SPWR benefited from the increasing popularity of thin film solar to ride the success of its EverQ division and surprise the street by announcing that Sunpower turned a profit in the 4th quarter.
Alternative energy sector expert Elliott Gue of TheStockAdvsiors.com looks at wind power:
"The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that wind power will grow by more than 7%, encouraged by generous government subsidies. Compare that to just 1.5% annualized projected growth in total electricity demand.
"The world's largest wind turbine producer, Vestas Wind Systems (OTC: VWSYF), fell on hard times back in 2005. It priced some of its turbines too aggressively and saw a surge in warranty claims because of defective components.
"But the stock appears back on track. Warranty provisions are down to 5% of revenues. Profit margins surged 4 percentage points year-over-year because of more rational turbine pricing. Vestas' current backlog stands at EUR4.1 billion (US $6.03 billion), up more than 30% year-over-year.
"Spain's Gamesa (OTC: GCTAF) is second only to Vestas in the wind-turbine market. The company recently opened new factories in China and the US, expanding its manufacturing capacity to 3,000 megawatts annually, up 36% from the end of 2006.
"The firm also designs and constructs entire wind farm projects on a turnkey basis. It also offers ongoing maintenance and operation service contracts. Buy Gamesa under US $45.
"Carbon fiber is a strong yet light material used to manufacture turbine blades. Fiber is in short supply amid surging demand in two key markets: advanced aerospace and wind power. Tight supplies mean rising prices for the key manufacturers of fiber, including Advantage Portfolio recommendation Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL) and Zoltek Industries (NSDQ: ZOLT)."
SolarBuzz.com reports Spanish subsidiary of Phoenix Solar AG last week signed contracts for the construction of photovoltaic power plants in Spain that will have a peak output of more than 9 megawatts (MW). This corresponds to sales of over EUR 40 million.
RenewableEnergyWeekly.com has published an analysis called The State of Green Business in 2008, citing research reported on GreenBiz.com.
Their conclusion: Environmental performance overall in the U.S. is gradually advancing, but often not at the pace needed to offset economic growth or avoid the worst effects of climate change.
"The state of green business is improving, slowly but surely, as companies both large and small learn the value of integrating environmental thinking into their operations in ways that align with core business strategy and bottom-line goals," said Joel Makower, executive editor of GreenBiz.com. "Green business has shifted from a movement to a market. But there is much, much more to do."
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Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
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Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
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Find green power alternative energy solutions, clean energy stocks, water technology stocks, water purification companies, water desalination technology and photovoltaic solar electric power company websites:
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Solar Energy Sector Stocks News and Views; REC, SPWR
Many solar stocks have traded 25%to 50% below their 52 week highs in recent days, and some would argue these represent bargains in renewable energy stock sector.
Bloomberg's David Wilson shares his views the decline in alternative energy stocks:
"Makers of solar-power equipment have followed the lead of ethanol producers, another segment of the alternative-energy industry, by going through a boom-and-bust cycle in stock markets worldwide.
The World Solar Energy Index, consisting of 10 of the industry's biggest members, has declined 37 percent this year after soaring almost 21-fold in the last four years. Renewable Energy Corp., the worst performer among the index's five most- heavily weighed components, has tumbled 48 percent.
Rising costs have contributed to the retreat. Renewable Energy, based in Hovik, Norway, said this month that research and development spending will climb fourfold through 2010. The company also wants to build three new solar-cell factories and add a plant for making polysilicon, a type of purified silicon used in cells.
The index peaked in December, about 18 months after a surge in ethanol makers ended. Pacific Ethanol Inc., for one, has lost 87 percent since setting an all-time high in May 2006."
MSN Moneycentral reports Piper Jaffray has upgraded Sunpower Corp (SPWR) to Buy from Neutral and raised their target to $105 from $94 on future earnings strength, saying shares of SPWR have lost most of its valuation premium relative to competitors. The firm says:
1) the ASP outlook is clearly better than they had anticipated a year ago
2) their thesis for SPWR poly supply risks have played out as anticipated with two disappointing quarters of module supply constraint. The firm says they have evidence that M. Setek is ramping on track and schedule for a substantial ramp after an upcoming plant closure for government inspection.
Online Renewable Energy Resources:
The International Energy Agency has a program for renewable power testing called the Solar Heating and Cooling Programme. It was established in 1977, as one of the first programmes of the International Energy Agency. The Programme�s work is unique in that it is accomplished through the international collaborative effort of experts from Member countries and the European Commission.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a great resource for alternative energy planning in the USA. DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Bloomberg's David Wilson shares his views the decline in alternative energy stocks:
"Makers of solar-power equipment have followed the lead of ethanol producers, another segment of the alternative-energy industry, by going through a boom-and-bust cycle in stock markets worldwide.
The World Solar Energy Index, consisting of 10 of the industry's biggest members, has declined 37 percent this year after soaring almost 21-fold in the last four years. Renewable Energy Corp., the worst performer among the index's five most- heavily weighed components, has tumbled 48 percent.
Rising costs have contributed to the retreat. Renewable Energy, based in Hovik, Norway, said this month that research and development spending will climb fourfold through 2010. The company also wants to build three new solar-cell factories and add a plant for making polysilicon, a type of purified silicon used in cells.
The index peaked in December, about 18 months after a surge in ethanol makers ended. Pacific Ethanol Inc., for one, has lost 87 percent since setting an all-time high in May 2006."
