Solar Energy investing, Renewable Power stocks and Solar Energy company website links
Find links to publicly-listed solar energy stocks, solar power investing information, fuel cells, green energy links, geothermal power investments and wind energy companies website links.
Major Publicly-traded Solar Power Company stock Links:
5N Plus Inc. english website
Applied Materials maker of Sunfab thin film solar products
Canadian Solar (CSIQ), designer / manufacturer of solar electricity systems
centrotherm photovolatics AG (eiCTN), english language website
Conergy AG (eiCGY) aolar thermal and photovoltaic solar power systems
Energy Conversion Devices page at Yahoo Finance
ErSol Solar Energy (eiES6) European solar power manufacturer / distributor
Evergreen Solar website ESLR
First Solar (FSLR) leading solar company info
JA Solar Holdings (JASO) China-based solar power company
LDK Solar (LDK), manufacturer of solar power cells
OyNot.com Solar Energy and Batteries
Phoenix solar AG (eiPS4), leading photovoltaic systems wholesaler and intergrator
PBD - Info on PowerShares Global Clean Energy Fund
PV Crystalox Solar (lLPVCS ) leading manufacturer of multicrystalline silicon ingots and wafers
Q-Cells AG (eiQCE) photovoltaic solar energy company
Renewable Energy Corp (eoREC) - Norway Solar Power company
Roth & Rau (eiR8R), solar energy plasma technology, english website
Solaria Energia (eDSLR), Spain-based solar collector manufacturer, thermal and electric
Solar Millennium AG (eiS2M), global solar thermal energy company
SolarWorld AG (eiSWV) - solar energy firm in Germany
Solon AG (eiSOO1), integrated photovoltaic solar building materials
Spire Solar company info at Yahoo Finance; SPIR
SunPower Corp (SPWR) solar electric energy company
SunTech Power (STP) solar energy company in China
Trina Solar ADS (TSL)
Wind Energy Company websites; Windpower Info online
Yingli Green Energy (YGE), China and global solar power company
Privately Owned Solar Power Companies
Global Solar Energy, thin film solar company in Tucson Arizona USA
Heliovolt, Austin Texas manufacturer of thin film solar energy products
Nanosolar - Solar energy technology company
Scientific American article on thin film solar power technology
Wind Energy Investing Links
* Acciona Wind Energy (ANA.MC)
* Babcock and Brown Wind Partners (ASX: BBW BBWPF.PK)
* Boralex Wind Energy info
* Clipper Windpower (CWPR.L) Wind Turbine Manufacturing
* Gamesa Corp (GAM.MC) alternative energy website
* Naikun Windpower company information
* SkyPower Windpower Investment Fund
* Sky Power - Canadian windpower firm
* Suzlon Energy (SUZL) Indian wind power stock
* Vestas Wind Systems (VWSYF) Danish windpower company
* Western Wind Energy (WND: TSX.V) publicly-listed stock
* Xantrex Technology (XTX) solar energy inverters
Alternative Energy Investing; Clean Power Stocks
* Calvert Global Alternative Energy Investment Fund (CGAEX)
* Canadian Hydro (KHD) windpower developments
* Canada Windpower Atlas
* Geothermal Energy Investing Info
* Directory of Top Alternative Energy Websites
* Naikun Wind Energy British Columbia development
* Ormat Tech (ORA) geothermal power leading company
More Clean Energy websites, Green Power Blogs, Renewable Power stocks Investing Info:
American Solar Energy Society
Ardour Solar Energy Index list of companies
Bees Trees Frogs Elephants Nature Website
Directory of Solar Power Info Online
DOE Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Power Website
EcoWorld.com - Nature and Technology In Harmony
FuelCellToday.com - Fuel Cell Industry Information
Geothermal.info Geothermal Power stocks investing blog
Green-Energy-News.com
Green Realtor Website
Hawaii Green Homes Land
Home Power Magazine - Official Website
International Solar Energy Society main website
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for renewable power R&D, energy efficiency
Net Metering information
PanTerra Clean Energy Business Parks
Renewable Energy Access Website
Renewable Energy Focus
RenewableEnergyStocks.com Global Stock List
Renewable Power Investing website
Solar Buzz Renewable Energy Investments
Science Daily Solar Energy Information
SolarBuzz.com Best Solar Energy Website
Solar Energy Investment Blog
The Solar Intelligence Blog
SunPoweredDreams.com Green Energy Blog
Windpower Monthly wind energy news magazine from New Zealand
Renewable Energy Stocks, Windpower Investing Info
Search Alternative Energy Stocks, Renewable Power Investing Info
Clean Geen Power Mutual Funds and Investments
Find Green Energy Funds, Renewable Energy Stocks, Clean Power Investments
Search Green Energy Stocks Investing Network:
CAUTION: Investing in common stocks of publicly-listed companies is a high risk (and high potential reward) activity. Owning investments in individual renewable energy technology companies is for high risk investors only, and medium risk investors should consider green mutual funds, closed-end clean energy funds, alternative energy index funds and other clean energy sector investments. Even then, these funds should be owned as part of a widely diversified portfolio, and always be considered as longer term investments.
Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
Clean Energy Website Information Network
Find green power alternative energy solutions, clean energy stocks, water technology stocks, water purification companies, water desalination technology and photovoltaic solar electric power company websites:
Find Green Energy Funds, Renewable Energy Stocks, Clean Power Investments
Search Green Energy Stocks Investing Network:
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Alternative energy stocks and other renewable power investments are a core component of ethical investing portfolios. Find info on Alternative Energy websites, research solar power, locate renewable power information and solar energy companies online. Links to info on clean fuels, solar power as a peace technology, solar energy stocks and clean power mutual funds.
Clean Energy Website Information Network
Find green power alternative energy solutions, clean energy stocks, water technology stocks, water purification companies, water desalination technology and photovoltaic solar electric power company websites:
Custom Search
Showing posts with label solar energy stocks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar energy stocks. Show all posts
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
February alternative energy news, renewable power stocks
Nevada Geothermal Power is proceeding with Ormat on the Blue Mountain Faulkner 1 Power Plant, see article on geotherma.info entitled Nevada Geo (NGLPF) and Ormat Tech (ORA) in $20 million deal for Blue Mountain geothermal project.
In Geothermal energy news and geothermal company info, Australia has opened up Geopower exploration, and NGP finds geothermal energy drilling success.
Earlier in February Tyler Hamilton over at Clean Break focused on the links between high-purity cadmium telluride supplier 5N Plus and their world-leading customer First Solar in an article that also discusses a potential cadmium shortage.
Vestas Wind Systems AS, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, said it has received an order for 32 units of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbine from Spain's Catalana d'Energies Renovables SL.
Sharp Solar aims to raise its annual thin-film solar cell production capacity by completing new plants in Japan and building new facilities abroad. Q-Cells Solar said earlier this month that it had overtaken Sharp as the world’s No. 1 maker of solar cells in terms of volume in 2007.
