.com/)

McBride Electric:
San Diego, California based McBride Electric, Inc., through its network of branch and affiliate offices, proudly provides value-based power, data and alternative energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers in all fifty states, the U.S. territories and Canada. McBride Electric's employees, always focused on our core values of "Safety", "Ethics" and "Quality", provide on-site, on-time, and on-budget projects producing exceptional value for our customers, employees and stakeholders. http://www.mcbrideelectric.com/

BP Solar:
BP Solar designs, manufactures and markets products which use the sun's energy to generate electricity for use in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With over 35 years of experience and installations in most countries, BP Solar is one of the world's leading solar companies. (bp.com)

The Weitz Company:
Founded in 1855, The Weitz Company is a national full-service general contractor, design-builder and construction manager with offices in 11 states and Guam. The company's expertise includes office, retail, residential condominiums, tenant interiors, resort properties, parking structures, industrial, healthcare, education, government and mixed-use facilities. More information about The Weitz Company is available at http://www.weitz.com.

Source: prweb.com

New Wind Farm Welcomed Near Raglan

“Wind energy’s positive contribution to New Zealand is growing as good progress is made with several projects,” says New Zealand Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Fraser Clark, welcoming Meridian Energy’s announcement that it will begin construction of its 64 megawatt (MW) Te Uku Wind Farm, near Raglan.

“Te Uku will be built ahead of other consented thermal and geothermal electricity generation projects – a clear indication that wind farms can generate low-cost electricity that is competitive with other technologies.”

Te Uku will be the first wind farm in the upper North Island. “It will improve security of supply to the local community and provide a new source of generation near a major demand centre,” says Mr Clark.

“Nationally, growth in wind generation will help to improve security of supply during dry years by reducing reliance on hydro generation. In addition there are long-term economic benefits from the development of climate-resilient infrastructure and the use of a natural resource that provides fuel supply and price certainty.”

This week Windflow Technology and Mighty River Power’s 12.5 MW Long Gully wind farm received consent and Meridian Energy announced all 62 turbines are operational at its 142 MW Project West Wind.

“These projects demonstrate that wind farms of all sizes create important benefits for New Zealand,” says Mr Clark.

With all turbines operating at Project West Wind, New Zealand’s wind energy capacity nears 500 MW. It will grow to 575 MW once Te Uku and the other wind farms currently under construction are completed. Globally, wind energy capacity was over 120,000 MW (120 gigawatts) at the beginning of 2009.

“With developers seeking consent for over 2,000 MW of wind energy capacity, New Zealand stands to benefit further from its world-class wind energy resource. But to do so it requires a stable and positive energy, climate change and RMA policy environment,” concludes Mr Clark.

Further Information:
The New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) is an industry association that works towards the development of wind as a reliable, sustainable, clean and commercially viable energy source. We aim to fairly represent wind energy to the public, government and the energy sector. Our members include about 80 companies involved in New Zealand’s wind energy sector, including electricity generators, wind farm developers, lines companies, turbine manufacturers, consulting firms, researchers and law firms. For more information visit http://www.windenergy.org.nz.

Source: NZ Wind Energy Association

Alliant Energy Receives Approval to Bring More 'Green' Power to Wisconsin Power and Light Company Customers

200 megawatts of wind energy will help utility move further down path to greener future

Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT), today received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to build phase one of the Bent Tree Wind Farm in Freeborn County, Minnesota. This was the final regulatory approval needed by WPL to begin construction.

"We are very pleased with the MPUC's decision today," said Barbara Swan, President-WPL. "The addition of Bent Tree to our wind portfolio helps pave the way for WPL to provide 12% of our retail energy supply from renewable energy sources by 2012, furthering our commitment to finding emissions-free sources of energy that complement our existing baseload generation."

WPL plans to develop approximately 200 megawatts (MW) of emissions-free wind energy on the Bent Tree Wind Farm site - enough energy to power approximately 50,000 homes. The MPUC approval comes three months after the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) approved the plan.

The 200 MW project will cost approximately $425 to $475 million, excluding allowance for funds used during construction, with commercial operation anticipated in 2011.

Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and 400,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electric and natural gas service is the company's primary focus. Wisconsin Power and Light, the company's Wisconsin utility subsidiary, serves approximately 450,000 electric and 175,000 natural gas customers. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.alliantenergy.com.

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements can be identified as such because the statements include words such as approximately, continue, committed, expected, anticipates or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe future plans or strategies are also forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could be affected by such factors as: state regulatory actions or local government actions which delay, prevent or alter the proposed plans, including inability to obtain all necessary approvals and permits; unanticipated construction issues, delays or expenditures, including increased costs of labor, materials and equipment; failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries that could impede the implementation of WPL's plans; political conditions in WPL's service territories; changes to WPL's access to capital markets; and economic conditions in WPL's service territory. These factors should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof and Alliant Energy and WPL undertake no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Source: Alliant Energy Corporation

CPV Renewable Energy Company Announces Long-Term PPA with OG&E for Wind Energy in Oklahoma

CPV Renewable Energy Company (CPV REC) announced today that it has executed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company ("OG&E") for its 152 MW Keenan II wind energy project in Woodward County, Oklahoma.