MSN Moneycentral reports Piper Jaffray has upgraded Sunpower Corp (SPWR) to Buy from Neutral and raised their target to $105 from $94 on future earnings strength, saying shares of SPWR have lost most of its valuation premium relative to competitors. The firm says:
1) the ASP outlook is clearly better than they had anticipated a year ago
2) their thesis for SPWR poly supply risks have played out as anticipated with two disappointing quarters of module supply constraint. The firm says they have evidence that M. Setek is ramping on track and schedule for a substantial ramp after an upcoming plant closure for government inspection.
Online Renewable Energy Resources:
The International Energy Agency has a program for renewable power testing called the Solar Heating and Cooling Programme. It was established in 1977, as one of the first programmes of the International Energy Agency. The Programme�s work is unique in that it is accomplished through the international collaborative effort of experts from Member countries and the European Commission.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a great resource for alternative energy planning in the USA. DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Most solar power stocks defining trading ranges
Solar Energy Sector - Trading as of January 24, 2008
Akeena Solar Inc. (Market, News ) closed at $8.13, up $1.08 on the day and showed further gains in after market trading.
Evergreen Solar Inc (Market, News) shares were up only $ 0.19 on the day but showed a 5.2% gain in after market trading.
First Solar, Inc. (Market, News), gave investors a $6.72 upside during market hours, followed by another 2.65% gain after hours.
LDK Solar ADR (Market, News) was up 2.64 (7.55%) as of the market close.
Canadian Solar Inc. (Market, News) posted gains of $1.64, up 9.36%.
SunPower Corporation (Market, News ) broke the daily trend with the stock down $5.04 (6.79%) during market trading, but showing gains after hours. The stock was under pressure on the news of a first-quarter adjusted profit outlook.
Akeena Solar Inc. (Market, News ) closed at $8.13, up $1.08 on the day and showed further gains in after market trading.
Evergreen Solar Inc (Market, News) shares were up only $ 0.19 on the day but showed a 5.2% gain in after market trading.
First Solar, Inc. (Market, News), gave investors a $6.72 upside during market hours, followed by another 2.65% gain after hours.
LDK Solar ADR (Market, News) was up 2.64 (7.55%) as of the market close.
Canadian Solar Inc. (Market, News) posted gains of $1.64, up 9.36%.
SunPower Corporation (Market, News ) broke the daily trend with the stock down $5.04 (6.79%) during market trading, but showing gains after hours. The stock was under pressure on the news of a first-quarter adjusted profit outlook.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Are Renewable Energy Stocks offering a buying opportunity?
Some of the best names in the world have been hit hard by the recent selloff, so investors who have been on the sidelines during the runup may want to consider initiating a dollar-cost averaging program to begin buying in over the next 3 to 12 months.
Renewable Power Stocks down 50% from 52-week highs as of 24JAN08: SPWR, SOLF, FSLR, REC, WFR
SPWR: SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) said revenue tripled to $224 million from $75 million in the year-ago quarter.
Alternative Energy companies down 25% from 52-week highs as of 24JAN08: ORA, QCLSF, SUZL, STP
There will be some big winners among these names ...
Renewable Power Stocks down 50% from 52-week highs as of 24JAN08: SPWR, SOLF, FSLR, REC, WFR
SPWR: SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) said revenue tripled to $224 million from $75 million in the year-ago quarter.
Alternative Energy companies down 25% from 52-week highs as of 24JAN08: ORA, QCLSF, SUZL, STP
There will be some big winners among these names ...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Geen technology investing up 44% to pass $5 billion in 2007
article from: http://www.reuters.com
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Investments in environmentally friendly "clean-tech" companies rose 44 percent to more than $5 billion last year as soaring oil prices, climate change concerns and government incentives boosted interest in renewable energy, an industry group said.
The Cleantech Group LLC, whose members include venture capital firms, investment banks, and other investors, on Thursday said 2007 venture investment in the alternative energy market in North America and Europe was $5.18 billion, compared with $3.6 billion the previous year.
The 2006 rise was also 44 percent.
The number of financing deals in the industry increased 15 percent last year to 268, and the average deal size rose 20 percent to $14.7 million, Cleantech said.
Energy generation companies were the biggest recipients, racking up financing of $2.75 billion, the group said. Solar, wind and biofuels were among the alternative generation industries to receive venture funding, according to John Balbach, a managing partner at the Cleantech Group.
"This market is beginning to pick up speed as the numbers of technologies and solutions are increasing," Balbach said.
Second on the list were energy storage companies with $471 million in funding, followed by transportation firms with $445 million.
"More new car companies were financed in the last 12 months than probably in the last 50 or 60 years," Balbach said, calling the growth of investments in electric and other "green" vehicles "a significant trend."
Energy efficiency companies were fourth on the list with total financing of $356 million, and recycling & waste companies were number five with $291 million, Cleantech said.
Investment in the industry is expected to grow at a 20 percent to 30 percent clip annually, Balbach said, adding that increasing amounts of funding would be directed into companies in China and India.
Water companies and those focused on "green" buildings are also major growth opportunities, Balbach added.
(Reporting by Nichola Groom, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)
Suggested browsing:
The Solar Intelligence Blog
Geotherma.info Geopower Stocks Website
WindIntell.com; Wind Energy Investing, Windpower stocks info
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Investments in environmentally friendly "clean-tech" companies rose 44 percent to more than $5 billion last year as soaring oil prices, climate change concerns and government incentives boosted interest in renewable energy, an industry group said.
The Cleantech Group LLC, whose members include venture capital firms, investment banks, and other investors, on Thursday said 2007 venture investment in the alternative energy market in North America and Europe was $5.18 billion, compared with $3.6 billion the previous year.