Spire (SPIR) will provide Dongyang in Korea with a 12 MegaWatt crystalline cell module manufacturing line.
Evergreen Solar and Renewable Energy Corp prepare EverQ Initial Public Offering.
More alternative energy investing info:
Geothermal Power Investing
Wind Energy Stcoks
In Geothermal energy news and geothermal company info, Australia has opened up Geopower exploration, and NGP finds geothermal energy drilling success.
Earlier in February Tyler Hamilton over at Clean Break focused on the links between high-purity cadmium telluride supplier 5N Plus and their world-leading customer First Solar in an article that also discusses a potential cadmium shortage.
Vestas Wind Systems AS, the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, said it has received an order for 32 units of its V90-1.8 MW wind turbine from Spain's Catalana d'Energies Renovables SL.
Sharp Solar aims to raise its annual thin-film solar cell production capacity by completing new plants in Japan and building new facilities abroad. Q-Cells Solar said earlier this month that it had overtaken Sharp as the world’s No. 1 maker of solar cells in terms of volume in 2007.
Spire (SPIR) will provide Dongyang in Korea with a 12 MegaWatt crystalline cell module manufacturing line.
Evergreen Solar and Renewable Energy Corp prepare EverQ Initial Public Offering.
More alternative energy investing info:
Geothermal Power Investing
Wind Energy Stcoks
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Energy Conversion Devices (ENER) soars on Q2 2008 results
Energy Conversion Devices; ENER Announces Second Quarter 2008 Financial Results
Consolidated Revenues Increase 20 Percent on Strong UNI-SOLAR(R) Sales- Solar Production Increases Nearly 50 Percent- Company Reaffirms Sustainable Profitability in Fiscal Q4
February 07, 2008
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) , the leading global manufacturer of solar thin-film laminate products, today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, ended December 31, 2007.
Revenues in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $56.4 million, up 20 percent from first quarter revenues of $47.0 million and up 146 percent from $22.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Revenues from the company's solar business were $51.7 million, or 92 percent of total revenues. Second quarter solar revenues represented a 23 percent sequential increase and a 169 percent increase over the prior-year quarter. Gross margins in the solar business were 19.2 percent.
ECD reported a net loss for the quarter of $5.4 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.6 million, or $0.19 per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.07 per share, in the year-ago period. Second quarter results included $2.5 million, or $0.06 per share, of restructuring charges principally for severance and other costs associated with corporate staff reductions and management transition. Results in the quarter were also impacted by approximately $2.3 million, or $0.06 per share, of preproduction costs.
For the first six months of fiscal 2008, total revenues were $103.5 million compared with $50.1 million for the first six months of fiscal 2007, an increase of 106 percent. Revenues from the solar business totaled $93.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2008, a 118 percent increase compared with $43.0 million last year.
For the six-month period, the company reported a net loss of $13.0 million, or $0.33 per share, compared with the previous year's net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.13 per share. Restructuring costs for the first six months of fiscal 2008 amounted to $5.1 million, or $0.13 per share. Preproduction costs for the period were $4.8 million, or $0.12 per share.
Mark Morelli, ECD's president and CEO, commented, "We are excited with the progress we are making in growing revenues and reinventing the company around operational excellence. During the quarter, our production of thin-film solar laminates expanded by 50 percent over the first quarter, and tripled over last year's second quarter. At the same time, our sales pipeline continues to run ahead of production capacity as new and repeat customers in key markets around the world have come to recognize the significant advantages and attractive return on investment of our UNI-SOLAR laminates. As a result, we remain confident that we will reach sustainable profitability by the fiscal fourth quarter."
The company's manufacturing ramp continues on schedule, and United Solar Ovonic produced 15.4 MW in the quarter and 25.8 MW for the first half of the fiscal year. No polysilicon is required for the manufacturing of UNI-SOLAR laminates; therefore, production is not affected by polysilicon supply. Nameplate capacity currently stands at 118 MW.
Sanjeev Kumar, ECD's CFO, said, "United Solar's gross margin of 19.2 percent for the quarter exceeded our forecast of 15 to 16 percent due to improved production ramp and operational efficiencies. We continue to see excellent top-line momentum going forward, which will begin to appear below the line in the coming quarters as we complete our restructuring and management transition."
"As a result of our significant cost reductions in R&D, Ovonic Materials has reached breakeven, and we expect it to remain so going forward. Second quarter, consolidated SG&A costs increased about $6 million from the second quarter last year as a result of investments we are making in the right staff and expertise to grow our solar business. The key takeaway is that these costs are increasing at a much slower rate than our overall sales and productivity. These line items now constitute about 23% of revenues and will continue to decline as a percentage of revenues over time as we successfully scale our operations," Kumar added.
Key Developments
-- A multiple-year supply agreement to sell up to 21.15 MW of UNI-SOLAR
laminates to Enfinity Management, one of Europe's largest investors in
solar PV installations. Enfinity will use the UNI-SOLAR products for
rooftop installations in Europe.
-- An agreement with SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy
service provider, to provide up to 17 MW of UNI-SOLAR laminates for use
on large-scale rooftop installations on industrial and commercial
buildings, principally in the US.
-- The hiring of key senior management, including Marcelino Susas, Vice
President, Strategic Marketing; Corby Whitaker, Vice President, Global
Sales; Joseph Conroy, Vice President, Operations; and Tom Schultz, Vice
President, Human Resources - United Solar Ovonic Operations.
-- The signing of several sales agreements in South Korea, one of the
world's fastest growing solar markets, including a take-or-pay
commitment from AirTec for 25 MW in calendar 2008 and 2009.
-- The completion of a $55 million credit facility. In addition, the
company had approximately $155 million in cash and cash equivalents at
the end of the quarter.
Narrowing Full-Year Revenue Guidance; Reiterating Sustainable Profitability in Fiscal Q4
The company narrowed its prior revenue guidance provided at the end of the fiscal first quarter. Fiscal year 2008 consolidated revenues are now expected to be $235 to $245 million versus prior guidance of $220 to $245 million. Fiscal year United Solar product sales are expected to be $215 to $225 million versus prior guidance of $205 to $225 million. Anticipated full-year preproduction costs are in the range of $8 to $9 million. Restructuring costs for fiscal year 2008 are expected to be $7.0 to $8.0 million versus prior guidance of $3 to $5 million due to additional staff reductions and other cost-saving initiatives. The company is reiterating its expectation that it will reach sustainable profitability in the fiscal fourth quarter.
For the fiscal third quarter ending March 31, 2008, total consolidated revenues are expected to be between $65 to $70 million, of which solar product sales are expected to be $60 to $65 million. Gross margins on solar product sales for the fiscal third quarter are expected to be approximately 21 to 23 percent, reflecting further improvement in operational performance and the ramp up of the company's first Greenville manufacturing facility. Restructuring costs for the third quarter are expected to be in the range of $2.0 to $3.0 million. The company anticipates preproduction costs of approximately $1.5 to $2.5 million in the quarter.
