NewEnergyFinance.com defines Renewable Power and Clean Energy Sectors

What is New Energy?


At New Energy Finance we define the following 16 sectors as making up the clean energy industry:


Renewable Energy & Bioenergy Sectors

* 1. Biofuels


Liquid transportation fuels including biodiesel and bioethanol. These can be derived from a range of biomass sources, including sugar cane, rape seed (canola), soybean oil or cellulose. Our database excludes producers of base biomass, but includes suppliers of everything from the processing technologies and equipment, through the logistics of distribution, to manufacturers of energy systems which are specially adapted for the use of biofuels and products, and the services on which they depend.


* 2. Biomass, solid waste and biogas


Production and consumption of solid and gaseous fuels derived from biomass. Solid biomass for the energy sector can include a number of specially-grown crops, such as elephant grass or coppiced willow, but it can also consist of crop residues such as straw. We include in this sector processors of other waste matter for energy generation, such as sewage waste, chemical by-products and biogas produced from municipal waste, as their exploitation often involves the same technologies as grown-for-purpose biomass. Increasingly we are seeing developers, generators and utilities enter this sector.


* 3. Geothermal


Geothermal power has long played a part in the energy mix of countries with obvious geothermal resources, such as Iceland and Japan. Recent advances in two areas, however, mean that geothermal energy can play an increasing role worldwide: new drilling techniques allow users to tap into resources that had been too deep to access; and new ways of extracting useful power from lower temperature geothermal fields allow productive use of resources that could not have been used economically in the past.


* 4. Mini-Hydro (<50MW)


There may seem little new about hydroelectric power. Indeed at New Energy Finance we don't cover large-scale hydroelectric power projects. However, there are interesting developments in small-scale and low-head hydro power, and even very small scale hydro solutions. Hydro power is undergoing a renaissance and has a lot to contribute to the deployment of renewable energy globally.


* 5. Marine

The marine sector covers all technologies relating to extraction of energy from the sea. Possibilities include waves and tide, either via tidal barrages or tidal flow generators. Note that exploitation of marine biomass would be categorised in biomass, rather than in this sector.


* 6. Solar

The Solar sector covers all technologies that capture energy directly from the sun, either using a photo-voltaic (PV) material, or via a passive technology such as a concentrator or stirling engine. The solar energy sector is already substantial - cost reductions through new technologies or through increased manufacturing scale should see it breaking into new areas of energy demand over the coming decades.


* 7. Wind


Wind is the renewable technology that has had the biggest impact on our energy usage patterns over the past decade. The next decade will see continued activity, particularly in developing countries and offshore. The Wind Energy Sector includes components and sub-assemblies for wind turbines as well as manufacturers of turbines themselves. A big part of this sector, however, consists of the various developers, generators, utilities and engineering firms that have sprung up to exploit opportunities to build wind farms around the world.


Power Architecture Sectors

* 8. Generation Efficiency


This sector covers technologies that result in a step-change improvement in the generating efficiency or reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of existing power generation equipment. Important technologies in this sector include breakthroughs in motor or generator design, as well as software, sensor and control technologies which result in step-change improvement. This sector includes breakthrough CHP technologies (i.e. that are more than just relocating traditional generating equipment closer to heat users).


* 9. Smart Distribution


As sources of power supply become more variable (many renewable sources are intermittent), and the importance of reducing grid losses becomes higher with higher power costs, so the significance of improving power distribution will grow. This sector includes a number of technologies that target such improvement, from the forecasting of renewable resource availability, through software to balance supply and demand or find grid faults, to technology that allows peak shifting or intelligent meter reading.


* 10. Power storage


Many renewable energy and emerging energy technologies are either intermittent, or have response curves that are unable to follow the dynamic demands that will be put on them when deployed. Batteries and other energy storage technologies therefore become key enablers for any shift to these technologies. We call the sector power storage in order to underline the fact that hydrogen storage is in the Hydrogen sector, even though we include here mechanical technologies like flywheels that are straight potential replacements for batteries.


* 11. Energy Efficiency and Demand Reduction


Power efficiency and demand reduction approaches may not strictly be part of the renewable energy and energy technology industry, but they are highly relevant to investors in the space. Shifts in our sources of energy over the coming 20 years must be accompanied by wholesale improvement in our energy efficiency. This sector covers a range of technologies that reduce the use of energy in retail and commercial buildings, including advanced insulation, building components and intelligent systems for managing power consumption. It also includes technologies focused on reducing the use of energy in a wide variety of industrial processes.


* 12. Carbon Capture and Sequestration


Given the very substantial energy appetites of China, India and the US, and the substantial amounts of coal and natural gas available in those countries, it is highly unlikely that they will move rapidly enough to clean and renewable energy sources. One type of technology may allow us to continue using these fuels without adding to the emissions of CO2. Carbon capture and sequestration technologies involve the separation of CO2 from the exhaust stream from the burning of fossil fuels, and its long-term storage, either in depleted oil and gas fields, under the ocean or elsewhere.


Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Sectors

* 13. Hydrogen


The hydrogen sector covers everything from the production and storage of hydrogen, through its distribution and the various technologies and applications in which it can be used. Hydrogen is not, of course, a renewable fuel source - it is only a carrier of energy, in the same way electricity is not a source but a carrier of power. But if produced renewably hydrogen looks like a promising candidate to replace fossil fuels in transport as these are depleted, and governments and corporations are investing accordingly.


* 14. Fuel Cells


Many observers believe that fuel cells will lie at the heart of any post-fossil energy architecture. Although they have been around for 150 years and their performance is not in doubt, their high manufacturing costs and low reliability mean that they have yet to capture any mass markets. A large number of companies and research initiatives are hoping to change that over the coming decade. We draw a distinction between the hydrogen industry and the fuel cell sector: fuel cells can burn a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, and hydrogen can be used by other systems, such as internal combustion engines. There is, however, substantial crossover between the two sectors


Other Sectors

* 15. Carbon Markets


The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol gave a boost to the European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). Elsewhere in the world other carbon markets are emerging, whether as a result of regulation or for voluntary trading. The carbon market is not part of the clean energy industry, but will significantly influence its development. The main companies participating in the energy-relevant aspects of the carbon market are logged in this sector.


* 16. Services & Support

The rapid growth of the clean energy industry will require the development of a complete sector of service companies dedicated to serving the needs of technology and equipment suppliers, owners of renewable energy and biofuels assets, and so on. In this sector we put providers of information and research (such as ourselves), specialised clean energy financial services companies, consultants and the like.


In addition to these 16 sectors, which make up the clean energy industry itself, the New Energy Finance Desktop includes details of other active and important organisations of two types: the general financial services industry, and the Governments, NGOs and policy-makers.

There is, of course, a futher sector which could contribute very significantly to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions: nuclear power. We don't take an absolutist anti-nuclear position - in fact we believe that nuclear power deserves a place in the energy mix of most developed countries - but we don't consider nuclear power to fall within our remit. Whatever a country's position on nuclear power, the need to implement renewable energy and new technologies throughout the remainder of its energy architecture remains as urgent. And unlike increasing the use of renewable energy sources, reliance on nuclear power will not improve the world's energy security.


More suggested research:

Geotherma.Info Geothermal Energy Companies

WindIntell.com Windpower Stocks Investing

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.

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 ...

Solar Energy Investing, Solar Power Stocks News

SolarIntell.com brings you info on Renewable Power Stocks, Green Energy Funds, Alternative Energy Investments, clean fuels research, info on solar power, renewable energy mutual funds, solar power companies websites, geothermal energy investing, green energy funds, windpower stocks, co-generation and alternative energy investments.

Energy Bill, Oil Prices Spike Drive Up 'Clean Energy' ETFs


article from: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/IBD-0001-21922625.htm

Dec. 28, 2007 (Investor's Business Daily via CNN)

Keeping it clean recently has translated to keeping the profits rolling in for many investors.

Those who put their money behind "clean" energy companies, which focus on renewable resources, saw the happy results all week.

Several factors were behind the rise. Last week, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 into law. The bill mandates lowered fossil fuel use and quadrupled alternative biofuel use over the next 15 years.

Exchange traded funds that track clean energy (NASDAQ:CLNE) began to rise immediately after the bill became law. The largest and oldest, PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy PBW, jumped nearly 10% during that time. Almost half the fund, which has an IBD Relative Strength Rating of 94, is invested in alternative energy sources.

Some of the WilderHill fund's largest holdings include Sunpower SPWR, Suntech Power Holdings STP and Yingli Green Energy YGE, all of which hold a 99 RS.