CPV REC's project was one of three selected from more than 50 responses to an OG&E request for proposals. Contingent upon approval by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, CPV REC will construct and operate the Keenan II wind farm with its entire output dedicated to OG&E. The project is expected to start generating electricity in 2010.

"We are delighted to be helping OG&E bring more renewable power to the citizens of Oklahoma," said Sean Finnerty, CPV REC Sr. Vice President. "Keenan II is an exceptional wind energy project that will provide economic benefits to Woodward County - the new center of wind power in Oklahoma -and environmental benefits to OG&E customers for many years to come."

This represents the second project agreement between CPV REC and OG&E. Last year, the companies announced that OG&E would acquire a 101 MW wind project from CPV REC which OG&E named, "OU Spirit." OU Spirit began construction this past spring and is expected to be on-line delivering electricity by the end of 2009.

"As a native of Oklahoma, I am pleased to see these companies working to bring clean, reliable wind power to the citizens of the state," said Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association and former Chairwoman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. "Wind power creates good jobs and new sources of income for local communities, and helps protect consumers against fuel price increases."

CPV Renewable Energy Company, an affiliate of Competitive Power Ventures, Inc., is advancing a broad portfolio of wind and photovoltaic power generation across North America. Lead by a blue chip management team and the financial backing of the investment fund Warburg Pincus, CPV REC is fast becoming a leader in the development of renewable energy.

For more information about the project and Competitive Power Ventures please go to www.cpv.com.

CPV: Energizing America's Future

Competitive Power Ventures, LLC (CPV) is dedicated to increasing America's sustainability, both economically and environmentally. Using domestically-available energy sources, like wind and natural gas, and partnering with host communities to support their tax base and school districts, CPV works to stabilize and improve local and state economies. CPV's corporate mission is built around a belief that progressive companies can be powerful agents of change for a better world and a cleaner environment. To this end, CPV has focused its core activities around developing and operating energy facilities that can make a significant difference in improving the environments and economic well-being of a region. Headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, with offices in Braintree, MA and San Francisco, CA the company currently has nearly 5,000 (MWs) of conventional generation projects in various stages of development across North America. The company's Asset Management division has more than 4,500MWs of natural gas generation under management and is currently expanding its expertise into ethanol plant management. CPV Renewable Energy Company (CPV REC) is currently developing 5,000 MWs of wind power and solar power projects across North America. Find out more at www.cpv.com.

Source: CPV Renewable Energy Company

Green Star Negotiating a Joint Venture to Construct 120 MW Wind Farm

Green Star Alternative Energy, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GSAE; "GSAE" or the "Company") (http://www.greenstarae.com) announces that the Company is in negotiations with a private corporation for the development of a 120 MW wind energy facility. The project is in the advanced stages of pre-construction and in a high wind velocity zone.

The 120 MW wind farm is to be sited in North East Serbia - specifically in the Municipality of Pancevo, District of Banat, within the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Over 28 months of wind resource data has been accumulated over three micro locations and the results indicate significant energy potential. A "Protocol of Cooperation" has been signed by the City of Pancevo, Secretariat of Energy for AP Vojvodina, and the Serbian Energy Efficiency Agency; and a license for grid connection is in process by the national transmission operator (EMS).

Data analysis has been conducted using the Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP); it has provided optimal wind turbine positioning for 60 - 2 MW generators. The existing 110 kV overhead line runs adjacent to the site and allows for economical integration to the electrical grid; in addition, the transportation infrastructure further eases the construction process. The 120 MW wind energy facility is expected to generate revenues in excess of $62 million per annum.

Mike Andric, CEO of Green Star Alternative Energy, stated: "This is an important development for both Green Star and the Republic of Serbia. The project will firmly establish wind as the foremost renewable energy source for the entire region by supplying over 40,000 homes with electricity."

About GSAE

Green Star Alternative Energy is an environmentally conscious, renewable energy company working to develop more than 300 MW (megawatts) of clean electricity through wind energy. The corporate revenue model is two-fold: the use of a renewable resource allows not only for the creation of environmentally friendly energy, but the granting of carbon (greenhouse gas) emission credits which may be traded and sold. Green Star is pursuing a significant opportunity to provide clean energy to the growing Republic of Serbia and neighbouring European countries. Through a joint venture with key wind farm and power trading company Notos, Green Star will become the nation's first developer of wind power. GSAE is focused on green technology and sustainable energy programs like wind turbines, hydro electric power generation, and other renewable electricity models.

