National Solar PV Retail Network Launches

Yes! Solar Solutions(TM), a subsidiary of Solar Power, Inc. (OTCBB: SOPW), is launching a national network of retail energy outlets that are dedicated to providing homeowners and small businesses energy independence through photovoltaic (PV) solar electric systems. Yes! distributes its own brand of PV solar modules and related solar products, and plans to offer a broad line of products for a variety of home and recreational applications through its retail energy outlets. The first Yes! Solar Solutions energy outlet opens October 20, 2007 in Roseville, CA. “A Yes! Energy Outlet will provide consumers with a place to come and learn about everything from how sunlight is converted to electricity to how our PV systems are installed and the economic and environmental benefits they deliver,” said Jeff Winzeler, President of Yes! Solar, Inc. “The first thing a visitor sees upon entering our store is our interactive solar bar where they can view a variety of video and animated presentations to learn about the benefits of solar power on their own. From there, the store is designed to allow them to become involved with our staff of energy experts, our products and our solutions. The strategic location of our energy outlets places […]

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No 10 Year Window – Greenhouse Gases Have Hit Danger Mark

Worldwide, scientists concurred that we have a 10-year window before we pass the threshold on greenhouse gases … until now. Tim Flannery, a leading Australian scientist and worldwide recognized climate change scientist, thinks it may already be too late. He says that an international climate change report due to be released in November will demonstrate that greenhouse gases passed the “no return” threshold in 2005. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report will show, he says, that greenhouse gases reached the level expected 10 years from now (455 parts per million of CO2 equivalent) in mid-2005. The data includes carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). All the gases were measured and then rolled into “one gas” to reach an overall level. What’s causing the unexpected spike? Flannery believes it’s the surge in global economic expansion, notably in China and India. In an interview on Australian television he said, “We’re still basing economic activity on fossil fuels. You know, the metabolism of that economy is now on a collision course, clearly, with the metabolism of our planet.” Simply reducing greenhouse gas emissions may no longer be enough to prevent dangerous climate change, he said. “We can reduce emissions […]

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Rainforest-Rich Countries Say Ante Up!

More and more, developing countries are asking to be compensated to preserve their remaining forests. Indonesia follows on the heels of a similar recent proposal from Brazil – if the developed world believes their forests are valuable, then it’s time for us to pay for them. Indonesia is asking for US$5-$20 per hectare – the first country to specify a cost that rich nations should pay to protect rainforests and reduce carbon emissions in developing nations. Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar’s proposal is part of a lead-up to December’s UN-led global climate summit in Bali, where delegates from participating countries will hear a report on Reduced Emissions from Deforestation (RED) – a new proposal to make emission cuts from forest areas eligible for global carbon trading. This international initiative, which is gaining wide support, could trigger a tremendous flow of money into tropical conservation, paying countries like Indonesia and Brazil to protect forests that would otherwise be cleared for agriculture or population spread. The first phase of the Kyoto Protocal, which concludes in 2012, focused on reducing emissions from industry and capturing greenhouse gasses, but did not address emissions from forestry or protecting existing forests, which could reduce global emissions by […]

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EIA Releases 2006 Solar Thermal, PV Market Data

The U.S. solar energy industry continued its double-digit annual growth rate in 2006. Fueling this growth were record high energy prices, the impact of state Renewable Portfolio Standards, increased focus on global warming, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) which took effect in January 2006, providing tax credits for solar installations. As demand for solar energy continued to grow, the solar energy industry was shadowed by the steep increases in the cost of raw materials like copper and high-grade silicon. Also putting upward cost pressure on solar energy equipment was the shortage of trained workers, as several new firms began competing with major manufacturers for the same work force. Also during 2006, solar companies from China and Germany exhibited a strong interest in entering the U.S. solar energy market. Solar Thermal Collectors Total solar collector shipments surged 29 percent in 2006 to 20.7 million square feet. Domestic shipments of solar thermal collectors rose more than 33 percent to 19.5 million square feet during the year. Forty-four companies were actively involved in shipping solar thermal collectors, an increase of 76 percent from 2005. Low-temperature solar collectors continued to dominate the market in 2006, contributing 75 percent of total shipments. […]

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Clipper Establishes Development Center For 7.5MW Turbine

California-based Clipper Windpower PLC has launched a Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind in Blyth, U.K. Its mission is to develop the world’s largest offshore wind turbine at 7.5 MW. The “Britannia Project” will build on the architecture and technology of Clipper’s Liberty 2.5 MW turbine. The One NorthEast regional development agency in northeast England is providing a support package for engineering and a test laboratory, including its wind turbine blade testing facilities. Funding provided by One NorthEast will support the development of Clipper’s wind turbine supply chain and related manufacturing facilities.

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Perpetuum Raises 10M Sterling

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