Other ETFs

Similar funds, such as First Trust (NYSE:FGB) (NYSE:FMY) (NYSE:FAM) (NYSE:FEO) (TSX:FHT.UN) Nasdaq Clean Edge US Liquid Series Index Fund QCLN, Market Vectors Alternative Energy GEX and PowerShares Clean Tech PZD also rose nicely after the bill was signed.

The uptick for all the funds continued Wednesday after a Chinese government report announced that the country plans to increase renewable energy consumption to 10% of total energy consumption by 2010 and 15% by 2020. The 44-page report said China will promote development of hydropower, solar, methane, wind and other renewable energy sources and increase their market shares.

Article continues at: Green Exchange Traded Funds Rise on News, Legislation

More solar energy news stories, alternative energy investing websites, renewable power stocks, green energy mutual funds and solar power stocks:


Technical Analysis of SunPower Corp (SPWR), at AskStockGuru.com

Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (GEX): GEX Alternative Energy Fund Holdings


Interview with NOAH BLACKSTEIN, Stock picks for 2008

Manager of Dynamic Power Global Growth Class (global equity)

Mr. Blackstein is upbeat on global stock markets for 2008 despite expectations of slower growth. "There is a risk of a recession [in the U.S.], but I think that the actions of the central banks will stave it off," said the manager with Dynamic Mutual Funds Ltd.

Co-ordination among central banks to cut interest rates and take measures to increase liquidity "will buoy the stock markets next year," he said.

Mr. Blackstein is also upbeat because his growth investing style - out of favour since the Internet bubble popped seven years ago - has come back into vogue. In an economic slowdown, investors will pay up for growth, he said.

"I think this is the beginning of a multiyear cycle for growth," said Mr. Blackstein, who buys companies that can deliver above-average revenue and earnings growth.

He likes U.S. technology stocks and alternative energy companies in Europe. "The shift to alternative energy is a big, long-term secular growth trend," and will continue to play out next year, he said.

Mr. Blackstein owns stocks of alternative energy companies like Q-Cells AG; SolarWorld AG, Vestas Wind Systems AS and First Solar Inc., a big driver for his fund this year.

He is less sanguine about the emerging markets coming off a strong year. But he owns a few names in the wireless telecom sector, including China Mobile Ltd. and India's GTL Infrastructure Ltd.

Research In Motion Ltd. is his only Canadian stock. "The smart phone revolution, of which RIM and Apple are at the forefront, has a very long way to go," he said.

Full article and interviews with managers of PETER HODSON, manager of Sprott Growth Fund F series (Canadian small/mid cap), MARK MOBIUS, from Templeton BRIC Fund F series (emerging markets), CHRIS BEER, fund manager for RBC Global Resources Fund (natural resources), and NANDU NARAYANAN, CI Global Opportunities and CI Trident Global Opportunities (alternative strategies), who each provide their 2008 investment outlook, best stock opportunities

LDK Solar revenue up 60%, profit up 40%; conference call audio avail til 24dec07

December 19, 2007

LDK Solar Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2007

Xinyu City, China and Sunnyvale, California, December 19, 2007 – LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, today reported its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007.
All financial results are reported on a U.S. GAAP basis.
Third Quarter 2007 Financial Highlights:

* Revenue of $158.7 million, up 60% quarter-over-quarter
* Gross profit of $48.9 million, up 40% quarter-over-quarter
* Net income of $41.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted ADS, up 45% quarter-over-quarter
* Signed four long-term wafer supply agreements during the third quarter
* Total wafer shipments increased 49% sequentially to 78.9MW in the third quarter

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 were $158.7 million, up 60.2% sequentially from $99.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and up 404.7% year-over-year from $31.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was $48.9 million, up 40.2% sequentially from $34.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and up 295.1% year-over-year from $12.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006.Gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was 30.8% compared with 35.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 and 39.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was $41.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted ADS, compared to net income of $28.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted ADS for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and $5.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted ADS for the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
The Company ended the third quarter of fiscal 2007 with $125.9 million in cash and cash equivalents.
“We are pleased to report strong results for the third quarter, following a positive outcome of the independent inventory review,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar.“With the inventory investigation behind us, we have returned our focus to growing our business.During the third quarter we experienced continued robust demand for our wafers and made great strides in expanding our customer base.We signed four long-term wafer supply contracts during the third quarter and five more since the quarter closed. We view these agreements as a testament to the quality of our products.
“We remain on track to meet our wafer production capacity goal of 400MW by the end of 2007. Additionally, the construction of our polysilicon plant is tracking with our original plan.In addition to the anticipated cost efficiencies we expect to achieve upon completion of our polysilicon plant, we are continuing cost reduction efforts through further advancements of our product processes,” concluded Mr. Peng.
Business Outlook
The following statements are based upon management's current expectations. These statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements.
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, LDK estimates revenue to be in the range of $180 to $185 million for wafer shipments of 87 to 92MW.The Company also estimates fully diluted earnings per ADS to be in the range of $0.40 to $0.43.
Conference Call Details
The LDK Third Quarter teleconference and webcast is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), on Wednesday, December 19, 2007. To listen to the live conference call, please dial 800-366-7449 (within U.S.) or 303-262-2193 (outside U.S.) at 5:50 p.m. ET on December 19, 2007. An audio replay of the call will be available to investors through December 24, 2007, by dialing 800-405-2236 (within U.S.) or 303-590-3000 (outside U.S.) and entering the passcode 11104747##.
A live webcast of the call will be available on the company's investor relations website at investor.ldksolar.com.

JANCO advise proft-taking on ESLR autumn run-up

JANCO downgrades Evergreen Solar (Nasdaq: ESLR) from Buy to Market Perform with a $16 price target.

Article from: http://www.streetinsider.com

JANCO downgraded Evergreen Solar stock (Nasdaq: ESLR) from Buy to Market Perform with a $16 price target.

The firm called Friday's 10% run-up an overreaction to the 10-year polysilicon supply contract announcement. JANCO also noted that Evergreen's stock price has gone up by about 44% since 10/31. Over the same period, shares of SunPower (Nasdaq: SPWR), a leading competitor, have only appreciated by about 1.4%.

JANCO said it believes in Evergreen's management and downgraded the stock solely on valuation and a difficult market environment.

Evergreen Solar, Inc. engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of solar power products primarily in Europe and the United States.

Invest-Yourself loves Geothermal stock investing

Geothermal Stocks

from Invest-Yourself.blogspot.com

By now you've seen the Chevron commercial touting their research and investment in alternative energy, including geothermal power. And even though a major oil company is just now expressing its interest, the black sheep of the renewables world is one Green Chip accepted long ago.

Geothermal , unlike wind, solar, and biofuels, rarely gets a piece of the limelight. And that's something I've not been able to figure out.

After all, it's an emission-free power source that's not affected by the shifting availability of sunshine and wind. That means geothermal is capable of being a base load power source, like coal- and natural gas-fired plants.

And as such, it's become price competitive with traditional sources of power in many areas, including the Southwestern US.

It's for all those reasons that we've been extremely bullish on geothermal stocks from the outset, boasting three geothermal plays in the current Green Chip portfolio.

Geothermal Stocks and Steam-Powered Profits

With oil having touched $92.22, renewable energy sources are looking increasingly promising. But even when oil was relatively cheap these geothermal stocks were still making their rise.

Now, with oil on the verge of $100, these plays are only going to go higher. Let's have a look.

Green Chip got in on Ormat Technologies (NYSE: ORA) all the way back in January 2005, shortly after the IPO. below...

We got in at $16.28 a share, and our readers are now sitting on gains of over 200%.

And, of course, you all know about US Geothermal (OTCBB: UGTH), one of the true darlings of the Green Chip portfolio. We alerted our readers to get into this stock back in July 2006, when the price stood at a mere $.80.

full article continued at:

Invest Yourself Blog - Geothermal Stocks Report

Check also:


Green Energy Info, Middle East Peace News

New technology makes natural gas clean and green

Using hydrogen to clean up fossil fuels

December 10, 2007
Tyler Hamilton, TheStar.com

Hydrogen might be an emission-free fuel when burned or put through a fuel cell, but given that fuel-cell cars for the mass market are at least a decade away – if they ever come – what if hydrogen could be used today to clean up a fossil fuel we already depend on, such as natural gas?