Investor Relations:
Toll-Free: (877) 257-GSAE (4723)
gsaeir(at)gmail.com
www.greenstarae.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains 'forward-looking statements'. These are statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, expectations, estimates, intentions, projections, developments, future events, or performance, underlying (expressed or implied) assumptions and other statements that are other than historical facts. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' or 'anticipates,' 'estimates,' or the negative of these words or other variations of these words or comparable words, or by discussions of plans or strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. Management wishes to caution the reader that these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans, goals the estimates and assumptions, and the business strategy of the Company and other matters that are not historical facts are only predictions. No assurances can be given that such predictions and the estimates regarding mineral reserves, success of mining plans, or other projections will prove correct or that the anticipated future results will be achieved. Actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking statements should be read in light of the cautionary statements and risks that include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with a small company, the intense competition the company faces from others, and technological changes. Any one or more of these or other risks could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results indicated, expressed, or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Source: Green Star Alternative Energy, Inc.

Applied Materials to Support ENN's Solar PV Module Facility in China

Applied Materials Inc. has signed a five-year contract with ENN Solar Energy Co. Ltd to support ENN's solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing facility in Langfang, China, which features an Applied SunFab Thin Film Line. Through its highly-flexible SunFab Performance Service program, Applied will provide ENN with continuous operating cost reductions while enabling optimal performance from the SunFab production line at a predictable cost that scales with factory loading. Applied's SunFab Performance Service program has been selected by all of Applied's customers currently producing single and tandem junction modules on SunFab lines.

"ENN sees joining with Applied Global Services as a powerful strategy to optimize the return on our investment in our SunFab line," said Dr. Rick Wan, General Manager of ENN Solar. "This agreement will allow us to replace much of our fixed cost infrastructure with a variable alternative that can flex as the market changes. This flexibility will free us to focus on successfully delivering high-performance, low-cost modules to our customers, helping them win in the marketplace."

"We believe the combination of the revolutionary SunFab Thin Film Line and SunFab Performance Service delivers the fastest path to the lowest cost-per-watt and maximized megawatt output," said Charlie Pappis, Vice President and General Manager of Applied Global Services. "The fact that all of our SunFab customers producing modules have selected SunFab Performance Service for ongoing support is a strong testament to the value proposition we offer."

Under the agreement, Applied will leverage its dedicated, world-class service infrastructure to provide ENN's SunFab Thin Film Line with preventive and corrective maintenance, spare parts management, and analytical services. Using an unmatched range of engineering, logistics and automation software technologies, highly-experienced local support experts will optimize equipment performance, maximize manufacturing output and assure consistent cell characteristics. In addition, Applied and ENN will work together to develop continuous improvement programs that aim to increase module efficiency and lower operating costs.

About ENN

ENN Solar Energy, a member of ENN Group, is a leader in the manufacturing of large-size thin film module products. The company produces and markets high performance silicon thin film modules of up to 5.7m² per panel at low cost. Focusing on technology innovation and the environmental improvement, ENN Solar's mission is to make clean renewable energy more affordable and available worldwide. Learn more at www.ennsolar.com.

About Applied Materials

Applied Materials Inc. is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panel displays, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

Source: Business Wire

Political Arm-Twisting for Massive Delaware Bay Wind Farm

New Jersey under Pressure to Lift Ban on Wind Turbines in Migratory Bird Flyway

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is being pressed behind-the-scenes to drop its opposition to wind farms in Delaware Bay, an internationally recognized migratory bird stopover, according to e-mails released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Documents reveal a powerful South Jersey Senator and a former DEP Commissioner pushing to reverse a DEP scientific finding that Delaware Bay “is not appropriate for a large-scale wind turbine project due to…impacts to migratory and other bird populations.”
Senate Democratic Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney, whose district borders the Bay, is backing plans by Delsea Energy to put more than 100 wind turbines to produce more than 380 megawatts in the state waters of Delaware Bay. Former DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell is an attorney representing Delsea.

On June 11, 2009, Delsea officials, Sweeney and Campbell met with DEP Commissioner Mark Mauriello, Deputy Commissioner Jay Watson, and Assistant Commissioner Scott Brubaker in Sweeney's state house office. Mauriello and Campbell later had a private conversation on the subject but then DEP staff wrote Delsea that Delaware Bay is an unsuitable location for wind energy development:

“…the Department has determined that we have, over many years of study and evaluation, developed sufficient information regarding the diversity, scope, and importance of avian resources in and around the Delaware Bay. Based on these data, we conclude that, at this time, this area is not appropriate for a large-scale wind turbine project…”

On August 25, 2009, Campbell wrote a sharp e-mail to Mauriello objecting to DEP's decision:

"When you and I spoke, you said to expect a letter from land use suggesting a meeting to review technical concerns about the Delsea monitoring application….Did I misunderstand, or has the Department's position changed from what you described?...Is it really the Department's view that private parties will not have the opportunity to collect data that might modify, rebut, or qualify F&W's broad conclusions about the entire Bay? I don't want to protract a debate or impose unduly on your time, but the letter is quite different from what I expected based on our conversation.”

“This case is yet another perfect example of why the back channels at DEP need to be closed,” stated New Jersey PEER Director Bill Wolfe, a former DEP analyst, who has been pushing for transparency, revolving door and whistleblower protection reforms. “The future of Delaware Bay should not be decided in a private huddle or by crony politics.”