Additionally, the company is increasing its guidance on United Solar gross margins for the fiscal fourth quarter to approximately 23 to 25 percent.
More suggested browsing:
Geotherma.Info - Investing in Geothermal Energy
WindIntell.com - Windpower Energy Investments
The Solar Intelligence Blog
Consolidated Revenues Increase 20 Percent on Strong UNI-SOLAR(R) Sales- Solar Production Increases Nearly 50 Percent- Company Reaffirms Sustainable Profitability in Fiscal Q4
February 07, 2008
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) , the leading global manufacturer of solar thin-film laminate products, today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, ended December 31, 2007.
Revenues in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $56.4 million, up 20 percent from first quarter revenues of $47.0 million and up 146 percent from $22.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Revenues from the company's solar business were $51.7 million, or 92 percent of total revenues. Second quarter solar revenues represented a 23 percent sequential increase and a 169 percent increase over the prior-year quarter. Gross margins in the solar business were 19.2 percent.
ECD reported a net loss for the quarter of $5.4 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to a net loss of $7.6 million, or $0.19 per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, and a net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.07 per share, in the year-ago period. Second quarter results included $2.5 million, or $0.06 per share, of restructuring charges principally for severance and other costs associated with corporate staff reductions and management transition. Results in the quarter were also impacted by approximately $2.3 million, or $0.06 per share, of preproduction costs.
For the first six months of fiscal 2008, total revenues were $103.5 million compared with $50.1 million for the first six months of fiscal 2007, an increase of 106 percent. Revenues from the solar business totaled $93.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2008, a 118 percent increase compared with $43.0 million last year.
For the six-month period, the company reported a net loss of $13.0 million, or $0.33 per share, compared with the previous year's net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.13 per share. Restructuring costs for the first six months of fiscal 2008 amounted to $5.1 million, or $0.13 per share. Preproduction costs for the period were $4.8 million, or $0.12 per share.
Mark Morelli, ECD's president and CEO, commented, "We are excited with the progress we are making in growing revenues and reinventing the company around operational excellence. During the quarter, our production of thin-film solar laminates expanded by 50 percent over the first quarter, and tripled over last year's second quarter. At the same time, our sales pipeline continues to run ahead of production capacity as new and repeat customers in key markets around the world have come to recognize the significant advantages and attractive return on investment of our UNI-SOLAR laminates. As a result, we remain confident that we will reach sustainable profitability by the fiscal fourth quarter."
The company's manufacturing ramp continues on schedule, and United Solar Ovonic produced 15.4 MW in the quarter and 25.8 MW for the first half of the fiscal year. No polysilicon is required for the manufacturing of UNI-SOLAR laminates; therefore, production is not affected by polysilicon supply. Nameplate capacity currently stands at 118 MW.
Sanjeev Kumar, ECD's CFO, said, "United Solar's gross margin of 19.2 percent for the quarter exceeded our forecast of 15 to 16 percent due to improved production ramp and operational efficiencies. We continue to see excellent top-line momentum going forward, which will begin to appear below the line in the coming quarters as we complete our restructuring and management transition."
"As a result of our significant cost reductions in R&D, Ovonic Materials has reached breakeven, and we expect it to remain so going forward. Second quarter, consolidated SG&A costs increased about $6 million from the second quarter last year as a result of investments we are making in the right staff and expertise to grow our solar business. The key takeaway is that these costs are increasing at a much slower rate than our overall sales and productivity. These line items now constitute about 23% of revenues and will continue to decline as a percentage of revenues over time as we successfully scale our operations," Kumar added.
Key Developments
-- A multiple-year supply agreement to sell up to 21.15 MW of UNI-SOLAR
laminates to Enfinity Management, one of Europe's largest investors in
solar PV installations. Enfinity will use the UNI-SOLAR products for
rooftop installations in Europe.
-- An agreement with SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy
service provider, to provide up to 17 MW of UNI-SOLAR laminates for use
on large-scale rooftop installations on industrial and commercial
buildings, principally in the US.
-- The hiring of key senior management, including Marcelino Susas, Vice
President, Strategic Marketing; Corby Whitaker, Vice President, Global
Sales; Joseph Conroy, Vice President, Operations; and Tom Schultz, Vice
President, Human Resources - United Solar Ovonic Operations.
-- The signing of several sales agreements in South Korea, one of the
world's fastest growing solar markets, including a take-or-pay
commitment from AirTec for 25 MW in calendar 2008 and 2009.
-- The completion of a $55 million credit facility. In addition, the
company had approximately $155 million in cash and cash equivalents at
the end of the quarter.
Narrowing Full-Year Revenue Guidance; Reiterating Sustainable Profitability in Fiscal Q4
The company narrowed its prior revenue guidance provided at the end of the fiscal first quarter. Fiscal year 2008 consolidated revenues are now expected to be $235 to $245 million versus prior guidance of $220 to $245 million. Fiscal year United Solar product sales are expected to be $215 to $225 million versus prior guidance of $205 to $225 million. Anticipated full-year preproduction costs are in the range of $8 to $9 million. Restructuring costs for fiscal year 2008 are expected to be $7.0 to $8.0 million versus prior guidance of $3 to $5 million due to additional staff reductions and other cost-saving initiatives. The company is reiterating its expectation that it will reach sustainable profitability in the fiscal fourth quarter.
For the fiscal third quarter ending March 31, 2008, total consolidated revenues are expected to be between $65 to $70 million, of which solar product sales are expected to be $60 to $65 million. Gross margins on solar product sales for the fiscal third quarter are expected to be approximately 21 to 23 percent, reflecting further improvement in operational performance and the ramp up of the company's first Greenville manufacturing facility. Restructuring costs for the third quarter are expected to be in the range of $2.0 to $3.0 million. The company anticipates preproduction costs of approximately $1.5 to $2.5 million in the quarter.
Additionally, the company is increasing its guidance on United Solar gross margins for the fiscal fourth quarter to approximately 23 to 25 percent.
More suggested browsing:
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WindIntell.com - Windpower Energy Investments
The Solar Intelligence Blog
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Swiss Tech firm Oerlikon to double solar division capacity
article from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk
By Richard Dobson
TAIPEI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The solar unit of Swiss technology group Oerlikon said on Friday it would double its production capacity by adding a new plant in Asia and raised its 2008 sales forecast by 17 percent on surging demand.
A market leader in supplying machines that make thin-film solar cells, Oerlikon said it would establish a new production facility in Singapore as producers struggle to meet demand for the technology, the company said in a statement.