We use natural gas as fuel for corporate and municipal vehicle fleets, to provide power generation, and to heat our homes and buildings. The infrastructure is well developed. If we can use what we have and at the same time reduce the greenhouse gas and smog-causing emissions that result from it, then some argue it makes sense to pursue it as one slice of a larger climate-mitigation strategy.

A Fredericton-based company called Atlantic Hydrogen Inc. is making impressive inroads in this regard, having developed a new technology that can remove carbon from natural gas and replace it with hydrogen.

"Effectively what we're doing is greening the gas," says David Wagner, president and chief operating officer of Atlantic Hydrogen, which is attempting to commercialize technology developed at McGill University by chemist David Fletcher and later transferred to the University of New Brunswick.

"We are aware that in Ontario a company called Bullfrog Power is out there selling green power, so why can't we sell green gas? It's the same concept, different fuel. That's what has a number of gas companies we've talked to quite excited about this."

The company's technology is called CarbonSaver – basically a low-temperature plasma reactor that uses low amounts of energy and, according to Wagner, doesn't emit greenhouse gases. When natural gas flows through the CarbonSaver device it disassociates hydrogen and carbon from a portion of the gas. The carbon is removed in solid form as a kind of black dust. The hydrogen is injected back into the natural gas stream, representing between 15 and 20 per cent of its volume.

Wagner calls the resulting product "hydrogen-enriched natural gas" – that is, green gas. It can be used as a fuel in any internal combustion engine that would normally use natural gas, but it burns much cleaner. This also applies to natural gas appliances, such as stoves and furnaces, and gas turbines.

"By putting just 15 to 20 per cent hydrogen in with the natural gas, without making changes to an engine except tuning it for a lean burn, you could reduce harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides by anywhere from 50 to 60 per cent," explains Wagner. "So that really caught our eye."

He said natural gas with a 20 per cent blend of hydrogen also results in a 7 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide, or CO{-2}.

Atlantic Hydrogen is currently studying potential uses for this solid carbon, which could be used in making inks, dyes, plastics and tires, not to mention super-lightweight carbon composite parts for vehicles and airplanes.

It could also be permanently stored in soil – used alongside fertilizer to regenerate depleted farmland. This approach, often referred to as biochar sequestration, could fetch revenues in the form of saleable carbon credits.

Enbridge Gas Distribution is working with Atlantic Hydrogen on a three-year project partly funded by Sustainable Development Technology Canada, which pitched in $2 million. The company, which got early financial support from East Coast cable pioneer Bill Stanley, has also raised over $5 million in private equity financing and is in the process of building its first demonstration units.

Full article continued at:

Atlantic Hydrogen technology to clean natural gas

Check also:

Solar Intelligence Blog - Clean Energy and World Peace

SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) inks 5-year deal with Jiawei SolarChina

SunPower (SPWR) signs 5-year silicon ingot and wafer pact with Jiawei SolarChina

BOSTON, Dec. 7, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR) Friday said it signed a five-year agreement with Jiawei SolarChina Co. Ltd. to secure a supply of monocrystalline silicon ingots and silicon wafers.

SunPower said, beginning in 2008, it will purchase sufficient silicon in ingot and wafer forms to satisfy production requirements and will provide Jiawei with polysilicon during the life of the agreement.

Jiawei is affiliated with SunEnergy, SunPower's solar panel assembly partner.

full article at:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-21512811.htm

Q-Cells (CQEG) investing big in thin-film, goal is 1 gigawatt production

CQEG investing a billion euros in thin-film, aiming for 1 gigawatt annual production

UPDATED INTERVIEW, Q-Cells plans plant abroad to cut costs
Thu Dec 6, 2007 9:25am EST

(Adds more detail from interview)

By Eva Kuehnen

THALHEIM, Germany, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Q-Cells (QCEG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to expand production outside Germany to cut costs and benefit from the weak dollar as it seeks to triple output by 2010, the company's chief executive told Reuters in an interview.

The world's second-largest solar-cell producer after Japan's Sharp Solar (6753.T: Quote, Profile, Research) also wants to invest more than 1 billion euros ($1.46 billion) by 2010 in thin-film technology to reduce its dependency on silicon, a scarce material in the solar industry whose cost has soared, Anton Milner said.

Q-Cells aims to reach production output in its core business of 1 gigawatt peak (GWp) by 2010 from 370 Megawatt peak (MWp) this year and another 400 to 600 MWp in its thin-film technology business in the same period from 25-50 MWp expected for 2008.

"We are building next year -- and this is going to be one of our main investment thrusts -- a huge manufacturing complex potentially at a new location," Milner said.

"Some correlation to the U.S. dollar" was key given the U.S. currency's weakness against the euro, Milner said, adding that Q-Cells had scanned 26 sites and was in the closing stages.

But he ruled out China, saying: "The intellectual property rights and the know-how protection is difficult. We've got some pretty sexy stuff coming."

Milner said the efficiencies achieved in Q-Cells' thin-film activities so far justified "very major investments".

It plans to invest more than 1 billion euros in the business by 2010 to make the targets, having spent about half of last year's total investments of 400 million euros in the segment.

Q-Cells shares fell 2 percent to 90.37 euros by 1417 GMT, double the decline in the German Tecdax index .

Thin-film technology is an attractive alternative to traditional crystalline silicon cells, which require 200 times more silicon, considering that silicon accounts for between 40 and 50 percent of a module's costs.

However, so far thin-film cells are less efficient than crystalline-based cells, which means more space is needed to achieve the same output.

Analysts have said the targets for Q-Cells' new technologies were too ambitious as production was still at an early stage, but Milner was bullish.

"This is the target we've set ourselves and when Q-Cells sets itself targets, it gets there," he said.

First Solar (FSLR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) of the United States was now the biggest player in the segment, and Japan's Sharp has said it would invest $200 million to boost output capacity for thin film by more than tenfold by October 2008.

Prices for silicon have risen sharply over the past years as increasing demand from the solar and the semiconductor industry led to a supply bottleneck. But rising capacity should ease the shortage at the end of 2009 or in 2010, Milner said.

EVERQ LISTING

Q-Cells affiliate EverQ offers another technology that reduces production costs by using less silicon as it pulls solar wafers from melted silicon, avoiding the sawing process.

EverQ -- a joint venture with U.S. firm Evergreen Solar (ESLR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Norway's Renewable Energy Corporation (REC.OL: Quote, Profile, Research)

(REC) -- produces solar wafers, cells and modules.

It aims to raise production capacity to 600 MWp by 2012 from 100 MWp today, Q-Cells said, which would, among other things, be funded via an initial public offering, probably in the second half of next year or in 2009.

Most shares on offer would probably come from a capital increase, it said. The free float is seen at 20 to 30 percent.

"None of the three companies really need to use an IPO for financing purposes," Milner said. "The key priority will be to get key investment funds into EverQ."

(Editing by Quentin Bryar)

($1=.6870 Euro) Keywords: QCELLS EXPANSION/

(C) Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution ofReuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expresslyprohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuterssphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group ofcompanies around the world.nL06901548

© Reuters 2007. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

Reuters journalists are subject to the Reuters Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.

full article at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technology-media-telco-SP/idUSL0690154820071206

REC gets $800 mil silicon wafer order from Photovoltech

Renewable Energy Corp wins 5.3 bln nkr wafer contract from Photovoltech UPDATE

OSLO (Thomson Financial) - Renewable Energy Corporation ASA said it has been awarded a 5.3 bln nkr wafer sales contract from Belgian silicon cell producer Photovoltech.

Under the terms of the agreement, REC said it will supply Photovoltech with multi-crystalline silicon wafers until 2015.

The deal is structured as a take-and-pay contract with pre-determined prices and volumes for the entire contract period, REC said.

'This agreement secures future revenues and earnings at attractive prices and still leaves sufficient wafer volumes for internal expansions in REC's cells and module business,' said REC's chief executive Erik Thorsen.

The supply contract replaces and extends REC's existing supply relationship with Photovoltech, it said, adding that deliveries of wafers under the new agreement will commence in 2009, and increase over time to a level of about 100 MWp (megawatt peak) per year.

'Prices and commercial terms are in line with contracts signed in the second half of 2006 and earlier this year,' REC said.

In a separate statement, REC said it has chosen Singapore as the location for its new 3 bln euro solar manufacturing complex.

The new complex will incorporate wafer, cell and module production facilities, and REC says it will hold a total production capacity of up to 1.5 GW.

Following its decision, REC said it has agreed a 'comprehensive support package' with the Economic Development Board of the Singaporean government.

This, it said, includes incentives and grants in the areas of tax, R&D and process improvement, as well as human resources, recruitment and training.