Delaware Bay sits on the great Atlantic Flyway and is a vital stopover for plovers, sandpipers, and other shorebirds migrating from South America to stop and feed on horseshoe crab eggs before heading to their Arctic breeding grounds. Delsea wants to put arrays of turbines one mile offshore covering an area of 42 square miles in northwestern Delaware Bay.

“Delaware Bay should not become a deli for slicing up migratory birds,” Wolfe added, voicing concern about recent examples of DEP altering or suppressing its scientific studies under political pressure. “DEP should stand firm behind the overwhelming science and not cave in as they have in the past.”

This June, the U.S. Interior Department granted five wind energy leases on sites more than six miles offshore in federal waters.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) is a national alliance of local state and federal resource professionals. PEER's environmental work is solely directed by the needs of its members. As a consequence, we have the distinct honor of serving resource professionals who daily cast profiles in courage in cubicles across the country.

State Level Efforts to Drive Indian Solar Energy Market

State level initiatives are expected to speed up the development of solar energy market in India, pushing the country as a leading solar energy player, says RNCOS.

According to our new research report titled "Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012", Indian solar industry is expected to see robust growth in coming years on the back of various efforts by the state governments and rising concern for climate change.

As per our research report, many states in the country are working on various solar energy projects. Recently, Gujarat government has approved 34 solar power projects at an investment of around US$ 2.4 Billion over the next few years to become the No. 1 Indian state for this clean energy. These projects are estimated to generate 716 MW of electricity, which is equivalent to around 3% of state’s electricity demand. This will save 875,000 Tonnes of coal on an annual basis, cutting down 1.25 Million Tonnes of carbon dioxide emission. The Tamil Nadu government has also asked the central government for assistance in setting up a 100 MW solar thermal plant. These state level initiatives will definitely make India a leading solar energy player in coming years.

Further, as per the report, many developed countries are expected to impose trade-related penalties on developing countries like India and China who have failed to meet the international environmental standards. To maintain these standards, government of India has set an ambitious long term target of 200 GW of solar power by 2040, for which government is planning to allocate US$ 20 Billion.

"Indian Solar Energy Market Outlook 2012" provides an in-depth analysis of present and future prospects of solar power industry in India. It gives detailed information about the energy scenario (particularly renewable energy) The report covers various segments of the solar photovoltaic and thermal power to facilitate clients in evaluating the opportunities for their success in India’s solar energy market.

The research also features forecast for vital segments of the industry, including forecast for Indian solar market, various energy indicators, solar street lighting system, solar home lighting system, solar lantern, solar photovoltaic pumps, solar water heating system, and solar cookers.

For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM187.htm

Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com

# # #

About RNCOS:
RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.

Source: RNCOS

Western Wind Energy Corp executes major wind turbine reservation agreement with Gamesa

Western Wind Energy Corp ("Western Wind") is pleased to announce a major wind turbine reservation order with Gamesa for the procurement of up to 120 MW of wind turbine generators. The Windstar Project, located in Tehachapi California, will consist of Gamesa G80 2-MW, G87 2-MW and G52 850-KW turbines. This flexible product mix is capable of harnessing the uniquely varied wind regime of the Windstar site. Although the terms of the deal are confidential, the order is valued at over $160 million.

The decision to select Gamesa was based on an extensive 12 month evaluation of the various wind turbine manufacturers deemed bankable by major lending institutions. Gamesa, having soundly satisfied the above criteria, offers a robust technologically advanced product, comprehensive after-sale maintenance, and a customer-first orientation. Western Wind has paid a deposit and will pay the bulk of the proceeds from the previously announced Manulife Financing subject to financial closing conditions satisfactory to Manulife.

About Gamesa

Beginning with the research and development of wind turbine technology, Gamesa manufactures the critical components and assembles wind turbines in 32 production centers worldwide. Gamesa offers development, installation and after-sale-service to clients across 20 countries. As one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world, Gamesa has installed more than 16,000 MW of renewable energy from non-depleting sources. The annual equivalent of this production exceeds 5.45 million tons of petroleum (TPE) per year and prevents the emission of over 34 million tons of CO(2) per year. Gamesa's portfolio includes more than 21,000 MW of wind assets in various stages of development across Europe, Asia and the United States. Gamesa sales in 2008 were $5.51 billion with a net profit of $464 million.

About Western Wind Energy Corp.

Western Wind is a vertically integrated renewable energy electrical production company that currently owns over 500 wind turbines with 34.5 MW of rated capacity and a further 120MW of expansion power purchase agreements in the State of California. Western Wind further owns additional development assets for both Solar and Wind Energy in California, Arizona, Ontario, Canada and a development team in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Western Wind is in the business of owning and acquiring land sites and technology for the production of electricity from wind and solar energy. Management of Western Wind Energy includes individuals involved in the operations and ownership of utility scale wind energy facilities in California since 1981.