The 2006 rise was also 44 percent.
The number of financing deals in the industry increased 15 percent last year to 268, and the average deal size rose 20 percent to $14.7 million, Cleantech said.
Energy generation companies were the biggest recipients, racking up financing of $2.75 billion, the group said. Solar, wind and biofuels were among the alternative generation industries to receive venture funding, according to John Balbach, a managing partner at the Cleantech Group.
"This market is beginning to pick up speed as the numbers of technologies and solutions are increasing," Balbach said.
Second on the list were energy storage companies with $471 million in funding, followed by transportation firms with $445 million.
"More new car companies were financed in the last 12 months than probably in the last 50 or 60 years," Balbach said, calling the growth of investments in electric and other "green" vehicles "a significant trend."
Energy efficiency companies were fourth on the list with total financing of $356 million, and recycling & waste companies were number five with $291 million, Cleantech said.
Investment in the industry is expected to grow at a 20 percent to 30 percent clip annually, Balbach said, adding that increasing amounts of funding would be directed into companies in China and India.
Water companies and those focused on "green" buildings are also major growth opportunities, Balbach added.
(Reporting by Nichola Groom, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)
Suggested browsing:
The Solar Intelligence Blog
Geotherma.info Geopower Stocks Website
WindIntell.com; Wind Energy Investing, Windpower stocks info
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Leading Inverter firm Xantrex (XTX:T) in major windpower deal
article from: http://www.canada.com
Xantrex lands a deal to supply the wind
Bruce Constantineau
Vancouver Sun
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Burnaby-based Xantrex Technology Inc. has just secured a $25-million contract to supply wind power converters to an unnamed "leading North American wind turbine manufacturer."
It's a significant deal that represents about 10 per cent of the power electronics firm's projected 2008 revenues but it can't officially name the buyer.
"By agreement, we cannot disclose the purchaser," Xantrex chairman Mossadiq Umedaly said in an interview.
But the buyer is likely California-based Clipper Windpower Technology, because the contract announcement Tuesday indicates it's an extension of a previous $12-million deal to supply wind converters to a turbine manufacturer.
In November 2005, Xantrex announced a $12-million contract to supply Clipper Windpower with the converters.
Xantrex wind converters control and convert variable power from wind-turbine generators into high-quality AC power for utility grids and Umedaly said the wind market has very strong growth potential. Wind energy capacity in the U.S. grew by about 30 per cent last year.
"Wind power is very cost effective now, without needing any real significant incentives," he said. "As countries try to meet their renewable power targets, the use of wind will go up a lot."
Umedaly said renewable energy sources -- including solar, wind, biomass and hydro -- represent less than one per cent of most countries' energy supply and many want to boost that figure to 10 to 15 per cent by 2020.
"In North America, it's not unrealistic to think wind could supply 10 per cent of our power needs by 2020," he said.
Umedaly, who was recently appointed chairman of BC Hydro, said Xantrex wind converters are used on 2.5-megawatt wind turbines that can generate enough power for about 100 homes.
He wouldn't disclose the unit cost of the converters but they are believed to be worth about $125,000 US each.
PI Financial Corp. analyst Philip Tulk said the wind converter deal is an important transaction for Xantrex.
"It's probably more important than the numbers would indicate because the renewable side of Xantrex -- which represents about 40 per cent of total revenue -- is also the fastest-growing side of the company," he said in an interview. "Frankly, it's the most exciting side of Xantrex."
The company's three main product divisions include renewable, programmable and mobile power.
Tulk said about 70 to 80 per cent of Xantrex's renewable energy revenues come from solar power products but everybody likes the potential of wind power. He noted there are just four or five potential wind turbine customers Xantrex can sell to in North America and it would be good to find another customer besides Clipper Windpower.
full article continues at: Xantrex (XTX:T) news; windpower inverter contract
suggested browsing:
GeoTherma.info Geothermal Energy Investing website
WindIntell.com - Wind energy investing, Windpower stocks website
Xantrex lands a deal to supply the wind
Bruce Constantineau
Vancouver Sun
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Burnaby-based Xantrex Technology Inc. has just secured a $25-million contract to supply wind power converters to an unnamed "leading North American wind turbine manufacturer."
It's a significant deal that represents about 10 per cent of the power electronics firm's projected 2008 revenues but it can't officially name the buyer.
"By agreement, we cannot disclose the purchaser," Xantrex chairman Mossadiq Umedaly said in an interview.
But the buyer is likely California-based Clipper Windpower Technology, because the contract announcement Tuesday indicates it's an extension of a previous $12-million deal to supply wind converters to a turbine manufacturer.
In November 2005, Xantrex announced a $12-million contract to supply Clipper Windpower with the converters.
Xantrex wind converters control and convert variable power from wind-turbine generators into high-quality AC power for utility grids and Umedaly said the wind market has very strong growth potential. Wind energy capacity in the U.S. grew by about 30 per cent last year.
"Wind power is very cost effective now, without needing any real significant incentives," he said. "As countries try to meet their renewable power targets, the use of wind will go up a lot."
Umedaly said renewable energy sources -- including solar, wind, biomass and hydro -- represent less than one per cent of most countries' energy supply and many want to boost that figure to 10 to 15 per cent by 2020.
"In North America, it's not unrealistic to think wind could supply 10 per cent of our power needs by 2020," he said.
Umedaly, who was recently appointed chairman of BC Hydro, said Xantrex wind converters are used on 2.5-megawatt wind turbines that can generate enough power for about 100 homes.
He wouldn't disclose the unit cost of the converters but they are believed to be worth about $125,000 US each.