Depending on the final capacity and site development, REC said total investments in the site 'may exceed 3 bln euros within the next 5 years'.

alastair.reed@thomson.com

Alternative Energy Investing takes many forma

Alternative Energy Investing

NOTE: SolarIntell.com does not consider nuclear energy to be "alternative", but rather, considers coal and nuclear to be the two most toxic forms of electricity generation.

from: http://www.low-cost-stock-recommendations.com/alternative-energy.html

Although alternative energy provides only a small percentage of the world's supply, it is now apparent that demand is rapidly rising. Environmental regulations and Government support is preparing renewable energy companies for a potential boom.

There are several different forms.

1.) Hydroelectric: One-fourth of the electricity used throughout the world, and 5% of the worlds overall energy supply is generated by Hydroelectric power.

2.) Nuclear: The United States has 104 operating Nuclear power plants in 31 states, producing 787 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2006.

3.) Solar: Energy demand for Solar has grown 20% plus every year for the past two decades and shows no signs of letting up. The demand is spurred by increasing efficiency of solar technology and manufacturing improvements.

4.) Wind: Currently, wind generates enough electricity to service about 3 million homes in the USA. The Federal Government has set long-term goals to generate 6% of electricity production from wind sources by 2030.

5.) Geothermal: This is energy derived from the heat in the interior of the earth. Although this form of energy has been around for quite some time, it is just now starting to expand in the USA.

The most promising of these energies, in that they are comparable in price to oil and gas, is hydroelectric, nuclear and wind.

In California, legislation was passed in April of 2007 requiring 10% of the energy produced to come from renewable energy sources. The push is on in the worlds 7th largest economy. Many parts of the state is flush with volcanic activity, which presents Geothermal Operations a viable opportunity to expand.

Investing in renewable energy is speculative. Most of these companies are small to mid-sized and have little financial history to offer its investors. Also alarming, many of the companies supplying the technology to produce alternative energy, still aren't profitable yet. Analyst many times disagree on who the leaders of the field actually are.

Large returns are going to be made with many of these companies. However, there will also be many companies who fail. For those investors who prefer safety, but still want to participate, consider investing in the WilderHill Energy ETF, symbol PBW, on the American Stock Exchange.

And for those of you who are speculators, it is possible that fortunes will be made off some of these fledgling companies.

Solar Energy Stocks showing extraordinary exuberance

Solar Power Stocks Rise on Earnings

NEW YORK — Solar-product stocks continued to gain Thursday on strong earnings reports from Canadian Solar Inc. and Suntech Power Holdings Co. and an update from LDK Solar Co. on its polysilicon inventories investigation.

Canadian Solar shares led the rally, posting a gain of $1.97, or 13.6 percent, to $16.50 in morning trading. Its shares have risen by 48.4 percent this week, driven by a sharp rise in third-quarter profit reported Wednesday. Analysts had been expecting the company to post a loss.

Suntech shares gained $6.07, or 9.8 percent, to $67.76. The company said "robust demand" caused a 43.8 percent rise in third-quarter profit. Suntech pushed up its 1 gigawatt production capacity target to the end of 2008, two years earlier than it previously targeted.

The company earlier set a production capacity target of 600 megawatts by the end of 2008 and expected to reach the 1 gigawatt target by the end of 2010. A one-megawatt power plant running continuously at full capacity can power 778 households each year, according to the Department of Energy. Solar technologies have lower capacity factors because their availability to generate power is constrained by availability of the sun.

LDK shares also rose sharply after the company said it expects to report in December results from its investigation into whether it misstated polysilicon inventories. The Securities and Exchange Commission and New York Stock Exchange are also investigating its inventories. It will issue its delayed third-quarter earnings "shortly thereafter" and said its business "remains strong" despite the probes.

Among other gainers were JA Solar Holdings Co., which rose $2.57, or 4.9 percent, to $55.28; Trina Solar Ltd., which rose $2.18, or 4.3 percent to $52.90; and Yingli Green Energy Holding Co., which rose $1.17, or 3.8 percent, to $31.90.

---

China's CSIQ delivering big solar energy revenue

Sunny Day For Canadian Solar
Carl Gutierrez, forbes.com / AP

Contracts continue to roll in for Canadian Solar.

On Friday, shares of the Chinese solar company rose 14.7%, or $2.27, to close at $17.76 on the Nasdaq after it announced it penned a deal to deliver solar panels with 60 megawatts worth of yearly generating capacity for projects in Spain, expanding its position in a key corner of the solar market.

Canadian Solar said it would start delivering the shipments to the German City Solar Group, which is managing the projects, immediately. It expects installation to be complete by the summer.

The company did not disclose financial terms of the agreement.

Canadian Solar recently delivered 11.7 megawatts worth of solar modules to City Solar for three large-scale solar power projects in Germany.

Spain and Germany are considered key markets for the solar industry because of government incentives that have rapidly accelerated demand. Germany generates the most solar energy from photovoltaic panels in the world, with Spain ranking fourth behind the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

On Wednesday, Canadian Solar led its sector’s rise on the stock market after it announced a very strong quarterly report due to strong demand and operational improvements. (See “Sunny Day For the Solar Sector”)

Friday's rise came on the same day Suntech Power shares rose $5.04, or 7.9%, to $69.42. The rise came in the wake of its quarterly results and subsequent analyst commentary (See "Sunnier On Suntech").

Lehman Brothers analyst Vishal Shah raised his target price for the company to $80 from $65 and maintained a "Buy” rating, saying strong demand, capacity expansion and silicon procurement helped the company beat Wall Street expectations for the third quarter.

"We maintain our constructive view on the longer term growth outlook of Suntech given its scale, technology and cost leadership," Shah said.

Jefferies analyst Paul Clegg raised his price target to $76 from $45 and raised his estimates Friday, saying the company is on its way to exceeding top line and earnings per share expectations going forward because it’s speeding up manufacturing capacity and production faster than expected.

But Clegg warned there are risks for the stock if there are disruptions in subsidies or excess inventory which will push down prices.

Bringing the price of solar power down to an equivalent price with grid power is a top goal for the solar industry because it will help push solar products into the mainstream. Solar products are expensive due at least partially to high costs for polysilicon, which is in high demand and short supply. Investors favor fixed-price contracts, which reduces the risk of high spot prices.

AGIXLT Alternative Energy Index Fund up 59% in One Year

The Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid) (AGIXLT) rose 13.77 percent in October and gained 59.38 percent in the ten months ending October 31, 2007.* +

AGIXLT is a rules based index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of a global universe of listed companies engaged in the alternative energy industry. These companies derive at least 50% of their revenues from the industry. Together, companies in the Index participate in a broad range of alternative energy activities; however, approximately 81% of the Index's components are classified as being in renewable energy (solar, wind, ethanol, bio-fuels, water and geothermal).

AGIXLT is calculated using a modified capitalization weighted methodology, adjusted for float. It includes 30 securities and is rebalanced quarterly. The next rebalancing will occur on December 21, 2007.

The Market Vectors - Global Alternative Energy ETF (NYSE: GEX) is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to replicate, as closely as possible before fees and expenses, the price and yield performance of AGIXLT. The Fund generally holds all securities that comprise AGIXLT in proportion to their weighting in AGIXLT.

*Past performance does not guarantee future results. AGIXLT's return does not represent the performance of any fund. AGIXLT charges no fees, including management fees or brokerage expenses, and no such fees or expenses were deducted from the performance shown. Investors cannot invest directly in AGIXLT.

Please call 1.888.MKT.VCTR or visit www.vaneck.com/gex for the most recent month-end performance of Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF. This information will be available no later than seven business days after the most recent month end.

+About the Ardour Global Index (Extra Liquid) (AGIXLT)

AGIXLT, a trademark of Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC, is licensed for use by Van Eck Associates Corporation in connection with the Fund. Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC does not sponsor or endorse the Fund and it makes no warranty or representation as to its accuracy and/or completeness or results to be obtained by any person from use of AGIXLT in connection with trading of the Fund. The value of AGIXLT is disseminated every 15 seconds between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The Index is a total return index.

Although Fund shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market through any brokerage account, Fund shares are not individually redeemable from the Fund. Investors may acquire Fund shares and tender them for redemption through the Fund only in large, specified blocks of shares.

The Fund is subject to risks associated with the stock market, index tracking, sector investing, investing in small- or mid-cap companies, replication management, non-diversified investments, absence of prior active market, trading issues, fluctuation of net asset value and risks of investing in alternative energy investments. Because of their narrow focus, sector investments tend to be more volatile than investments that diversify across many sectors and companies.