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Words such as "expects", "anticipated", "intends", "projects", "plans", "will", "believes", "seeks", "estimates", "should", "may", "could" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's intended use of proceeds from the Offering. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and actual events or results may differ materially. There are many factors that could cause such actual events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ materially from any future results express or implied by such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to secure a letter of credit on behalf of Southern California Edison, that the funds raised are sufficient to advance its projects as anticipated, and the other factors discussed in the Company's annual report and annual information contained in the Company's 20F Annual Report filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and the Company assumes no obligation to update such information to reflect later events or developments, except as required by law.

Source: Western Wind Energy

Southwest Windpower Secures Additional Funding to Fuel Global Expansion, Product Development

Southwest Windpower—the world’s largest developer of small wind turbines up to 3 kW—has secured additional financing to accelerate its expansion in Europe, Asia, Australia and other new markets and to support additional product development. PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund participated in the round for an undisclosed amount. Other current investors that participated are Altira, GE Energy Financial Services, NGP Energy Technology Partners, and Rockport Capital Partners.

“Clean, reliable energy sources continue to be a critical component of the world’s energy mix, and small, more affordable wind energy will be a key new energy alternative,” said Frank Greco, CEO of Southwest Windpower, based in Flagstaff. “We are expanding rapidly to bring cost-effective, renewable sources of energy to residential, commercial and off-grid customers.”

The funding will help Southwest Windpower expand in global markets and enhance its Skystream product, a residential-scale wind generator that produces electricity up to 60 percent cheaper than retail electricity, bringing renewable energy options to residential consumers and commercial outlets. Skystream’s unique plug-and-play design allows the user to connect directly to the electric grid. For a residential home, Skystream can provide anywhere from 30 – 80 percent of a home’s electricity, depending on its consumption and wind resource. Southwest Windpower is developing new applications for the Skystream system, including commercial uses such as powering poles street lamps for parking lots or municipalities and multiple unit installations for remote electrification.

“Southwest Windpower has shown impressive growth and great potential to innovatively drive the future development of small wind,” said Jasandra Nyker, Senior Vice President at PCG Asset Management. “Not only has the company shown market leadership in small wind, it has focused on providing affordable sources of wind energy to encourage large-scale adoption.”

Over the last four years, Southwest Windpower has grown at a compound growth rate of nearly 37 percent.

About Southwest Windpower

Flagstaff Arizona-based Southwest Windpower is the world’s largest producer of small wind generators (400-3000 watts). The 22-year old company has been a pioneer in the development of wind technology and has produced over 160,000 generators that provide power to residential homes, remote cabins, telecom transmitters, offshore platforms, water pumping and sailboats. Southwest Windpower distributes in more than 88 countries.

On the Web: www.windenergy.com

About PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund

The PCG Clean Energy and Technology Fund is a commingled fund-of-funds and direct investment vehicle dedicated to investing across the spectrum of the global clean energy and technology value chain. The fund is managed by a dedicated CleanTech investment team within PCG Asset Management, which oversees more than $15 billion of private equity commitments through a combination of fund-of-funds, separate accounts and advisory relationships and is located in La Jolla, California.

About Altira Group

Altira Group LLC is a Denver based private equity and venture firm that has profitably invested in energy technology companies for over 12 years. Their portfolio includes companies in both the traditional and renewable energy sectors. Altira pursues opportunities to commercialize transformative technologies that drive efficiency and productivity gains throughout the energy value chain while reducing the carbon footprint. Altira is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The typical initial investment in a portfolio company is in the $5-$15 Million range, with follow-on investments as warranted. Altira seeks investment opportunities led by experienced and dedicated management teams who are commercializing new energy technologies with high growth potential.

On the Web: www.altiragroup.com

About GE Energy Financial Services

GE Energy Financial Services’ experts invest globally with a long-term view, backed by the best of GE’s technical know-how, financial strength and rigorous risk management, across the capital spectrum, in one of the world’s most capital-intensive industries, energy. GE Energy Financial Services helps its customers and GE grow through new investments, strong partnerships and optimization of its more than $22 billion in assets. In renewable energy, GE Energy Financial Services is growing its portfolio of more than $4 billion in assets in wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal power. GE Energy Financial Services is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

On the Web: www.geenergyfinancialservices.com

About NGP Energy Technology Partners

NGP Energy Technology Partners, L.P. is a Washington, D.C –based $148 million fund investing growth equity capital in companies providing technology-related products and services to the oil and gas, power and alternative energy sectors. The fund is managed by investment professionals with extensive experience investing in virtually all types of energy technologies and a strong track record of helping companies grow, create value, and establish strategic partnerships. NGP Energy Technology Partners is an affiliate of NGP Energy Capital Management, a $4.2 Billion firm based in Irving, Texas that invests in all sectors of the energy industry.

On the Web: www.ngpetp.com

About Rockport Capital Partners

RockPort Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Boston that invests energy and power technologies, advanced materials and process and prevention technologies. The firm is committed to companies with breakthrough technologies that deliver significant economic value to large potential markets.