PI Financial Corp. analyst Philip Tulk said the wind converter deal is an important transaction for Xantrex.
"It's probably more important than the numbers would indicate because the renewable side of Xantrex -- which represents about 40 per cent of total revenue -- is also the fastest-growing side of the company," he said in an interview. "Frankly, it's the most exciting side of Xantrex."
The company's three main product divisions include renewable, programmable and mobile power.
Tulk said about 70 to 80 per cent of Xantrex's renewable energy revenues come from solar power products but everybody likes the potential of wind power. He noted there are just four or five potential wind turbine customers Xantrex can sell to in North America and it would be good to find another customer besides Clipper Windpower.
full article continues at: Xantrex (XTX:T) news; windpower inverter contract
suggested browsing:
GeoTherma.info Geothermal Energy Investing website
WindIntell.com - Wind energy investing, Windpower stocks website
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Swiss Tech firm Oerlikon to double solar division capacity
article from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk
By Richard Dobson
TAIPEI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The solar unit of Swiss technology group Oerlikon said on Friday it would double its production capacity by adding a new plant in Asia and raised its 2008 sales forecast by 17 percent on surging demand.
A market leader in supplying machines that make thin-film solar cells, Oerlikon said it would establish a new production facility in Singapore as producers struggle to meet demand for the technology, the company said in a statement.
"We would have at least equal capacity out of Asia as we do in Europe," said Oerlikon Solar CEO Jeannine Sargent in a phone interview with Reuters.
Capacity for 2007 is expected to have hit 300 million francs, said Sargent, with the Singapore addition increasing sales four-fold, or around 1.2 billion francs once the plant becomes operational in the first quarter of 2009.
Record oil prices, concerns about climate change and government incentives to move away from fossil fuels have boosted investment in alternative energy sources, spurring demand for solar panels and lifting sales.
"Oerlikon Solar's sales have exceeded this year's planning and are expected to rise to more than 700 million Swiss francs ($636 million) in 2008, with growth rates exceeding 50 percent over the next several years," the company said in an emailed statement on Friday.
The company had forecast 2008 sales of 600 million francs in October.
Oerlikon's solar unit has a market share of around 50 percent for thin-film technology and competes with America's Applied Materials. Its customers include
Taiwan's CMC Magnetics Corp and Italy's Pramac SpA.
Thin-film solar cells use much less silicon than conventional solar cells, lowering production costs and module prices. However, they aren't as efficient at transferring the sun's energy into electricity as traditional crystalline cells.
Oerlikon is currently hiring for the Singapore facility and is seeking a location to build, said Sargent.
The plant will help meet surging demand in Asia, which Sargent said will be one of the fastest-growing regions for producing thin-film solar modules in the world over the next two to three years, said Sargent.
"Based on recent announcements, the Asian capacity for solar panels produced will grow to more then 4 GWp (gigawatt peak) by 2010, which is more than double that of
the U.S. and Europe," the company said in an emailed statement.
As demand has surged, suppliers have struggled to meet orders, and Sargent said Oerlikon, like others, was finding it a challenge to deliver.
"We'd like to have delivery times in the 6-9 month window, and we're probably slightly outside of that 9-month window right now, and that's why we're accelerating our plans both in Europe with the announced expansions as well as this new expansion for capacity in Asia," he said.
The potential of thin film has attracted major solar energy players such as German-based Q-Cells AG and Japan's Sharp Corp, one of the world's leading solar panel makers.
http://www.guardian.co.uk
By Richard Dobson
TAIPEI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The solar unit of Swiss technology group Oerlikon said on Friday it would double its production capacity by adding a new plant in Asia and raised its 2008 sales forecast by 17 percent on surging demand.
A market leader in supplying machines that make thin-film solar cells, Oerlikon said it would establish a new production facility in Singapore as producers struggle to meet demand for the technology, the company said in a statement.
"We would have at least equal capacity out of Asia as we do in Europe," said Oerlikon Solar CEO Jeannine Sargent in a phone interview with Reuters.
Capacity for 2007 is expected to have hit 300 million francs, said Sargent, with the Singapore addition increasing sales four-fold, or around 1.2 billion francs once the plant becomes operational in the first quarter of 2009.
Record oil prices, concerns about climate change and government incentives to move away from fossil fuels have boosted investment in alternative energy sources, spurring demand for solar panels and lifting sales.
"Oerlikon Solar's sales have exceeded this year's planning and are expected to rise to more than 700 million Swiss francs ($636 million) in 2008, with growth rates exceeding 50 percent over the next several years," the company said in an emailed statement on Friday.
The company had forecast 2008 sales of 600 million francs in October.
Oerlikon's solar unit has a market share of around 50 percent for thin-film technology and competes with America's Applied Materials. Its customers include
Taiwan's CMC Magnetics Corp and Italy's Pramac SpA.
Thin-film solar cells use much less silicon than conventional solar cells, lowering production costs and module prices. However, they aren't as efficient at transferring the sun's energy into electricity as traditional crystalline cells.
Oerlikon is currently hiring for the Singapore facility and is seeking a location to build, said Sargent.
The plant will help meet surging demand in Asia, which Sargent said will be one of the fastest-growing regions for producing thin-film solar modules in the world over the next two to three years, said Sargent.
"Based on recent announcements, the Asian capacity for solar panels produced will grow to more then 4 GWp (gigawatt peak) by 2010, which is more than double that of
the U.S. and Europe," the company said in an emailed statement.
As demand has surged, suppliers have struggled to meet orders, and Sargent said Oerlikon, like others, was finding it a challenge to deliver.