Investors may call 1.888.MKT.VCTR or visit www.vaneck.com/gex for a free prospectus. Investors should consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses of Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

About Exchange-Traded Funds

ETFs are passively managed baskets of securities that trade in a manner similar to stocks. They have grown in popularity as investment tools because of their relatively low expense ratios and the tax efficiency they offer compared to most mutual funds. Investors can buy and sell ETFs intra-day and they can hold them both long and short, offering the opportunity to prosper from both bear and bull markets.

About Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC

Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC was founded in 2005 for the express purpose of developing benchmarking tools for the global alternative energy industry. It is a partnership between Ardour Capital Investments(SM), a premier investment bank specializing in alternative energy finance, and S-Network Energy Technologies(SM), LLC, a developer of indexes and investment products focused on both traditional and alternative energy.

"Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM)" (Composite), ARDOUR COMPOSITE(SM)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL INDEX(SM) (Extra Liquid)", "ARDOUR GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDEXES(SM)", and "ARDOUR FAMILY(SM)", are service marks of Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC and have been licensed for use by Van Eck Associates Corporation. Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC and Ardour Global Indexes(SM), LLC makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF.

Dow Jones Indexes calculates The Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid). It does not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote Van Eck's Market Vectors-Global Alternative Energy ETF which is based on the Ardour Global Index(SM) (Extra Liquid), and it makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s).

About Van Eck Global

Founded in 1955, Van Eck Associates Corporation was among the first U.S. money managers helping investors achieve greater diversification through global investing. Today the firm continues the 50+ year tradition by offering global investment choices in hard assets, emerging markets, precious metals including gold, and other specialized asset classes.

Van Eck mutual funds are sold nationwide through retail brokers, financial planners and investment advisors. Designed for investors seeking innovative choices for portfolio diversification, they are often categorized in asset classes having returns with low correlations to those of more traditional U.S. equity and fixed income investments.

Van Eck also offers exchange-traded funds, separate accounts and alternative investments. In addition, it offers the Worldwide Insurance Trust, a series of investment choices within the variable annuity contracts and variable life policies of widely known and highly regarded insurers.

Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, 99 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Constituents Derive at Least 50% of Revenues from Alternative
Energy. Approximately 69 Percent of Index is International and 81
Percent is in Renewable Energy Companies

Directory of Solar Energy Information Online

Guide to Solar Power info, websites, blogs and internet resources

Info from: http://solar-dryers.blogspot.com


Solar Energy Links List

Find SolarThe Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
Solar Energy Technologies Program A U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) web site.
Solar America InitiativeThe President's Advanced Energy Initiative and the 2007 Budget proposes a new $148 million Solar America Initiative (SAI) — an increase of $65 million over the FY06 budget. The Solar America Initiative will accelerate the development of advanced solar electric technologies, including photovoltaics and concentrating solar power systems, with the goal of making them cost-competitive with other forms of renewable electricity by 2015.
Concentrating Solar Power Research This is a DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) web site. NREL collaborates with industry to further the research and development of concentrating solar power (CSP) plant and solar thermal technologies and supports DOE in its concentrating solar power deployment efforts.
Concentrating Power & Sun LabThis DOE web site gives detailed information on large-scale concentrating solar power installations. SunLab is a partnership developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to administer its concentrating solar power R&D and analysis activities.
Southwest Concentrating Solar Power 1000-MW InitiativeU.S. Department of Energy's goal to install 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new concentrating solar power systems in the southwestern United States, including Texas, by 2010.
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA)TREIA is a statewide non-profit organization that represents over 200 member companies, organizations, agencies and individuals that provide renewable energy products, services and information, and sustainable (green) building design and construction.
Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES)TXSES promotes solar and other renewable energy applications. Membership includes educators, engineers, researchers, students, bankers, electrical contractors, architects, builders, building inspectors, home owners and solar enthusiasts. TXSES publishes a quarterly newsletter and engages in educational projects and conferences.
West Texas A & M Alternative Energy InstituteAEI is involved in research, development and design of renewable energy systems, classes, seminars, workshops, training programs, publications, and information dissemination. AEI offers two introductory courses, one for wind energy and one for solar energy.
UT Austin's Solar Energy LaboratoryThe Solar Energy Laboratory was established in 1982 by the University of Texas at Austin. It includes space and equipment for solar energy related projects, and research. Recent research emphasizes solar radiation measurements at several sites across Texas. Archived data may be accessed through the Texas Solar Radiation Data Base.
Solar AustinSolar Austin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy and information organization for renewable and sustainable energy. Solar Austin works to accelerate the transition to clean renewable energy, building healthy communities, strong economies and energy independence.
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)SEIA is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants, and marketers. SEIA work to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace.
Florida Solar Energy CenterThis web site researches and promotes energy efficiency and solar energy in Florida; yet the site appeals to a national audience for its excellent solar energy information, on-line research reports, software demos, news and events.
ENERGY STAREnergy Star offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions - helping to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy that identifies energy efficient products. Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction.City Programs
Austin EnergyAustin Energy is an Austin community-owned electric utility with a comprehensive energy efficiency program. Austin Energy provides energy conservation information for both homes and businesses, equipment purchasing guidelines and conservation ideas, and rebates and low-interest loans to help residential and business customers make energy efficiency improvements. Also see the Solar Rebate Program
El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA)EPSEA furthers solar energy and related technologies with concern for the ecological, social and economic fabric of the region (West Texas, Southern New Mexico, Northern Mexico). In addition to monthly meetings and seminars, EPSEA conducts technology demonstrations and project development work related to renewable energy technologies in the Southwest U. S. and Northern Mexico. EPSEA publishes a monthly newsletter on solar energy and EPSEA activities.
Solar San Antonio (SSA) Solar San Antonio is a leading advocate of sustainable communities and facilities powered by renewable energies. SSA initiates meetings, educational events, and outreach opportunities that increase awareness of the benefits of a green, clean and sustainable economy.
Distributed Generation (a PUC page with all the policies that are in place)List of Distributed Generation Contact Persons in the Utilities
Student Solar Car Teams
Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competitions
Texas A & M University Solar Motorsports Team
University of Texas at Austin Solar Vehicles Team
The Winston School Solar Car Team
Rice University Solar Car Team