"We would have at least equal capacity out of Asia as we do in Europe," said Oerlikon Solar CEO Jeannine Sargent in a phone interview with Reuters.
Capacity for 2007 is expected to have hit 300 million francs, said Sargent, with the Singapore addition increasing sales four-fold, or around 1.2 billion francs once the plant becomes operational in the first quarter of 2009.
Record oil prices, concerns about climate change and government incentives to move away from fossil fuels have boosted investment in alternative energy sources, spurring demand for solar panels and lifting sales.
"Oerlikon Solar's sales have exceeded this year's planning and are expected to rise to more than 700 million Swiss francs ($636 million) in 2008, with growth rates exceeding 50 percent over the next several years," the company said in an emailed statement on Friday.
The company had forecast 2008 sales of 600 million francs in October.
Oerlikon's solar unit has a market share of around 50 percent for thin-film technology and competes with America's Applied Materials. Its customers include
Taiwan's CMC Magnetics Corp and Italy's Pramac SpA.
Thin-film solar cells use much less silicon than conventional solar cells, lowering production costs and module prices. However, they aren't as efficient at transferring the sun's energy into electricity as traditional crystalline cells.
Oerlikon is currently hiring for the Singapore facility and is seeking a location to build, said Sargent.
The plant will help meet surging demand in Asia, which Sargent said will be one of the fastest-growing regions for producing thin-film solar modules in the world over the next two to three years, said Sargent.
"Based on recent announcements, the Asian capacity for solar panels produced will grow to more then 4 GWp (gigawatt peak) by 2010, which is more than double that of
the U.S. and Europe," the company said in an emailed statement.
As demand has surged, suppliers have struggled to meet orders, and Sargent said Oerlikon, like others, was finding it a challenge to deliver.
"We'd like to have delivery times in the 6-9 month window, and we're probably slightly outside of that 9-month window right now, and that's why we're accelerating our plans both in Europe with the announced expansions as well as this new expansion for capacity in Asia," he said.
The potential of thin film has attracted major solar energy players such as German-based Q-Cells AG and Japan's Sharp Corp, one of the world's leading solar panel makers.
http://www.guardian.co.uk
By Richard Dobson
TAIPEI, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The solar unit of Swiss technology group Oerlikon said on Friday it would double its production capacity by adding a new plant in Asia and raised its 2008 sales forecast by 17 percent on surging demand.
A market leader in supplying machines that make thin-film solar cells, Oerlikon said it would establish a new production facility in Singapore as producers struggle to meet demand for the technology, the company said in a statement.
"We would have at least equal capacity out of Asia as we do in Europe," said Oerlikon Solar CEO Jeannine Sargent in a phone interview with Reuters.
Capacity for 2007 is expected to have hit 300 million francs, said Sargent, with the Singapore addition increasing sales four-fold, or around 1.2 billion francs once the plant becomes operational in the first quarter of 2009.
Record oil prices, concerns about climate change and government incentives to move away from fossil fuels have boosted investment in alternative energy sources, spurring demand for solar panels and lifting sales.
"Oerlikon Solar's sales have exceeded this year's planning and are expected to rise to more than 700 million Swiss francs ($636 million) in 2008, with growth rates exceeding 50 percent over the next several years," the company said in an emailed statement on Friday.
The company had forecast 2008 sales of 600 million francs in October.
Oerlikon's solar unit has a market share of around 50 percent for thin-film technology and competes with America's Applied Materials. Its customers include
Taiwan's CMC Magnetics Corp and Italy's Pramac SpA.
Thin-film solar cells use much less silicon than conventional solar cells, lowering production costs and module prices. However, they aren't as efficient at transferring the sun's energy into electricity as traditional crystalline cells.
Oerlikon is currently hiring for the Singapore facility and is seeking a location to build, said Sargent.
The plant will help meet surging demand in Asia, which Sargent said will be one of the fastest-growing regions for producing thin-film solar modules in the world over the next two to three years, said Sargent.
"Based on recent announcements, the Asian capacity for solar panels produced will grow to more then 4 GWp (gigawatt peak) by 2010, which is more than double that of
the U.S. and Europe," the company said in an emailed statement.
As demand has surged, suppliers have struggled to meet orders, and Sargent said Oerlikon, like others, was finding it a challenge to deliver.
"We'd like to have delivery times in the 6-9 month window, and we're probably slightly outside of that 9-month window right now, and that's why we're accelerating our plans both in Europe with the announced expansions as well as this new expansion for capacity in Asia," he said.
The potential of thin film has attracted major solar energy players such as German-based Q-Cells AG and Japan's Sharp Corp, one of the world's leading solar panel makers.
Analysis of FSLR's dependence on Tellurium and VNP
article from: http://seekingalpha.com/
by Mark Anthony
We are living in a resource constrained world, due to rapid depletion of many of the none-renewable natural resources, like oil, coal, and metal mineral resources. As the main stream media wake up to the Peak Oil reality, I believe it is important to keep the reality of a resource constrained world in our mind, when making investment decisions. In this article I want to talk about precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium, the rare metal tellurium and selenium, coal mines, agriculture, sugar, and fertilizers. Relate to these resources I will talk about the following stocks: PAAS, CDE, SLW, PAL, SWC, OMG, FSLR, JRCC, IPSU, POT, SEED, TNH, COIN, not necessarily in that order. This is the first part in a series. I will take about them in more detail in the future.
First on First Solar Inc. (FSLR) and tellurium, because I have some breaking news! I have previously written about FSLR and its critical reliance on tellurium supply, and about the fact that tellurium is increasingly being used on important new applications, which could force FSLR out of business. I also suggested buying physical tellurium as an investment.
The breaking news I discovered about FSLR, is from 5N Plus Inc. (VNP.to). VNP recently went IPO and they have just made the first public release of quarterly operating results, for the quarter ending Nov. 30, 2007. Find it on Sedar.com. I was shocked to discover that VNP saw virtually NO growth in sales revenue over several of past quarters. Here are the numbers of quarterly sales revenues:
Nov. 30, 07 $6.796MAug. 31, 07 $6.394MMay.31, 07 $6.400M (extrapolated from year total)Feb.28, 07 $5.700M (extrapolated from year total)Nov.30, 06 $4.890MAug.31, 06 $4.903M
We know that 55% of VNP's sales are CdTe sales to FSLR, so that's about $3.75M per quarter. We know during this time period, FSLR saw incredible production capacity expansion, going from one production line to three at the end of 2006, and then seven during Q3, 2007, due to the new Germany factory reached full capacity. The thoughput speed of the production lines also increased greatly.