"We'd like to have delivery times in the 6-9 month window, and we're probably slightly outside of that 9-month window right now, and that's why we're accelerating our plans both in Europe with the announced expansions as well as this new expansion for capacity in Asia," he said.
The potential of thin film has attracted major solar energy players such as German-based Q-Cells AG and Japan's Sharp Corp, one of the world's leading solar panel makers.
Analysis of FSLR's dependence on Tellurium and VNP
article from: http://seekingalpha.com/
by Mark Anthony
We are living in a resource constrained world, due to rapid depletion of many of the none-renewable natural resources, like oil, coal, and metal mineral resources. As the main stream media wake up to the Peak Oil reality, I believe it is important to keep the reality of a resource constrained world in our mind, when making investment decisions. In this article I want to talk about precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium, the rare metal tellurium and selenium, coal mines, agriculture, sugar, and fertilizers. Relate to these resources I will talk about the following stocks: PAAS, CDE, SLW, PAL, SWC, OMG, FSLR, JRCC, IPSU, POT, SEED, TNH, COIN, not necessarily in that order. This is the first part in a series. I will take about them in more detail in the future.
First on First Solar Inc. (FSLR) and tellurium, because I have some breaking news! I have previously written about FSLR and its critical reliance on tellurium supply, and about the fact that tellurium is increasingly being used on important new applications, which could force FSLR out of business. I also suggested buying physical tellurium as an investment.
The breaking news I discovered about FSLR, is from 5N Plus Inc. (VNP.to). VNP recently went IPO and they have just made the first public release of quarterly operating results, for the quarter ending Nov. 30, 2007. Find it on Sedar.com. I was shocked to discover that VNP saw virtually NO growth in sales revenue over several of past quarters. Here are the numbers of quarterly sales revenues:
Nov. 30, 07 $6.796MAug. 31, 07 $6.394MMay.31, 07 $6.400M (extrapolated from year total)Feb.28, 07 $5.700M (extrapolated from year total)Nov.30, 06 $4.890MAug.31, 06 $4.903M
We know that 55% of VNP's sales are CdTe sales to FSLR, so that's about $3.75M per quarter. We know during this time period, FSLR saw incredible production capacity expansion, going from one production line to three at the end of 2006, and then seven during Q3, 2007, due to the new Germany factory reached full capacity. The thoughput speed of the production lines also increased greatly.
Full article continued at: FSLR raw materials dependency on VNP
by Mark Anthony
We are living in a resource constrained world, due to rapid depletion of many of the none-renewable natural resources, like oil, coal, and metal mineral resources. As the main stream media wake up to the Peak Oil reality, I believe it is important to keep the reality of a resource constrained world in our mind, when making investment decisions. In this article I want to talk about precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium, the rare metal tellurium and selenium, coal mines, agriculture, sugar, and fertilizers. Relate to these resources I will talk about the following stocks: PAAS, CDE, SLW, PAL, SWC, OMG, FSLR, JRCC, IPSU, POT, SEED, TNH, COIN, not necessarily in that order. This is the first part in a series. I will take about them in more detail in the future.
First on First Solar Inc. (FSLR) and tellurium, because I have some breaking news! I have previously written about FSLR and its critical reliance on tellurium supply, and about the fact that tellurium is increasingly being used on important new applications, which could force FSLR out of business. I also suggested buying physical tellurium as an investment.
The breaking news I discovered about FSLR, is from 5N Plus Inc. (VNP.to). VNP recently went IPO and they have just made the first public release of quarterly operating results, for the quarter ending Nov. 30, 2007. Find it on Sedar.com. I was shocked to discover that VNP saw virtually NO growth in sales revenue over several of past quarters. Here are the numbers of quarterly sales revenues:
Nov. 30, 07 $6.796MAug. 31, 07 $6.394MMay.31, 07 $6.400M (extrapolated from year total)Feb.28, 07 $5.700M (extrapolated from year total)Nov.30, 06 $4.890MAug.31, 06 $4.903M
We know that 55% of VNP's sales are CdTe sales to FSLR, so that's about $3.75M per quarter. We know during this time period, FSLR saw incredible production capacity expansion, going from one production line to three at the end of 2006, and then seven during Q3, 2007, due to the new Germany factory reached full capacity. The thoughput speed of the production lines also increased greatly.
Full article continued at: FSLR raw materials dependency on VNP
Jerome Ball of AET predicts PV Oversupply
Too Much PV in 2008?
Trader and Alternative Energy Trading blogger Jerome Ball thinks solar-electric stocks are headed for a fall, and soon.
by: Jerome Ball, a stock trader and author of the Alternative Energy Trading blog
Bullet Arrow January 10, 2008
The following opinion piece is from an independent writer and is not connected with Greentech Media News. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not endorsed by Greentech Media. Jerome Ball intends to trade various PV stocks, primarily with a short bias, over the course of 2008.
As a stock trader, I'm always sensitive to boom and bust cycles in an industry because they provide a fundamental backdrop for a stock. I track these cycles on my blog, Alternative Energy Trading. And I've recently gone from near-term bullish to bearish on PV stocks based on two trends I see emerging through 2010: first, that cells and panels will be in major oversupply by the end of 2008 and, second, that demand is set for a pause due to declining or delayed incentives in Germany, Spain and the United States.
I've compiled a table of year-end capacity through 2010 for more than 90 manufacturers of solar cells (see chart here), indicating my source for each company's number. A solid recent source is the Lehman Bros' Nov. 1 report initiating coverage on the sector. However, that report is already outdated and its cell-capacity data somewhat incomplete to begin with; I've relied on more current data from a wider set of sources including company earnings reports, presentations, Web sites or other press articles.