On the Web: www.rockportcap.com


Contacts
Southwest Windpower
Miriam Robbins, +1-928-779-9463
miriam@windenergy.com

Source: Business Wire

PSC Kickstarts Renewable Energy Investments

$95M Earmarked for Renewable Energy Projects, Federal Matching Funds Possible

The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today authorized that approximately $95 million will be made available under its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, including wind, biomass, and run-of-river hydroelectric projects.

As an added incentive, the RPS funding being made available will enable renewable energy developers in New York to leverage federal grants available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This leverage could result in a significant increase in the amount of federal funding coming to New York, providing an even greater building boost of renewable energy projects.

"Our decision to make money available for renewable energy projects reaffirms the important value we place on the development of the clean energy sector of New York's economy," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "Renewable energy, along with our energy efficiency efforts, provides our best hope toward ending dependency on fossil fuels, improving regional economies, and reducing global warming gases. Backed by the potential for significant public and private financial investments, we look forward to a brighter, cleaner energy future in New York."

The RPS program, administered for the Commission by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is currently designed to increase the amount of electricity used by retail consumers in New York State derived from renewable resources to 25 percent by 2013.

Three main tier solicitations have been held to date. NYSERDA is currently administering 30 contracts for procured main tier RPS resources including wind, hydroelectric and biomass facilities associated with more than 2.8 million MWhs of generation in 2013. Other renewable energy projects that could be eligible to bid into the solicitation include biogas, solar, liquid biofuels, fuel cells, ocean thermal, and wave or tidal energy, among others.

To date, New York's RPS program has resulted in the construction and operation of approximately 1,200 MW of new wind capacity, with another 2,000 MW proposed. The RPS program, through Main Tier procurements, has also increased the penetration of hydroelectric, biomass and biogas resources. In the Customer-Sited Tier, the RPS program has notably resulted in more than 1,500 applications for photovoltaic installations, resulting in an expected installed capacity of more than 15 MW.

Based upon the Commission's decision today, NYSERDA is authorized to conduct a new solicitation for RPS Main Tier resources. The new solicitation shall be conducted in the manner of past solicitations, with the following changes:

Proposals will be requested using a sealed, "pay-as-bid" auction procedure. A price will be determined above which bids will not be considered, but such price will not be revealed to bidders.

Contract awards will be for a 10-year term. The 10-year contracts with fuel-based renewable energy generators shall have an escape clause actionable every two and one-half years so that the generator may drop out of the program if it is unable to secure a continuous fuel supply at a price that supports its contract with NYSERDA.

The selection of winning bids will primarily be based on a weighted combined score with price comprising 70 percent and projected incremental economic development benefits at 30 percent. Only renewable generation facilities that commence commercial operation on or subsequent to the effective date of this order will be eligible to bid. Facilities that began operation before the effective date of this order will not be eligible to bid. The required in-service dates for this solicitation shall be on or before July 1, 2011 for all facilities, except biomass and biogas facilities which will be required to be in-service on or before July 1, 2012.

The Commission's decision today, when issued, may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.state.ny.us and entering Case Number 03-E-0188 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number." Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission orders may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500).

Source: readMedia

MAN Ferrostaal And Solar Millennium Start Up New Company In USA

MAN Ferrostaal and its partner Solar Millennium AG are repositioning in solar power market in the USA. The two companies are reacting to the marked increase in demand for solarthermal power generation in the country. All activities on the US market will in future be concentrated in a new joint venture, the Solar Trust of America LLC (STA). Through affiliated companies, Solar Millennium will have a majority share in this company, while a minority share will be owned by MAN Ferrostaal Inc., Cleveland (Ohio), a subsidiary of MAN Ferrostaal AG, Essen. Solar Millennium will also integrate the American project development subsidiary Solar Millennium LLC, Berkeley, as a future subsidiary of STA.

Solar Millennium LLC already has long-term power purchase contracts, known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), for up to three parabolic trough power plants in California, each of which will generate just under 250 MW and is cooperating with Nevada Energy on the development of projects in the Amargosa Desert. Further projects are also under development. STA will intensify the development of projects in the southwestern states of the USA, and with its business segments Project Development, Project Financing, Power plant Construction and Power plant Operation it will cover the entire value chain for solarthermal power plants in the USA.

Christian Beltle, CEO of Solar Millennium AG: "We already cooperate with MAN Ferrostaal in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. By bundling our activities and expanding our collaboration with MAN Ferrostaal we are additionally strengthening our position in the US market. At the same time we are putting the speedy and reliable implementation of our projects on a firm footing. Solar Trust of America is to take over a major role in the construction of solar thermal power plants in the US and build the first solar power plants of this capacity."