Full article continued at: FSLR raw materials dependency on VNP
by Mark Anthony
We are living in a resource constrained world, due to rapid depletion of many of the none-renewable natural resources, like oil, coal, and metal mineral resources. As the main stream media wake up to the Peak Oil reality, I believe it is important to keep the reality of a resource constrained world in our mind, when making investment decisions. In this article I want to talk about precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium, the rare metal tellurium and selenium, coal mines, agriculture, sugar, and fertilizers. Relate to these resources I will talk about the following stocks: PAAS, CDE, SLW, PAL, SWC, OMG, FSLR, JRCC, IPSU, POT, SEED, TNH, COIN, not necessarily in that order. This is the first part in a series. I will take about them in more detail in the future.
First on First Solar Inc. (FSLR) and tellurium, because I have some breaking news! I have previously written about FSLR and its critical reliance on tellurium supply, and about the fact that tellurium is increasingly being used on important new applications, which could force FSLR out of business. I also suggested buying physical tellurium as an investment.
The breaking news I discovered about FSLR, is from 5N Plus Inc. (VNP.to). VNP recently went IPO and they have just made the first public release of quarterly operating results, for the quarter ending Nov. 30, 2007. Find it on Sedar.com. I was shocked to discover that VNP saw virtually NO growth in sales revenue over several of past quarters. Here are the numbers of quarterly sales revenues:
Nov. 30, 07 $6.796MAug. 31, 07 $6.394MMay.31, 07 $6.400M (extrapolated from year total)Feb.28, 07 $5.700M (extrapolated from year total)Nov.30, 06 $4.890MAug.31, 06 $4.903M
We know that 55% of VNP's sales are CdTe sales to FSLR, so that's about $3.75M per quarter. We know during this time period, FSLR saw incredible production capacity expansion, going from one production line to three at the end of 2006, and then seven during Q3, 2007, due to the new Germany factory reached full capacity. The thoughput speed of the production lines also increased greatly.
Full article continued at: FSLR raw materials dependency on VNP
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
SPWR: Technical Analysis on SunPower at AskStockGuru.com
Posted to AskStockGuru.com January 2, 2008
Quick Summary - Stock Quote and Research on SPWR
* The Stock is in Bullish Phase. The Bullish Phase occurs when there is an upside trend for the stock. The buyers are pushing the stock up.
* The stock has retraced 22.7% from its recent high price of 164.49 which occurred on 8-Nov-2007. The current price is below the 20 day moving average of 129.84. The stock could possibly find support at the 50 day moving average of 123.3.
* The closest support can be found at 121.49. The closest resistance can be found at 141.62. See Support/Resistance below for details.
Full article continues at:
Technical Analysis of SunPower Corp (SPWR)
Quick Summary - Stock Quote and Research on SPWR
* The Stock is in Bullish Phase. The Bullish Phase occurs when there is an upside trend for the stock. The buyers are pushing the stock up.
* The stock has retraced 22.7% from its recent high price of 164.49 which occurred on 8-Nov-2007. The current price is below the 20 day moving average of 129.84. The stock could possibly find support at the 50 day moving average of 123.3.
* The closest support can be found at 121.49. The closest resistance can be found at 141.62. See Support/Resistance below for details.
Full article continues at:
Technical Analysis of SunPower Corp (SPWR)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Bourne believes solar energy technology approaching tipping point
Investments in alternative energy technologies and models of innovation.
article from: Bourne To Be Wild
How do we cut through the hype in the varied landscape of alternative energy technologies? From time to time, there is a lot of excitement about a great NY Times article on Solar Power technology.
Here’s Vinod Khosla’s talk on the topic:
http://www.technologyreview.com/player/08/01/MagBiofuels/3.aspx
Interesting point to note about all similar articles on Nanosolar:
1. The good news: Germany has placed huge bets on coal energy. Its dependence on coal fire plants is similar to that of the US. A serious investment like that in Germany could correlate to investments in the US.
2. The articles don’t mention what folks eventually live and die by in technology- TCO. $1 per watt sounds like zero TCO. Storage is critical too. The good news: Khosla’s talk covers this point of view. So someone has that figured out to a degree.
3. Of course, just as investments in solar power are improving cost and efficiency, investments in (recent bad boy) ethanol and coal technologies are improving the cost and efficiency of those sources of energy. Non polluting coal power plants have 35% efficiency on coal. Solar energy based approaches of the type mentioned in the article hope to get there by 2011. Anyone betting on breakthroughs (safety, TCO, etc.) in nuclear power?
While multiple approaches to the energy crisis are the only way forward, it is really going to boil down to models of innovation. Or is it?
Full article continues at: Solar Energy Technology Models
article from: Bourne To Be Wild
How do we cut through the hype in the varied landscape of alternative energy technologies? From time to time, there is a lot of excitement about a great NY Times article on Solar Power technology.
Here’s Vinod Khosla’s talk on the topic:
http://www.technologyreview.com/player/08/01/MagBiofuels/3.aspx
Interesting point to note about all similar articles on Nanosolar:
1. The good news: Germany has placed huge bets on coal energy. Its dependence on coal fire plants is similar to that of the US. A serious investment like that in Germany could correlate to investments in the US.
2. The articles don’t mention what folks eventually live and die by in technology- TCO. $1 per watt sounds like zero TCO. Storage is critical too. The good news: Khosla’s talk covers this point of view. So someone has that figured out to a degree.
3. Of course, just as investments in solar power are improving cost and efficiency, investments in (recent bad boy) ethanol and coal technologies are improving the cost and efficiency of those sources of energy. Non polluting coal power plants have 35% efficiency on coal. Solar energy based approaches of the type mentioned in the article hope to get there by 2011. Anyone betting on breakthroughs (safety, TCO, etc.) in nuclear power?
While multiple approaches to the energy crisis are the only way forward, it is really going to boil down to models of innovation. Or is it?
Full article continues at: Solar Energy Technology Models
Friday, December 21, 2007
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.
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.
Schaeffer likes FSLR despite PE of 178, cites proft growth
article from:
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/18/best-stocks-for-2008-first-solar-fslr/
Our favorite speculative play for 2008 is First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)," says Bernie Schaeffer, editor of Schaeffer's Investment Research.
"First Solar is a specialized semiconductor company that is a play on the alternative-energy theme. FSLR designs, manufactures and sells solar electric power modules. With a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 178 and the stock posting gains of nearly 700% in 2007, investors in FSLR should expect a potentially wild ride.
"Despite the 'internet bubble-like' appreciation in the stock, we think the trend can continue, as this is a company with actual earnings and its share of naysayers. The skepticism is an indication that there is sideline buying power that can drive the equity even higher in the months to come.
"FSLR's third-quarter earnings report was spectacular. Net income of 58 cents per share easily topped Wall Street's estimate of 19 cents per share, sending the stock soaring on the news. The year-over-year earnings growth rate in the third quarter was an outstanding 729%.
"But impressive earnings and strong price action have not been enough to convince the shorts. Since its IPO in November 2006, short interest has increased from 920,000 shares to the current six million shares.