Supply and Demand
Bottom line: By the end of this year, cell producers will have an installed capacity of 12.4 gigawatts of annual production, according to present manufacturer plans. When you add in solar-thermal capacity (such as from Ausra, etc.) that number grows to 13.1 gigawatts or more. Looking ahead, the 2009 end-year production capacity is simply enormous, at over 17 gigawatts. Is this a problem? Oh, yes, when you look at the demand estimates. Match the year-end 2008 capacity of 12.4 gigawatts with 2009 demand: The European Photovoltaic Industry Association's optimistic ("policy-driven") estimate of 2009 world-wide demand is 4.3 gigawatts. Lehman calls it 4.8 gigawatts. Merrill Lynch has 5.2 gigawatts. A Q-Cells' presentation referred to a UBS number of 8 gigawatts. Even if you de-rate the 12.4-gigawatt number to account for "actual" vs. "nameplate" capacity; even if you attempt to adjust for "press-release" vs. "actually built" capacity, the numbers are still very out of balance. Even the most optimistic 2009 demand guesses fall far short of what the industry intends to produce.
The PV industry is heading for 50 to 100 percent capacity oversupply, at least.
Full article continues at: Solar Photovoltaic Oversupply Predicted
Check also:
New Wind Energy Investing website
Trader and Alternative Energy Trading blogger Jerome Ball thinks solar-electric stocks are headed for a fall, and soon.
by: Jerome Ball, a stock trader and author of the Alternative Energy Trading blog
Bullet Arrow January 10, 2008
The following opinion piece is from an independent writer and is not connected with Greentech Media News. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not endorsed by Greentech Media. Jerome Ball intends to trade various PV stocks, primarily with a short bias, over the course of 2008.
As a stock trader, I'm always sensitive to boom and bust cycles in an industry because they provide a fundamental backdrop for a stock. I track these cycles on my blog, Alternative Energy Trading. And I've recently gone from near-term bullish to bearish on PV stocks based on two trends I see emerging through 2010: first, that cells and panels will be in major oversupply by the end of 2008 and, second, that demand is set for a pause due to declining or delayed incentives in Germany, Spain and the United States.
I've compiled a table of year-end capacity through 2010 for more than 90 manufacturers of solar cells (see chart here), indicating my source for each company's number. A solid recent source is the Lehman Bros' Nov. 1 report initiating coverage on the sector. However, that report is already outdated and its cell-capacity data somewhat incomplete to begin with; I've relied on more current data from a wider set of sources including company earnings reports, presentations, Web sites or other press articles.
Supply and Demand
Bottom line: By the end of this year, cell producers will have an installed capacity of 12.4 gigawatts of annual production, according to present manufacturer plans. When you add in solar-thermal capacity (such as from Ausra, etc.) that number grows to 13.1 gigawatts or more. Looking ahead, the 2009 end-year production capacity is simply enormous, at over 17 gigawatts. Is this a problem? Oh, yes, when you look at the demand estimates. Match the year-end 2008 capacity of 12.4 gigawatts with 2009 demand: The European Photovoltaic Industry Association's optimistic ("policy-driven") estimate of 2009 world-wide demand is 4.3 gigawatts. Lehman calls it 4.8 gigawatts. Merrill Lynch has 5.2 gigawatts. A Q-Cells' presentation referred to a UBS number of 8 gigawatts. Even if you de-rate the 12.4-gigawatt number to account for "actual" vs. "nameplate" capacity; even if you attempt to adjust for "press-release" vs. "actually built" capacity, the numbers are still very out of balance. Even the most optimistic 2009 demand guesses fall far short of what the industry intends to produce.
The PV industry is heading for 50 to 100 percent capacity oversupply, at least.
Full article continues at: Solar Photovoltaic Oversupply Predicted
Check also:
New Wind Energy Investing website
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Scientific American article envisions solar energy powering US by 2050
Conscious Readers,
My feeling is that a widely decentralized, multi-sourced energy supply is key to both security and sustainability, but I also think that these visions of massive use of a single renewable power source are useful to show how much potential is out there. Another developing trend is this move to direct current from alternating current, as DC is part of this proposal to cover much of the southwest USA desert lands with solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generators.
Peace and Blessings,
Yuya Joe
Article from: Scientific American Magazine
* A massive switch from coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power plants to solar power plants could supply 69 percent of the U.S.’s electricity and 35 percent of its total energy by 2050.
* A vast area of photovoltaic cells would have to be erected in the Southwest. Excess daytime energy would be stored as compressed air in underground caverns to be tapped during nighttime hours.
* Large solar concentrator power plants would be built as well.
* A new direct-current power transmission backbone would deliver solar electricity across the country.
* But $420 billion in subsidies from 2011 to 2050 would be required to fund the infrastructure and make it cost-competitive.
—The Editors
High prices for gasoline and home heating oil are here to stay. The U.S. is at war in the Middle East at least in part to protect its foreign oil interests. And as China, India and other nations rapidly increase their demand for fossil fuels, future fighting over energy looms large. In the meantime, power plants that burn coal, oil and natural gas, as well as vehicles everywhere, continue to pour millions of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually, threatening the planet.
Well-meaning scientists, engineers, economists and politicians have proposed various steps that could slightly reduce fossil-fuel use and emissions. These steps are not enough. The U.S. needs a bold plan to free itself from fossil fuels. Our analysis convinces us that a massive switch to solar power is the logical answer.