Photovoltaics (PV)DOE Photovoltaics Program
National Center for PhotovoltaicsA DOE web site.
Renewable Energy Vendors & Services SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references.
NREL's Photovoltaic ResearchDOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Photovoltaic (PV) research is focused on decreasing the nation's reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity by lowering the cost of delivered electricity and improving the efficiency of PV modules and systems. NREL's PV research contributes to these goals through fundamental research, advanced materials and devices, and technology development.
Find SolarThe Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
Opportunity on the Horizon: Photovoltaics in Texas SolarThis is a June 2007 study produced by the University of Texas at Austin.
Costs and Payback of Solar EnergyLooking for PV photos?Go to DOE's Photographic Information Exchange for an on-line collection of several thousand photos related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. All photos are free and for public use.
PV - On and Off the Grid
Distributed Generation Interconnection ManualThe Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) prepared this manual to guide the inclusion of distributed generation (DG) into the Texas electric system. It is intended for use by utility engineers processing distributed generation interconnection applications, as well as those considering the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The manual includes a review of safety and technical requirements of DG installations; a copy of applicable rules, application procedures and forms; Texas utility contacts and equipment pre-certification requirements.
Photovoltaics - Attaching to the Electric GridA Texas Solar Energy Society web page.
Making the Utility Connection for Larger SystemsThis is a DOE-funded article prepared by the Southwest Technology Development Institute and published in STWI's Code Corner.
Going off the Grid - Making Your Own Clean ElectricityThis DOE web site discusses generating electricity using your own small renewable energy system fits the circumstances and values of some home and small-business owners. Although it takes time and money to research, buy, and maintain a system, many people enjoy the independence they gain and the knowledge that their actions are helping the environment. renewable energy system can be used to supply some or all of your electricity needs. Some people, especially those in remote areas, use the electricity from their systems in place of electricity supplied to them by power providers (i.e. electric utilities). These are called stand-alone (off-grid) systems.
Off-Grid PV Fact Sheet
Connecting to the Grid Guide 2007The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has published a new edition of its Connecting to the Grid guide. The fifth edition of this guide, published in July 2007, addresses new and lingering interconnection issues that are relevant to all distributed generation technologies, including renewables, fuel cells, microturbines, and reciprocating engines. Because the interconnection of small distributed generators remains largely in the domain of states, the guide targets state regulators, other government officials, and utility representatives.
Photovoltaic Project Model SoftwareThis software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for three basic PV applications: on-grid; off-grid; and water pumping. For on-grid applications the model can be used to evaluate both central-grid and isolated-grid PV systems. For off-grid applications the model can be used to evaluate both stand-alone (PV-battery) and hybrid (PV-battery-genset) systems. For water pumping applications the model can be used to evaluate PV-pump systems.
PV Power Systems & the 2005 National Electrical CodeThis Southwest Technology Development Institute manual examines the requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code as applied to PV power systems. The manual discusses design requirements for the balance-of-systems components in a PV system, conductor selection and sizing, overcurrent protection device rating and location and disconnect rating and location.
PV NowPV Now is a coalition of the world’s leading photovoltaic companies joined to aggressively expand North American distributed, grid-connected PV market opportunities and eliminate market barriers. PV Now is closely affiliated with the Solar Energy Industries Association.
SolTrexThis data-logging web site provides PV system owners, educators, students, and solar enthusiasts with the tools they need to learn about PV systems and to operate them efficiently while earning the highest possible return on investment.
NCPV HotlineThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory PV Research program maintains an international communications system called the NCPV Hotline to increase knowledge and awareness of PV industry and research happenings. Hotline participants receive important news items via email related to PV activities around the world. People joining the mailing list should be willing to contribute as well as receive important news items.
Sandia National Laboratories Photovoltaic ProgramSandia's photovoltaic systems project seeks to ensure that photovoltaic systems perform to their potential through thorough research and systems development integrated with the needs of manufacturers and PV users.
Southwest Region Experiment Station (SWRES)SWRES tests photovoltaic systems on-site and in the field. Engineers provide design assistance, systems monitoring and acceptance testing of installed systems.
PV Economics CalculatorThis worksheet does a simple calculation of PV system economics to help you understand the various tradeoffs that may be involved in using PV technology.
PV Frequently Asked Questions John Wiles of the Southwest Technology Development Institute gets dozens of questions a week on PV systems. John uses these questions as the basis for his Code Corner articles in Home Power Magazine.
Sustainable Building Sourcebook: Photovoltaic SystemsPublished by Sustainable Sources.
PV Codes & StandardsA Southwest Technology Development Institute web site with up-to-date articles and reports.
PV Installations, A Progress ReportA Southwest Technology Development Institute article.Photovoltaics Video: Turning Sunlight Into ElectricityThis 60-second video shows the function of a solar cell as part of a photovoltaic panel or module.Learning About PV: Adult Education Classes and Vocational TrainingWhether you're considering a career in the installation or maintenance of solar electricity or want to add a solar electric system to your home, ranch, or farm, here are some resources for you.
A Guide to Photovoltaic System Design and Installation.This online publication from the California Energy Commission covers elemental design and installation issues such as systems with and without battery backups, mounting options, estimating output, estimating energy and dollar savings, using pre-engineered systems, utility coordination and material and equipment recommendations.
PV Solar Energy VideoPhotovoltaic WorksheetThis PV worksheet assists homeowners determine the size of a photovoltaic system that would best need their needs.
PV Systems—Should They Be Grounded? An article by John Wiles of the Southwest Technology Development Institute.
Photovoltaic FundamentalsA Florida Solar Energy Center web site. Checklist for Designing and Installing a PV SystemThis is a DOE-funded article prepared by Southwest Technology Development Institute.
The History of PV
PV Fact Sheets
Solar Electricity Works for Texas
Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
Estimating PV System Size and Cost
Kids fact sheet - Electricity from the Sun
Kids fact sheet - Solar and Electric Cars
Online Resources
Renewable Energy Vendors & Services SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references.
Find SolarThe Find Solar web site is a user-friendly way for homeowners and businesses to learn more about solar energy economics and available incentives that can help make it work for you. The site can also lead you to qualified professionals who can install and service such systems. Find Solar is a joint partnership among: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), American Solar Energy Society, Solar Electric Power Association, and Energy Matters LLC.
NEW! TroughNet Web SiteThis DOE web site is a technical resource for the evaluation of parabolic trough solar power plant technologies. TroughNet features an overview and answers to frequently asked questions about parabolic trough technology, as well as data and resources and technical publications. Parabolic trough solar technology offers the lowest cost solar electric option for large power plant applications.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)Search for state and federal efficiency incentives by state, technology type, and incentive type with links to program web sites, legislation, tax credits and deductions, rebates, grants, low-interest loans, property and sales tax exemptions, and bond programs.
Distributed Generation Interconnection ManualThe Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) prepared this manual to guidethe inclusion of distributed generation (DG) into the Texas electric system. It is intended for use by utility engineers processing distributed generation interconnection applications, as well as those considering the interconnection of distributed generation with a transmission and distribution utility. The manual includes a review of safety and technical requirements of DG installations; a copy of applicable rules, application procedures and forms; Texas utility contacts and equipment pre-certification requirements.
IREC's Connecting to the Grid ProgramThe Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) Connecting to the Grid program provides services and resources to facilitate the development of interconnection standards and net metering for renewable-energy systems and other forms of distributed generation (DG). This page of the IREC web site serves as an information clearinghouse on interconnection and net-metering issues.
The Borrower's Guide to Financing Solar Energy SystemsThis U. S. Department of Energy document provides information that can assist assist both lenders and consumers in financing solar energy systems, which include both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems. The guide also includes information about other ways to make solar energy systems more affordable, as well as descriptions of special mortgage programs for energy-efficient homes.
Ask an Expert!This DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information Center answers questions on EERE's products, services, and technology programs, refers callers to the most appropriate EERE resources, and refers qualified callers to the appropriate expert networks.
Looking for solar energy photos?Go to DOE's Photographic Information Exchange for an on-line collection of several thousand photos related to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. All photos are free and for public use.
Texas Renewable Energy Resource AssessmentThis SECO study evaluates Texas renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, biomass, water, geothermal and building climatology. The report includes numerous maps and charts.
Solar Analysis Tools and DataThis Build It Solar web site includes calculators, analytical tools for solar work, climate and solar radiation data, properties for materials used in solar projects, wire and pipe tables, and reference books on solar engineering.
Solar Power ResourcesAn informational site, updated daily.
The Solar GuideThis website makes solar energy accessible and understandable. The Solar Guide aims to give consumers the practical information they want, about buying solar and renewable energy systems.
Solar Energy Guide
Solar Glossary of TermsA DOE site with definitions of terms having to do with electricity, power generation, concentrating solar power, solar heating, solar lighting, and solar electricity (PV).
Get Your Power From the Sun: A Consumer's GuideThis DOE booklet can guide you through the process of buying a solar electric system.
House-Energy Savings Using Solar
Types of Solar Electric Systems
Hybrid Solar LightingThis new generation of solar lighting combines both electric and solar power. It is currently being developed and tested by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in collaboration with DOE and several industry partners.
Solar Heating A DOE web site.
Solar Videos This Arizona Solar Center web site offers four solar energy videos.
Solar Opportunity Assessment ReportThis 67-page report, issued by the Solar Catalyst Group attempts to answer the question of how to transform solar energy from a niche resource into a mainstream energy technology.
PowerHouse: Texas Schools This Texas Lower Colorado River Authority program gives middle school students a hands-on understanding of home energy and environmental impacts. Thousands of Central Texas students have learned how to use less energy and save natural resources, thanks to PowerHouse presentations in 38 schools. Visit the SolTrex Web site to view graphs and download data for the PV system at your school or look around at other schools in Texas and across the country.