"Short interest as a percentage of float is a whopping 32%. Further price appreciation could send the shorts scrambling to cover their positions, keeping the current uptrend intact as we move through 2008."
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/18/best-stocks-for-2008-first-solar-fslr/
Our favorite speculative play for 2008 is First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR)," says Bernie Schaeffer, editor of Schaeffer's Investment Research.
"First Solar is a specialized semiconductor company that is a play on the alternative-energy theme. FSLR designs, manufactures and sells solar electric power modules. With a price-earnings (P/E) ratio of 178 and the stock posting gains of nearly 700% in 2007, investors in FSLR should expect a potentially wild ride.
"Despite the 'internet bubble-like' appreciation in the stock, we think the trend can continue, as this is a company with actual earnings and its share of naysayers. The skepticism is an indication that there is sideline buying power that can drive the equity even higher in the months to come.
"FSLR's third-quarter earnings report was spectacular. Net income of 58 cents per share easily topped Wall Street's estimate of 19 cents per share, sending the stock soaring on the news. The year-over-year earnings growth rate in the third quarter was an outstanding 729%.
"But impressive earnings and strong price action have not been enough to convince the shorts. Since its IPO in November 2006, short interest has increased from 920,000 shares to the current six million shares.
"Short interest as a percentage of float is a whopping 32%. Further price appreciation could send the shorts scrambling to cover their positions, keeping the current uptrend intact as we move through 2008."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
SPWR and MMA: build America's largest PV solar array at Nellis Air Force Base
USA's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Energy System Takes Flight at Nellis Air Force Base
Public-Private Partnership Makes Solar Practical, Enhances Energy Independence, and Reduces CO2 Emissions by 24,000 Tons per Year
(CSRwire) LAS VEGAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today the U.S. Air Force celebrates the completion of North America's largest solar photovoltaic system at Nellis Air Force Base. A joint project of the U.S. Air Force, MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC (NYSE: MMA), SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), and Nevada Power Company, the 14 megawatt Nellis solar energy system will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually and supply approximately 25 percent of the total power used at the base, where 12,000 people live and work.
Combining technology and systems expertise from SunPower Corporation and financing by MMA Renewable Ventures with discounted purchase commitments by the U.S. Air Force, the innovative Nellis solar energy system demonstrates that the U.S. government's goals for enhancing security through energy independence can be met both economically and practically when the public and private sectors work together.
SunPower Corporation designed and built the photovoltaic power plant using its proprietary single-axis SunPower(R) T20 Tracker solar tracking system which follows the sun throughout the day and delivers up to 30 percent more energy than traditional fixed-tilt ground systems.
Equally innovative is the funding and ownership of the landmark solar energy system: MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC has financed and will operate the solar power plant, selling electricity to Nellis Air Force Base at a guaranteed fixed rate for the next 20 years. Nevada Power will support the project by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by the solar array. MMA Renewable Ventures closed a fund for the system earlier this year with financing commitments from Citi, Allstate, and John Hancock Financial Services, with Merrill Lynch providing construction financing.
Dignitaries such as Air Force Assistant Secretary William Anderson and Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons will flip a switch marking full operation of the system at a ceremony to be held today at the Nellis base. A team including MMA Renewable Ventures, SunPower Corporation, and Nevada Power Company will join public officials in recognizing the United States Air Force for its commitment to national security, energy independence and environmental sustainability.
"This solar project at Nellis is a first step of many toward making renewable electricity integral to the operations of the U.S. Air Force," said Assistant Secretary Anderson. "As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force is well-positioned to promote both solar technology and new approaches to its implementation. This pioneering initiative is a good example of how a creative approach to public-private partnership can make our energy supply more sustainable, more secure and more affordable."
"The best way to secure a healthy and prosperous economy is to develop our affordable, reliable local resources," said Governor Gibbons. "With these 14 megawatts, Nellis Air Force Base is leading the country in solar energy deployment, a move that is good for the environment and our nation's energy security alike."
Covering 140 acres of land at the western edge of the Nellis base, the photovoltaic system comprises 72,000 solar panels using the SunPower Tracker technology. The energy generated will support over 12,000 military and civilians at Nellis who are responsible for Air Force advanced combat training, tactics development and operational testing.
"We are faced with an incredible opportunity to promote U.S. energy security by developing our own abundant domestic resources," said United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "Nevada and the United States have the technology and natural resources to serve our growing power demand with clean, renewable energy. I congratulate the Air Force for its continued leadership on clean power."
"Nellis, the 'Home of the Fighter Pilot,' is now home to the largest solar electric power plant in all of North America," said Colonel Michael Bartley, Nellis Air Force Base commander. "Our base and indeed our entire nation will benefit from the predictable, secure supply of clean energy that this landmark power plant is now generating. The project also provides a future test bed for the Department of Defense to assess the benefits of similar arrangements on installations across the United States."
"The Nellis project is a powerful demonstration of the U.S. Air Force's ability to execute on its aggressive goals for clean energy. From early concept through today's dedication, the Air Force collaborated closely with the strong coalition of partners instrumental in making this grand vision for solar a reality, and we look forward to maintaining that solid relationship over the long life of this clean energy system," said Matt Cheney, CEO of MMA Renewable Ventures. "The Nellis project further demonstrates how public-private partnership coupled with an innovative approach to third-party finance can make solar an affordable solution at even the largest scale."
"We congratulate the Air Force for having the vision to make solar power a mainstream energy source, and for hosting the largest solar photovoltaic system in the nation," said Tom Werner, CEO of SunPower. "Solar power is the fastest growing energy resource to help meet our escalating power demand, generating reliable, affordable power without creating emissions or waste. Nellis' decision to maximize the size and efficiency of its solar system underscores its commitment to secure energy and environmental preservation. We are proud that SunPower was selected by the Air Force to design, supply, and build this hallmark project."
"Working with partners, such as Nellis Air Force Base, to develop and generate solar energy projects is part of our strategy of providing clean, safe, reliable electricity to our customers at reasonable and predictable prices," said Michael Yackira, chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources, parent company of Nevada Power. "Now that the Nellis solar energy system is on-line, the state of Nevada will be number one in the United States in solar generation per capita. We plan to expand our investments in renewable energy in order to increase the leadership position our company already has in renewable energy nationwide."
About Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is called the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," and for good reason as Nellis is home of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. With five wings and more than 150 aircraft, the Warfare Center is responsible for advanced combat training, tactics development and operational testing. The Center also conducts worldwide combat operations with the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle. More information about Nellis is on the Web at http://www.nellis.af.mil.
About MMA Renewable Ventures
A subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC "MuniMae," (NYSE: MMA), MMA Renewable Ventures finances, owns and operates renewable energy and energy efficiency assets in the United States. The Company provides leases, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other customized financial solutions to help its customers manage energy costs. MMA Renewable Ventures is dedicated to delivering competitively priced, clean energy and energy savings to customers, strong partnership options for project developers, and exceptional opportunities for institutional investment in the clean energy sector. For more information about MMA Renewable Ventures, visit http://www.mmarenewableventures.com.