Solar energy’s potential is off the chart. The energy in sunlight striking the earth for 40 minutes is equivalent to global energy consumption for a year. The U.S. is lucky to be endowed with a vast resource; at least 250,000 square miles of land in the Southwest alone are suitable for constructing solar power plants, and that land receives more than 4,500 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of solar radiation a year. Converting only 2.5 percent of that radiation into electricity would match the nation’s total energy consumption in 2006.
To convert the country to solar power, huge tracts of land would have to be covered with photovoltaic panels and solar heating troughs. A direct-current (DC) transmission backbone would also have to be erected to send that energy efficiently across the nation.
The technology is ready. On the following pages we present a grand plan that could provide 69 percent of the U.S.’s electricity and 35 percent of its total energy (which includes transportation) with solar power by 2050. We project that this energy could be sold to consumers at rates equivalent to today’s rates for conventional power sources, about five cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If wind, biomass and geothermal sources were also developed, renewable energy could provide 100 percent of the nation’s electricity and 90 percent of its energy by 2100.
Full article continues at: Scientific American article on USA solar energy potential
View also:
Geotherma.info Geothermal Energy Investing Website
Bees Trees Frogs Elephants Nature Blog
A Green Realtor Blog
Saturday, January 5, 2008
UPDATED 2008 Best Renewable Power Websites, Links to Green Energy Blogs
Here is a list of websites that I find can be valuable resources for those researching alternative energy technology and renewable power stocks. Great resources for green investing globally!!!
Environmental Realty and Ecological Property Website
American Solar Energy Society
Directory of Solar Power Info Online
DOE Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Power Website
EcoWorld.com - Nature and Technology In Harmony
Geothermal.info Geothermal Power website
Green-Energy-News.com
Home Power Magazine - Official Website
OyNot.com Solar Energy and Batteries
Renewable Energy Access Website
Renewable Energy Focus
RenewableEnergyStocks.com Global Stock List
Science Daily Solar Energy Information
SolarBuzz.com Best Solar Energy Website
Solar Energy Investment Blog
SunPoweredDreams.com Green Energy Blog
Environmental Realty and Ecological Property Website
American Solar Energy Society
Directory of Solar Power Info Online
DOE Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Power Website
EcoWorld.com - Nature and Technology In Harmony
Geothermal.info Geothermal Power website
Green-Energy-News.com
Home Power Magazine - Official Website
OyNot.com Solar Energy and Batteries
Renewable Energy Access Website
Renewable Energy Focus
RenewableEnergyStocks.com Global Stock List
Science Daily Solar Energy Information
SolarBuzz.com Best Solar Energy Website
Solar Energy Investment Blog
SunPoweredDreams.com Green Energy Blog
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
SPWR: Technical Analysis on SunPower at AskStockGuru.com
Posted to AskStockGuru.com January 2, 2008
Quick Summary - Stock Quote and Research on SPWR
* The Stock is in Bullish Phase. The Bullish Phase occurs when there is an upside trend for the stock. The buyers are pushing the stock up.
* The stock has retraced 22.7% from its recent high price of 164.49 which occurred on 8-Nov-2007. The current price is below the 20 day moving average of 129.84. The stock could possibly find support at the 50 day moving average of 123.3.
* The closest support can be found at 121.49. The closest resistance can be found at 141.62. See Support/Resistance below for details.
Full article continues at:
Technical Analysis of SunPower Corp (SPWR)
Quick Summary - Stock Quote and Research on SPWR
* The Stock is in Bullish Phase. The Bullish Phase occurs when there is an upside trend for the stock. The buyers are pushing the stock up.
* The stock has retraced 22.7% from its recent high price of 164.49 which occurred on 8-Nov-2007. The current price is below the 20 day moving average of 129.84. The stock could possibly find support at the 50 day moving average of 123.3.
* The closest support can be found at 121.49. The closest resistance can be found at 141.62. See Support/Resistance below for details.
Full article continues at:
Technical Analysis of SunPower Corp (SPWR)
Alternative Energy Megasite Environmental-Expert.com
About Environmental-Expert.com Renewable Power Portal
Environmental Expert connects over 500,000 environmental industry professionals from around the globe to over 13,000 companies that provide the products, services and information they need to do their job successfully.
Environmental Expert is more than just an online marketplace! Unlike other sites, the Environmental Expert portal contains an unmatched wealth of industry-related information and resources, like publications, events, articles, job postings, press releases & news, thus ensuring that professionals use Environmental Expert as a professional tool and keep coming back to stay in touch with what's happening in the industry.
We currently provide premium marketing services to over 1,300 companies in the industry by helping them promote their equipment, services, publications, events, and more to our industry-specific user base, the only online environmental industry community that truly spans the globe.
View this global alternative energy industry site here:
Directory of Environmental and Alternative Energy Companies
Check also:
Geothermal Power Companies and Websites
Environmental Expert connects over 500,000 environmental industry professionals from around the globe to over 13,000 companies that provide the products, services and information they need to do their job successfully.
Environmental Expert is more than just an online marketplace! Unlike other sites, the Environmental Expert portal contains an unmatched wealth of industry-related information and resources, like publications, events, articles, job postings, press releases & news, thus ensuring that professionals use Environmental Expert as a professional tool and keep coming back to stay in touch with what's happening in the industry.
We currently provide premium marketing services to over 1,300 companies in the industry by helping them promote their equipment, services, publications, events, and more to our industry-specific user base, the only online environmental industry community that truly spans the globe.