Solar Secure Schools: Strategies and GuidelinesA DOE report on the unique safety and security benefits of schools that incorporate solar energy.
Solar Radiation Resource InformationDOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers extensive solar radiation resource information, links, publications and archived data.
Solar Domestic Hot Water Fact Sheet
Solar Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating System Fact Sheet
Solar Cookers International (SCI) SCI spreads solar cooking awareness and skills worldwide, particularly in areas with plentiful sunshine and diminishing sources of cooking fuel.
Solar Cooking Archive
Making the Utility Connection for Larger SystemsThis is a DOE-funded article prepared by the Southwest Technology Development Institute and published in STWI's Code Corner.
Passive Heating & Cooling
Passive Solar StrategiesAn Austin Energy's Green Power Program publication. Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun's energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. In this approach, the building itself or some element of it takes advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials and air created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple, have few moving parts and require minimal maintenance.
Passive Solar Heating Project Model Software This software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production (or savings), life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for passive solar designs and/or energy efficient window use in low-rise residential and small commercial building applications. The model can be used where there is a relatively significant heating load. The model calculates, for both retrofit or new construction projects, the difference in heating and cooling energy consumption between a proposed passive solar building design (or energy efficient window use) and an identical building but without the passive solar (or energy efficient window) features.
Passive Solar Heating for Farmers and RanchersThis DOE web site offers resources to help you incorporate passive solar heating and daylighting into the buildings on your farm or ranch.
Passive Solar CoolingThis DOE web site discusses design strategies that minimize the need for mechanical cooling systems.Passive Solar Architecture - Heating An Arizona Solar Center web site.Passive CoolingAn Arizona Solar Center web site. Passive Solar Heating & DesignA Whole Building Design Guide web page. Sun Control and Shading DevicesA Whole Building Design Guide web page.
A resource offered by DOE, the American Solar Energy Society and the Solar Electric Power Association to give you an idea of price, savings and system size.
Solar Air Heating Project Model Software This software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production (or savings), life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for two basic applications: ventilation air heating and process air heating. The model is designed specifically for the analysis of transpired-plate solar collectors. This technology has been successfully applied in a range of applications from small residential to larger commercial/industrial scale ventilation systems, as well in the air drying processes for various crops.
Solar Water Heating Project Model SoftwareThe software can be used world-wide to easily evaluate the energy production, life-cycle costs and greenhouse gas emissions reduction for three basic applications: domestic hot water, industrial process heat and swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), ranging in size from small residential systems to large scale commercial, institutional and industrial systems.Energy Calculators & SoftwareAn Infinite Power of Texas web page with energy calculators as well as links to energy calculators and software.
Renewable Energy Education in Texas - Universities and Organizations This is a list of Texas universities and organizations that offer programs involving renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Vendors & Services SECO does not link directly to vendors, but you can visit the Texas Renewable Energy Industry Association web site and select the Search Our Members tab. There you can search by the type of renewable energy that interests you. You can also find vendor contact information on the Texas Solar Energy Society web site and select the Find Vendors link for their database of vendors who provide products or services related to renewable energy. Of course, when talking with a vendor, always be sure to ask for references. For Austin and San Antonio, Solar San Antonio offers this web page with a list of solar installers in these areas.
USDA Rural Development, Section 9006 This is the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) web site for the Section 9006: Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program with information on grant and guaranteed loans for agricultural producers and rural small business to assist with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements. The information includes details on project and applicant eligibility, application procedures, required forms and other useful information to assist in the application process.
USDA Rural Business Cooperative ServiceThis USDA web site provides information to assist farm, ranch and small business in the area of renewable energy and efficiency. This program promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools and offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services
California Energy Commission (CEC) -- The primary energy policy and planning agency for the state of CA.
Consumer Energy Center -- CEC-sponsored site providing CA consumers information on renewable energy & fuel alternatives, as well as tips on energy conservation.
DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) -- U.S. Department of Energy portal for information on renewable energy.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) -- The DOE's principal U.S. laboratory for renewable energy research and development.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Concentrating Solar Power Research site - Information about our latest research and development efforts in concentrating solar power technologies
National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) -- Center run by NREL with a mission to increase the viability and deployment of renewable wind energy.
SANDIA National Labs -- PV specific site including good system and component level information from SANDIA's Photovoltaic Systems Program.
United Nations Energy & Environment Program -- The UNDP helps countries strengthen their capacity to address environmental challenges at global, national and community levels.
Associations, Institutes & Non Profit Organizations
Adobe Alliance - A non-profit group dedicated to helping communities apply cooperative building techniques in earth architecture
Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) -- Group promoting energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security.
Alternative Energy Institute (AEI) -- A major information resource of wind energy for the State of Texas.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) -- Non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.
American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) -- Non-profit organization in Washington D.C. focused on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies into the mainstream of American society.
American Hydrogen Association (AHA) -- Organization providing information on the use of hydrogen as a fuel.
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) -- National organization dedicated to advancing the widespread use of solar energy.
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) -- National organization advocating the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative.
Arizona Solar Center (AZSC) -- Non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the use and utilization of solar energy.
Boston Area Solar Energy Association (BASEA) -- Fostering the design and use of solar and sustainable energy technologies through education, advocacy and the demonstration of practical, cost effective techniques.
British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) -- Promoting the use of wind power in and around the UK, both onshore and offshore.
Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) -- Institute committed to a successful and sustainable future for 100% of humanity.
California Solar Center (CSC) -- Designed to be a prime source of information on solar energy activity in CA.
Canadian Association for Renewable Energies (WeCARE) -- National Canadian association advocating the use of renewable energies.
Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) -- Non-profit trade association promoting the appropriate development and application of wind energy in Canada.
Center for Alternative Technology (CAT) -- European eco-center offering practical solutions to environmental problems.
Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology (CREST) -- National organization supporting the advancement of renewable energy technology through policy research.
Centro de Estudios de la Energía Solar (Censolar-Spain) -- Solar energy training center.
Chicago Solar Partnership (CSP) -- Organization advocating renewable energy technologies to help communities in Illinois use energy ever-more wisely.
Clean Power Campaign -- Non-profit organization of environmental and public interest groups, and renewable energy providers to promote increased electric system reliance on sustainable use of energy resources.
Coalition for New Energy Technologies -- Coalition working at the federal and state levels to advance renewable energy and efficiency technologies in AZ, CO, NM, and UT.
Colorado Strawbale Association
Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) -- Promotes the use of solar energy and conservation to improve the environment and create a sustainable future.
Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) -- Non-profit organization that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency in western Colorado and beyond.
Cooperative Community Energy (CCEnergy) -- A buyer’s cooperative providing quality renewable energy equipment and services.
The Dharma House - An organisation in the south of France that runs various courses in Solar energy and ecology
Development Center for Appropriate Technology (DCAT) -- Center working to enhance the health of the planet by promoting a shift to sustainable construction and development through leadership, strategic relationships, and education.
Earth Energy Society of Canada (EESC) -- Society incorporated to represent and promote earth energy technology as a viable economic and environmental option in Canada's energy scenario.
Ecological Building Network
EcoNet -- Organization bringing advanced communications technologies to grassroots organizations worldwide.
Eco Soul -- Home of the National Fuel Cell Education Program, focusing particularly on renewable hydrogen and fuel cells.
El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA) -- Association providing practical information on solar energy and energy efficiency, focusing on issues relating to the US Southwest.
Electric Auto Association (EAA) -- A source of information on the current state of electric vehicle technology worldwide.
Energy Efficient Building Association (EEBA) -- Association dedicated to helping transform the residential design, development and construction industries to profitably deliver energy efficiency and environmentally responsible buildings and communities.
Energyinfo.net -- General energy information on the net.
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) -- Research institute of the University of Central Florida focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency research, training, testing, and certification.
Future Energies -- UK Web log hosting articles and discussions on various energy related issues.
Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building - Promoting natural building, and sustainable design and development through research, training, education andconsulting services
Green LA -- Group of environmental programs run by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power committed to supporting and embracing environmental efforts towards a sustainable future for the city.
Green Energy Ohio (GEO) -- Not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio.
Hollowtop's Sustainable Living Skills -- Provides links and information on sustainable living skills.
International Energy Foundation (IEF) -- Organization to facilitate the transfer of research and technology in all areas of energy with special emphasis on developing countries.
International Solar Center Berlin -- General information and links to international resources on renewable energy.
International Solar Energy Society (ISES) -- A UN-accredited NGO supporting its members in the advancement of renewable energy technology, implementation and education all over the world.
Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) -- Council with a mission to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) -- Nonprofit network for sharing ideas, resources, and information to promote a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Millenium Debate -- British charity established as an on-line framework within which research, debate and education related to energy and the environment can flourish.
Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center -- Organization with a mission to provide experiential learning of Earth Literacy based on the cornerstones of spirituality, sustainability and community.
National Biodiesel Board (NBB) -- National trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the U.S.
New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) -- An educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solar energy and related sustainable practices.
North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) -- A clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) -- Association participating in creating a sustainable energy future in North Carolina through the promotion of renewable energy technologies.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) -- Leading regional membership organization focused on promoting the understanding, development, and adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA) - OSEIA is dedicated to promoting the benefits of renewable energy and to developing a strong local RE industry in Oregon.
Potomac Region Solar Energy Association (PRSEA) -- PRSEA works to further the development, use of, and support for solar energy and related arts, sciences, and technologies.
Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) -- National trade organization for the U.S. ethanol fuel industry.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) -- An entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of natural, human and other capital to make the world more secure, just, prosperous, and life sustaining.
SociallyResponsible.org -- Comprehensive internet directory to help socially responsible people and businesses find each other.
Solar Cooking Archive -- Collection of resources on solar cooking sponsored by Solar Cookers International.
Solar Living Institute (SLI) -- Non-profit educational organization that promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education.
Sustainable Settings -- An entrepreneurial non-profit organization that inspires people and communities to embrace integrated solutions for sustainable development.
Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) -- Group dedicated to increasing the awareness of the potential of solar and other renewable energy applications and to promote the wise use of these sustainable resources.
UK Solar Energy Society (UK-ISES) -- NGO promoting the wider use of renewable energy technologies.
Veggie Van Website -- Organization promoting and providing information on the use of biodiesel fuel, with a mission to transform America into an energy independent nation.
Windustry -- Non-profit organization working to increase wind energy opportunities for rural landowners and communities.
World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) -- Globally operated independent organization established to defend, develop, and promote policies in favor of the wise and prudent use all forms of natural and renewable energy.
Worldwatch Institute -- Independent research group for an environmentally sustainable and socially just society.
Rural Development Organizations
Builders without Borders -- International network of ecological builders working together for a sustainable future.
Cubasolar - A Cuban NGO promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Enersol -- Non-profit charitable organization developing and introducing sustainable energy solutions for rural communities.
Engineering for Developing Communities (EDC) -- University of Colorado program to educate globally responsible students who can offer sustainable and appropriate solutions to the endemic problems faced by developing communities worldwide.
Engineers without Borders -- Non-profit organization established to help developing areas worldwide with their engineering needs, while involving and training a new kind of internationally responsible engineering student.
Green Empowerment -- Non-profit international development organization promoting community-based renewable energy projects internationally to generate social and environmental progress.
Greenstar.org -- Site delivering solar power, health, education, and environmental programs to small villages in the developing world.
Grupo Fenix -- A cooperative network of engineers and local community people who share a common passion for developing solar and renewable energy technologies in Nicaragua.
Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) -- NGO working in Nepal to improve the quality of life in the Himalayan region via the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies.
Knightsbridge International (KBI) -- Not for Profit Corporation dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief worldwide without regard to race, religion or national origin.
Native Energy -- Organization committed to helping develop domestic renewable energy sources, featuring Native American projects.
Palang Thai -- Thailand-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering grassroots communities and small entrepreneurs to use renewable energy in ways that support sustainable development and participatory democracy.
Plenty International -- A village-based international development agency promoting local self-sufficiency in economically disadvantaged or otherwise threatened communities.
Rancho Mastatal -- An environmental learning and sustainable living center, retreat and lodge located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s Puriscal County.
Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) -- Non-profit charitable organization founded to promote, develop, and facilitate solar rural electrification and energy self-sufficiency in developing countries.
Sustainable Nations Development Project -- Promotes the sovereignty, environmental health, and cultural health of Indigenous Nations through community-based appropriate technology development work.
The Sustainable Village -- A "social enterprise" providing solutions to global problems using renewable energy and appropriate technology in developing countries.
Village Earth -- An organization that helps achieve sustainable community-based development by connecting communities with global resources.
Renewable Energy Events
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Conference - Held annually in a different state.
Aspen Valley Renewable Energy Day -- Held annually in late August in Aspen, Colorado.
Midwest Renewable Energy Fair -- Sponsored by the MREA each summer in Custer, Wisconsin.
SolFest -- Summer solar festival sponsored by the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA.
SolWest Fair -- Sponsored by the Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Association each summer in John Day, Oregon.
Online RE Educational Sites
Center for Environmental Education (CEE) -- Center within the Antioch New England Institute with a mission to create greener K-12 schools and communities.
Climate Change - Provides the latest news and information about climate change science, global warming and alternative energy.
Energy Planet - A visual and interactive web directory of information resources about renewable energy technology.
Energy Saving Secrets - A website containing over 100 articles on how to save energy.
Energy Trace Webzine - A comprehensive and up-to-date source on energy news, information, jobs, events, products, and more.
Environment resources - A directory of Environment related websites
FindSolar.com - A web site which links consumers to solar professionals
Fuel From the Sun -- Site exploring a variety of ways to harness the Sun's solar energy.
Green Home Building -- Site including a wide range of information about sustainable architecture and natural building.
Hi-Energy -- Comprehensive information on renewable energy technologies in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
My Green Scene -- An information source for alternative technologies, and how they will impact our future
Off-Grid -- A webzine about living with renewable energy.
Peak Oil Project -- An interactive learning reference on peak oil.
PV Portal -- Web link to the world of solar energy.
Rainwater Harvesting Guide - Rainwater collection, recycling and reuse.
Review of Solar Cooker Designs -- Includes information on the design of solar cookers.
Savingcivilization.org -- Information about turning around our economy and environment
Society for Energy Education (SEE) -- Society dedicated to fostering truth and understanding about the production and consumption of energy resources and their impact on the economy and the environment.
The Solar Guide -- A guide to solar and renewable energy that makes the information accessible and understandable.
Solar Power: News -- Consolidated News: Solar Power, Solar Energy and Solar Electric Power.
SunWind Solar -- Notes and links introducing important information about Solar Energy.
SustainableBuild.co.uk -- A website offering a unique reference point on sustainable construction.
SustainableStuff.co.uk -- A website offering a unique reference point on sustainable living.
Think Hydrogen -- Information on the use of hydrogen as a fuel.
UK Energy Saving -- Advice and tips on saving energy in your home and business
Publication Links
Chelsea Green -- Publisher of books on sustainable living.
Rainwater Harvesting - Guiding principles to welcome rain into your life and landscape.
Hatcreek Publishing -- Information on solar electric systems.
Home Power Magazine -- Hands-on journal of home-made power.
Joiners Quarterly -- Journal of Timber Framing, Traditional and Natural Home Building.
Journal of Energy Education -- A forum for the discussion of educating the public about energy consumption and production.
The Last Straw -- The International Journal of Straw Bale and Natural Building.
Natural Home Magazine -- Offers today's health-conscious, environmentally concerned homeowners the information they need to practice earth-inspired living.
New Society Publishers (NSP) -- Publisher focusing on books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an ecologically sustainable and just society.
Renewable Energy Resources
Alternative Energy News Source - Site covering news on alternative energy
American Energy Independence -- Site promoting the need for energy independence.
Conserv-a-Store -- Store supporting sustainable commerce and an eco-friendly lifestyle by providing energy and resource saving goods that save money and save the earth.
DirectoryScience.com - An online Science directory designed to help its users find the online science source, companies, products, services, and information.
EcoIQ.com -- Website focused on energy conservation and renewables.
EcoSpeakers.com -- Operated by EcoIQ to promote speakers for conferences, meetings, training programs, and community, business, and university speaker series.
Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability -- Forum seeking to facilitate information exchange and discussion among those engaged in the field of science and technology for sustainability.
RenewableEnergAccess.com -- Comprehensive source for information on the renewable energy field, including job postings.
Solarbuzz -- International solar energy research and consulting company.
Source for Renewable Energy -- Online buyer's guide and business directory to renewable energy businesses and organizations worldwide.
E-construct - Directory of design related websites
Teacher's Resources
Schools Going Solar -- An IREC project focused on building a network, a community of people who can share experiences with solar energy in schools.
Scholarship Sources
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) -- National association dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the developments of energy policies, R&D technologies, and environmental issues.
National Association of Women In Construction

Women's Organizations Links
Alliance of Business Women International (ABWI) -- Non-profit organization founded to encourage and support business women involved or interested in international trade opportunities.
Global Fund for Women -- International grant-making foundation supporting women's human rights organizations around the world.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) -- Non-profit educational and service organization representing both student and professional women in engineering and technical fields.
Tradeswomen, Inc. -- Organization of trade professionals working together to provide fair and safe conditions for women who work in the building trades.
Women in Technology International (WITI) -- Organization designed to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.
Women's International Center -- Non-profit education and service foundation with a mission to acknowledge, honor and encourage women.
Women's Net -- Organization bringing advanced communications technologies to women's organizations worldwide.
Women of Wind Energy (WOWE) -- A group of individuals who support and encourage the participation of professional women in the wind energy industry by providing networking opportunities and student sponsorships.