About SunPower
SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
(NYSE: CY).
About Nevada Power Company
Nevada Power Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the distribution, transmission, generation, purchase and sale of electric energy in the southern Nevada communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Searchlight, Laughlin and their adjoining areas. The Company also provides electricity to Nellis Air Force Base, the Department of Energy at Mercury and Jackass Flats at the Nevada Test Site. Nevada Power Company provides electricity to approximately 815,000 residential and business customers in a 4,500 square mile service area.
Headquartered in Nevada, Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP) is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power Company, the electric utility for most of southern Nevada, and Sierra Pacific Power Company, the electric utility for most of northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area of California. Sierra Pacific Power Company also distributes natural gas in the Reno-Sparks area of northern Nevada.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts. We use words such as "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, our plans and expectations regarding reducing CO2 emissions by 24,000 tons annually, generating more than 30 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, and supplying approximately 25% of the total power used by nearly 12,000 people who live and work at the base. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this release and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In particular, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ include variations in carbon dioxide emissions reductions, actual electricity generation, actual energy consumption rate, and other risks described in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any responsibility to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Public-Private Partnership Makes Solar Practical, Enhances Energy Independence, and Reduces CO2 Emissions by 24,000 Tons per Year
(CSRwire) LAS VEGAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today the U.S. Air Force celebrates the completion of North America's largest solar photovoltaic system at Nellis Air Force Base. A joint project of the U.S. Air Force, MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC (NYSE: MMA), SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), and Nevada Power Company, the 14 megawatt Nellis solar energy system will generate more than 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually and supply approximately 25 percent of the total power used at the base, where 12,000 people live and work.
Combining technology and systems expertise from SunPower Corporation and financing by MMA Renewable Ventures with discounted purchase commitments by the U.S. Air Force, the innovative Nellis solar energy system demonstrates that the U.S. government's goals for enhancing security through energy independence can be met both economically and practically when the public and private sectors work together.
SunPower Corporation designed and built the photovoltaic power plant using its proprietary single-axis SunPower(R) T20 Tracker solar tracking system which follows the sun throughout the day and delivers up to 30 percent more energy than traditional fixed-tilt ground systems.
Equally innovative is the funding and ownership of the landmark solar energy system: MMA Renewable Ventures, LLC has financed and will operate the solar power plant, selling electricity to Nellis Air Force Base at a guaranteed fixed rate for the next 20 years. Nevada Power will support the project by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated by the solar array. MMA Renewable Ventures closed a fund for the system earlier this year with financing commitments from Citi, Allstate, and John Hancock Financial Services, with Merrill Lynch providing construction financing.
Dignitaries such as Air Force Assistant Secretary William Anderson and Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons will flip a switch marking full operation of the system at a ceremony to be held today at the Nellis base. A team including MMA Renewable Ventures, SunPower Corporation, and Nevada Power Company will join public officials in recognizing the United States Air Force for its commitment to national security, energy independence and environmental sustainability.
"This solar project at Nellis is a first step of many toward making renewable electricity integral to the operations of the U.S. Air Force," said Assistant Secretary Anderson. "As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force is well-positioned to promote both solar technology and new approaches to its implementation. This pioneering initiative is a good example of how a creative approach to public-private partnership can make our energy supply more sustainable, more secure and more affordable."
"The best way to secure a healthy and prosperous economy is to develop our affordable, reliable local resources," said Governor Gibbons. "With these 14 megawatts, Nellis Air Force Base is leading the country in solar energy deployment, a move that is good for the environment and our nation's energy security alike."
Covering 140 acres of land at the western edge of the Nellis base, the photovoltaic system comprises 72,000 solar panels using the SunPower Tracker technology. The energy generated will support over 12,000 military and civilians at Nellis who are responsible for Air Force advanced combat training, tactics development and operational testing.
"We are faced with an incredible opportunity to promote U.S. energy security by developing our own abundant domestic resources," said United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "Nevada and the United States have the technology and natural resources to serve our growing power demand with clean, renewable energy. I congratulate the Air Force for its continued leadership on clean power."
"Nellis, the 'Home of the Fighter Pilot,' is now home to the largest solar electric power plant in all of North America," said Colonel Michael Bartley, Nellis Air Force Base commander. "Our base and indeed our entire nation will benefit from the predictable, secure supply of clean energy that this landmark power plant is now generating. The project also provides a future test bed for the Department of Defense to assess the benefits of similar arrangements on installations across the United States."
"The Nellis project is a powerful demonstration of the U.S. Air Force's ability to execute on its aggressive goals for clean energy. From early concept through today's dedication, the Air Force collaborated closely with the strong coalition of partners instrumental in making this grand vision for solar a reality, and we look forward to maintaining that solid relationship over the long life of this clean energy system," said Matt Cheney, CEO of MMA Renewable Ventures. "The Nellis project further demonstrates how public-private partnership coupled with an innovative approach to third-party finance can make solar an affordable solution at even the largest scale."
"We congratulate the Air Force for having the vision to make solar power a mainstream energy source, and for hosting the largest solar photovoltaic system in the nation," said Tom Werner, CEO of SunPower. "Solar power is the fastest growing energy resource to help meet our escalating power demand, generating reliable, affordable power without creating emissions or waste. Nellis' decision to maximize the size and efficiency of its solar system underscores its commitment to secure energy and environmental preservation. We are proud that SunPower was selected by the Air Force to design, supply, and build this hallmark project."
"Working with partners, such as Nellis Air Force Base, to develop and generate solar energy projects is part of our strategy of providing clean, safe, reliable electricity to our customers at reasonable and predictable prices," said Michael Yackira, chief executive officer of Sierra Pacific Resources, parent company of Nevada Power. "Now that the Nellis solar energy system is on-line, the state of Nevada will be number one in the United States in solar generation per capita. We plan to expand our investments in renewable energy in order to increase the leadership position our company already has in renewable energy nationwide."
About Nellis Air Force Base
Nellis Air Force Base is called the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," and for good reason as Nellis is home of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. With five wings and more than 150 aircraft, the Warfare Center is responsible for advanced combat training, tactics development and operational testing. The Center also conducts worldwide combat operations with the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle. More information about Nellis is on the Web at http://www.nellis.af.mil.
About MMA Renewable Ventures
A subsidiary of Municipal Mortgage & Equity, LLC "MuniMae," (NYSE: MMA), MMA Renewable Ventures finances, owns and operates renewable energy and energy efficiency assets in the United States. The Company provides leases, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other customized financial solutions to help its customers manage energy costs. MMA Renewable Ventures is dedicated to delivering competitively priced, clean energy and energy savings to customers, strong partnership options for project developers, and exceptional opportunities for institutional investment in the clean energy sector. For more information about MMA Renewable Ventures, visit http://www.mmarenewableventures.com.
