Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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