According to Uwe T. Schmidt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of STA, "The expansion of the previous activities around power plant construction opens up new sales potential. We offer our customers the entire range of services in the development, financing, technology, construction and operation of solar thermal power plants from a single provider. Adequate capitalization should make it possible to simultaneously develop and realize several large projects with investment volumes of more than one billion US dollars each." To finance solar thermal power plants, the Company might also turn to public grants and loan guarantees as well as to the possibilities of tax credits.

MAN Ferrostaal AG

MAN Ferrostaal AG, Essen, is a global provider of industrial services in plant construction and engineering. As a general contractor in plant construction, the company offers project development, project management and financial planning for turnkey installations, including petrochemical plants, gas and solar power stations, oil and gas installations, biofuels and industrial plants. MAN Ferrostaal operates as an independent sales and service partner for machine and systems manufacturers in the automotive, printing and packaging machinery, piping and marine construction sectors, and employs around 4,400 people in 60 different countries. In 2008, its annual turnover amounted to 1.6 billion euros. 70% of the shares in MAN Ferrostaal AG are held by the International Petroleum Investment Company from Abu Dhabi (IPIC), while 30% are owned by MAN AG (Munich, Germany).

For more information, visit www.manferrostaal.com.

Solar Millennium AG

Solar Millennium AG, Erlangen, is a global company in the renewables sector with a focus on solarthermal powerplants. Together with its subsidiaries, the company has specialised in parabolic trough powerplants, a proven and reliable technology in which the Group is taking a leading position globally. All of the important business areas along the value-creation chain of solarthermal powerplants are covered – from the project development to the technology, the turnkey ready construction of the plants to operation and ownership of the powerplant. Together with partners, Solar Millennium developed and realised Europe's first parabolic trough powerplants in Spain. Further projects with an output of over 2,000 megawatts are at the planning stage worldwide. Regional focus is currently on Spain, USA, China and North Africa. Furthermore, the company is pursuing the objective of achieving the marketability of "Blue Tower" technology to acquire hydrogenated product gas from the utilisation of regenerative feedstock and, in the long term, of solar updraft powerplants. For more information, visit www.solarmillennium.de

Source: MAN Ferrostaal & Solar Millennium AG

NTR to Build Solar Plant in Arizona

UTILITY COMPANY NTR plans to build its first large-scale solar power plant with the deployment of 60 SunCatcher machines in Arizona within five months.

The firm expects the 1.5 megawatt (MW) project to demonstrate the commercial viability of a system that uses mirrors to concentrate the sun's energy on to an engine which converts thermal energy to grid-quality electricity.

While the system developed by NTR's Stirling Energy Systems (SES) unit boasts high power conversion efficiency and minimal water usage, the achievement of consistent manufacturing quality and efficiencies of scale will be a crucial test for the Arizona plant.

NTR declined to quantify the scale of its investment in the Maricopa solar farm, located at West Valley in the greater Phoenix area.

The project will be "a reference plant" for larger commercial projects in California and Texas with 1,600MW of power capacity.

Although each SunCatcher dish has been shown in tests to generate up to 25,000 watts, the business may have a requirement to build as many as 6,000 for a commercially viable development. SES has 10 working SunCatchers, but only four use the design that will be rolled out in the Maricopa project.

The project will be located next to the Agua Fria power plant in Peoria, Arizona, run by US utility group Salt River Project (SRP). NTR's Tessera Solar unit will lease the land from SRP, which will buy the solar energy.

NTR spent $100 million ([euro]70.15 million) last year to buy 51 per cent of SES, a deal that followed the sale of the West-Link bridge to the Government and the sale of its Airtricity windfarms to Eon and Scottish Southern Energy.

NTR has engaged investment banks Goldman Sachs and Standard Chartered Bank to advise on its preparations to return to the international capital markets next year to raise as much as $950 million to fund the development of its solar and wind energy projects.

The banks are advising how NTR could raise $250 million in equity for Stirling and debt of $250 million to fund the commercial development of the SunCatcher system.

NTR also has a controlling stake in Missouri-based wind farm company Wind Capital Group.

Originally published by ARTHUR BEESLEY, Senior Business Correspondent.

(c) 2009 Irish Times. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

Scientists Study How To Stack The Deck For Organic Solar Power

A new class of economically viable solar power cells—cheap, flexible and easy to make—has come a step closer to reality as a result of recent work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where scientists have deepened their understanding of the complex organic films at the heart of the devices.

Organic photovoltaics, which rely on organic molecules to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, are a hot research area because in principle they have significant advantages over traditional rigid silicon cells. Organic photovoltaics start out as a kind of ink that can be applied to flexible surfaces to create solar cell modules that can be spread over large areas as easily as unrolling a carpet. They'd be much cheaper to make and easier to adapt to a wide variety of power applications, but their market share will be limited until the technology improves.

Even the best organic photovoltaics convert less than 6 percent of light into electricity and last only a few thousand hours. "The industry believes that if these cells can exceed 10 percent efficiency and 10,000 hours of life, technology adoption will really accelerate," says NIST's David Germack. "But to improve them, there is critical need to identify what's happening in the material, and at this point, we're only at the beginning."