View this global alternative energy industry site here:
Directory of Environmental and Alternative Energy Companies
Check also:
Geothermal Power Companies and Websites
$100 a Barrel for Oil; Gold Hits Record of $864.90
EDMONTON (CBC.ca) - Oil hit $100 US a barrel for the first time and gold prices broke a 28-year-old record on Wednesday as the bull run in commodities got new wind.
Data from the New York Mercantile Exchange indicated the price of the February contract for light, sweet crude oil hit $100 US shortly after noon ET. The price slipped to $99.62 US by the close of trading, up $3.64 US.
That broke the previous record of $99.29 US a barrel that was set last November.
Oil prices jumped after OPEC warned it might not be able to meet its share of global oil demand as early as 2024.
Fresh violence in Nigeria - a major global oil producer - was also seen as a factor in driving up prices.
On Tuesday, armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel in the main oil industry centre of Port Harcourt. Thirteen people, including four police officers and six attackers, were reported killed in the raids.
Attacks by the militants have reduced Nigeria's oil exports by about 20 per cent over the past two years, putting upward pressure on global prices.
On Thursday, the U.S. government releases its weekly report on oil supply data. Analysts are looking for supplies to show a seventh consecutive weekly decline.
Full article continues at: $100 Oil and Gold at Record Prices - CBC Story
Data from the New York Mercantile Exchange indicated the price of the February contract for light, sweet crude oil hit $100 US shortly after noon ET. The price slipped to $99.62 US by the close of trading, up $3.64 US.
That broke the previous record of $99.29 US a barrel that was set last November.
Oil prices jumped after OPEC warned it might not be able to meet its share of global oil demand as early as 2024.
Fresh violence in Nigeria - a major global oil producer - was also seen as a factor in driving up prices.
On Tuesday, armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel in the main oil industry centre of Port Harcourt. Thirteen people, including four police officers and six attackers, were reported killed in the raids.
Attacks by the militants have reduced Nigeria's oil exports by about 20 per cent over the past two years, putting upward pressure on global prices.
On Thursday, the U.S. government releases its weekly report on oil supply data. Analysts are looking for supplies to show a seventh consecutive weekly decline.
Full article continues at: $100 Oil and Gold at Record Prices - CBC Story
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Best of 2007 Renewable Energy News
Find the top Alternative Energy stories of 2007, green power stocks in the news, clean energy investing, photovoltaic solar blogs, publicly-traded wind energy stocks, alternative energy investments for 2008, biomass research links, best of renewable power news for 2007.
Gintech of Taiwan places 10-yr, $700 million order at MEMC
Ecology, Science, Environmental and Nature Blogs
Benefits for African and Latin American countries from solar power developments
Solar Electricity in Africa prevents global warming
2008 UK conference to host alternative energy companies, engineers and investors
Green Power investing spurred by new alternative energy mutual funds
World’s biggest solar thermal project being built in California
(GOOG) Google launches RE < C, renewable energy at less cost than coal
Greenedia.com; Source for ethical, environmental and socially responsible media
Directory of renewable power sites, nature and ecology blogs
Low Temperature Geothermal project in northern Ontario
LDK and Q-Cells sign 10-year solar energy deal
Publicly-listed Solar Power stocks
North Africa and Middle Eastern solar power, Wind energy from Atlantic to power Europe
Best Renewable Power Websites, Alternative Energy Investments
Directory of Clean Energy / Renewable Power Websites
Asia Development Bank warns: Asian Water Crisis deepening
Top Geothermal Power Investing Websites and Blogs
Gintech of Taiwan places 10-yr, $700 million order at MEMC
Ecology, Science, Environmental and Nature Blogs
Benefits for African and Latin American countries from solar power developments
Solar Electricity in Africa prevents global warming
2008 UK conference to host alternative energy companies, engineers and investors
Green Power investing spurred by new alternative energy mutual funds
World’s biggest solar thermal project being built in California
(GOOG) Google launches RE < C, renewable energy at less cost than coal
Greenedia.com; Source for ethical, environmental and socially responsible media
Directory of renewable power sites, nature and ecology blogs
Low Temperature Geothermal project in northern Ontario
LDK and Q-Cells sign 10-year solar energy deal
Publicly-listed Solar Power stocks
North Africa and Middle Eastern solar power, Wind energy from Atlantic to power Europe
Best Renewable Power Websites, Alternative Energy Investments
Directory of Clean Energy / Renewable Power Websites
Asia Development Bank warns: Asian Water Crisis deepening
Top Geothermal Power Investing Websites and Blogs
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WARNING: Investing in common equity of public companies is a high risk, high potential reward activity. Owning investments in individual alternative energy companies is for high risk investors only, and medium risk investors should consider green mutual funds, clean energy funds, renewable power index funds and other sector plays. Even then, these should be owned as part of a widely diversified portfolio. There is a gathering mania for investing in publicly-traded alternative energy companies, similar to the computer, technology, internet and banking / real estate booms of the past two decades. There will be some nasty corrections along the way, and some years from now when they come crashing down en masse, the world will still benefit from all the amazingly advanced clean and efficient energy technology created during the bull run. (Above note re-written March 2009 as my earlier prediction of a market top and a crash in the sector starting in August '09 was hastened by the credit markets collapse and began in August 2008, before the bubble had fully formed. Of all the sectors in the equity markets, clean energy has the best prospects to assume market leadership and public favour; we are bouncing aong the bottom still, and those who have followed our guidance to begin including (in a judiciously blended portfolio of cash, bonds, stocks and yes, um... real estate) green energy investment funds dollar-cost-averaging programs in Winter and Spring of 2009 are well positioned for longterm capital growth.)
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