The NIST team has advanced that understanding with their latest effort, which provides a powerful new measurement strategy for organic photovoltaics that reveals ways to control how they form. In the most common class of organic photovoltaics, the "ink" is a blend of a polymer that absorbs sunlight, enabling it to give up its electrons, and ball-shaped carbon molecules called fullerenes that collect electrons. When the ink is applied to a surface, the blend hardens into a film that contains a haphazard network of polymers intermixed with fullerene channels. In conventional devices, the polymer network should ideally all reach the bottom of the film while the fullerene channels should ideally all reach the top, so that electricity can flow in the correct direction out of the device. However, if barriers of fullerenes form between the polymers and the bottom edge of the film, the cell's efficiency will be reduced.

By applying X-ray absorption measurements to the film interfaces, the team discovered that by changing the nature of the electrode surface, it will repulse fullerenes (like oil repulses water) while attracting the polymer. The electrical properties of the interface also change dramatically. The resultant structure gives the light-generated photocurrent more opportunities to reach the proper electrodes and reduces the accumulation of fullerenes at the film bottom, both of which could improve the photovoltaic's efficiency or lifetime.

"We've identified some key parameters needed to optimize what happens at both edges of the film, which means the industry will have a strategy to optimize the cell's overall performance," Germack says. "Right now, we're building on what we've learned about the edges to identify what happens throughout the film. This knowledge is really important to help industry figure out how organic cells perform and age so that their life spans will be extended."

Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Intersolar North America 2009 Supports US Market Growth

Conference and exhibition attendance records surpass expectations

Intersolar North America, the most diverse global business-to-business exhibition in the United States dedicated to the transformation of the solar marketplace, showed continued growth with 2009's exhibition and conference. The co-located Intersolar North America and SEMICON West events, which took place last week in San Francisco, presented more than 560 solar exhibitors to approximately 17,000 trade visitors, exceeding organizers expectations for the second straight year. Intersolar North America alone featured 444 exhibitors, up from 210 exhibitors a year before - a 111 percent increase.

Further reinforcing the importance of Intersolar North America's international platform for exchange, trade visitors came from circa 90 countries with companies exhibiting from 23 countries, reflecting the incredible internationality of the solar market

"We are extremely excited about the growth of Intersolar North America," said Markus Elsaesser, CEO of Solar Promotion International GmbH, exhibition and conference organizer. "The US solar market has incredible potential, and with the support of industry associations, including the SEMI PV Group, ASES and CALSEIA, we are creating an opportunity for solar professionals to come together and discuss continued development for the US market."

While the exhibition alone was a draw for many, the conference and accompanying programs of Intersolar North America were heavily attended attracting more than 2,000 visitors. The conference portion featured more than 170 speakers presented at 25 conference tracks like the "Solar Start-ups Forum," "The Role of Public Policy in U.S. PV Market Development," and "Solar Gigawatts Symposium - Learning from European Success and American Ambition."

The "Solar Gigawatts Symposium" demonstrated the international roots of the Intersolar show, bringing together leaders from the European and American solar markets. Highlights included a high-level debate between policy and industry leaders on the appropriate policy tools for sparking market growth. An additional panel discussed the financing and residential installation trends in the US, as well as perspectives on European and US market growth.

In the extensive session "The Role of Public Policy in U.S. Market Development" a high-end range of speakers, from organizations and institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy, CALSEIA, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems (ISE), came together to discuss the current challenges in creating a growth climate for solar technology in the United States. Discussions centered on how to optimize and carry forward the current programs in existence. During this track traditional incentives such as tax credits were discussed and compared with the highly debated topic of Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT) which was proposed as a crucial mean to support the continued development of solar technology and further stimulate solar energy growth in the US.

Intersolar North America 2010 will take place from July 13-15 in San Francisco.

For video highlights of Intersolar North America 2009, Intersolar TV can be found at: http://intersolar.us/index.php?id=441&L=1

www.intersolar.us >> Intersolar TV

Photos from the exhibition and conference can be downloaded at: http://intersolar.us/index.php?id=108&L=1&tx_ttnews[pointer]=0&cHash=fa2006870b

www.intersolar.us >> Press Services >> Download

About Intersolar North America

Intersolar North America is the most diverse international business-to-business trade show in the United States for the global solar industry. As the only solar trade show in North America dedicated to recruiting companies across the solar supply chain from around the world, Intersolar helps the industry improve global supply, distribution, training, regulation and business issues in order to accelerate market transformation and advance solar as a significant part of the global energy supply. Intersolar North America 2009 and SEMICON West featured more than 560 exhibitors and approximately 17,000 attendees in San Francisco on July 14-16. Intersolar North America was created in 2008 as a sister event to Intersolar in Munich, the world's largest and longest-running solar technology trade show. Intersolar North America is organized by Solar Promotion International GmbH and Freiburg Management and Marketing International (FMMI) GmbH and is co-organized with PV Group - the global photovoltaic initiative of SEMI. www.intersolar.us

Source: PRNewswire