About SunPower
SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com. SunPower is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
(NYSE: CY).
About Nevada Power Company
Nevada Power Company is a regulated public utility engaged in the distribution, transmission, generation, purchase and sale of electric energy in the southern Nevada communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Searchlight, Laughlin and their adjoining areas. The Company also provides electricity to Nellis Air Force Base, the Department of Energy at Mercury and Jackass Flats at the Nevada Test Site. Nevada Power Company provides electricity to approximately 815,000 residential and business customers in a 4,500 square mile service area.
Headquartered in Nevada, Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP) is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power Company, the electric utility for most of southern Nevada, and Sierra Pacific Power Company, the electric utility for most of northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area of California. Sierra Pacific Power Company also distributes natural gas in the Reno-Sparks area of northern Nevada.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not represent historical facts. We use words such as "will" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, our plans and expectations regarding reducing CO2 emissions by 24,000 tons annually, generating more than 30 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, and supplying approximately 25% of the total power used by nearly 12,000 people who live and work at the base. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this release and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In particular, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ include variations in carbon dioxide emissions reductions, actual electricity generation, actual energy consumption rate, and other risks described in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any responsibility to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Friday, December 14, 2007
California's SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) buying Italy's Solar Solutions
SunPower to buy Italian solar company
article from East Bay Business Times
SunPower Corp. said Thursday it agreed to acquire Solar Solutions for an undisclosed amount.
San Jose-based SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) is a maker of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems.
Faenza, Italy-based Solar Solutions is a solar systems integration and product distribution company that is a 14-person division of Combigas s.r.l., a petroleum products trading firm.
The acquisition is expected close in the first quarter of 2008.
SunPower bought Berkeley-based PowerLight Corp., a maker of large-scale residential and commercial solar power systems, in January for $330 million. The Berkeley company now operates as a subsidiary of SunPower: SunPower Corp., Systems.
srticle from:
SunPower (SPWR) news: takeover of Italian solar energy company Solar Solutions
article from East Bay Business Times
SunPower Corp. said Thursday it agreed to acquire Solar Solutions for an undisclosed amount.
San Jose-based SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) is a maker of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems.
Faenza, Italy-based Solar Solutions is a solar systems integration and product distribution company that is a 14-person division of Combigas s.r.l., a petroleum products trading firm.
The acquisition is expected close in the first quarter of 2008.
SunPower bought Berkeley-based PowerLight Corp., a maker of large-scale residential and commercial solar power systems, in January for $330 million. The Berkeley company now operates as a subsidiary of SunPower: SunPower Corp., Systems.
srticle from:
SunPower (SPWR) news: takeover of Italian solar energy company Solar Solutions
Saturday, December 8, 2007
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
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
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Energy Analysis: Carbon reduction policies to have widespread energy implications
Ten Insights on Carbon Policy and Its Implications
from: http://www.altenergystocks.com
On November 27, I attended the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Fifth Energy Analysis Forum, hosted by NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis & Applications Center. The forum focused on carbon policy design, the implications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. As a stock analyst focused on that sector, I am extremely lucky to have NREL as a local resource: the quality and the level of the experts at NREL and the ones they bring in is probably not matched anywhere in the country, and conferences like these provide priceless insights into what these Energy Analysts are thinking.
Why should investors care what analyst think about the best form of carbon regulation, when it will be the politicians who eventually implement it? Because these are the very experts politicians will call on when designing their legislation. While interest groups will also undoubtedly have a large say in regulation, they are unlikely to come up with new ideas which help shape future regulation. The new ideas will come from the 50 or so analysts that gathered in Lakewood last Tuesday, and the regulations based on these ideas will be critical to the business plans of the companies we invest in.
This is a link to my notes. I will likely find many investment ideas there, only some of which will make it into articles. For those with the time and interest, I expect they will be a valuable resource. For the other 99% of readers, here are ten interesting, intriguing, or just plain surprising ideas that pop out for me.
From Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator: Energy Information Administration
INSIGHT #1: "Clean Coal" is a Solution to a Political Problem
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle with Carbon Capture and Sequestration (IGCC w/ CCS or "Clean Coal") is popular with legislators because it is a solution to a political problem, not because the technology is ready or because analysts expect it to be the most economical solution. Nuclear power is likely to be cheaper, and it is an existing technology.
INSIGHT #2: Electricity Generation may be a Better Use of Biomass than Liquid Fuels
If the goal is to reduce net carbon emissions, burning biomass for electricity (either by cofiring in coal power plants, or in dedicated biomass generation stations) is more effective than using the same biomass to produce liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol. TK note: I believe that many investors in companies developing methods to produce cellulosic ethanol are underestimating the competition for available feedstock from biomass based electricity generation.
From Joe Kruger, Policy Director National Commission on Energy Policy
INSIGHT #3: Electricity Generators May Get Windfall Profits
Allocation of Emission Credits is likely to create windfall profits for existing generators except in carefully designed auctions.
From Eric Smith, EPA Climate Economics Branch.
INSIGHT #4: EPA May Have to Regulate More than Tailpipes
Because of the Massachusetts vs. EPA lawsuit, the EPA must now regulate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from automobile tailpipes. The EPA is now studying GHG, and if the EPA concludes that GHG represent an endangerment to the public, the EPA will be forced to regulate GHG emissions from many more sources than just vehicles.
From Rich Cowart, Regulatory Assistance Project
INSIGHT #5: It's Better to Allocate Credits to Electricity Distributors than Producers
Greenhouse Gasses need not be regulated at power generators, and other approaches may lead to more efficient reductions. Mr. Cowart was introduced as "Father of the Load-based Cap," in which GHG emissions are distributed to power distributors on behalf of their customers. Carbon regulation can occur anywhere from the mine/wellhead when a fossil fuel is first taken from the ground, to the final consumer. Where this regulation takes place matters because different actors have different abilities to change the way power is consumed. Mr. Cowart argues effectively that for the electricity and natural gas sectors, energy distribution companies are best placed to work with consumers to reduce overall energy use.
BONUS INSIGHT (my own): China Can Build Coal Plants, But We Can Cap Their Emissions
Worries about the number of coal plants built in China and other developing countries might be best dealt with by applying carbon regulation at the mine mouth. China is now a net coal importer. Given that, the rest of the world does not need China's acquiescence to regulate carbon emissions: the coal exporters of the world could form an Organization of Coal Exporting Countries (OCEC), which would effectively be able to limit the total amount of coal burned around the globe. The United States, which I have previously called the "Saudi Arabia of Coal," could play the role of the swing producer, much as Saudi Arabia has traditionally played in OPEC.
From Karl S. Michael, NYSERDA
From Karl S. Michael, NYSERDA
INSIGHT #6: Reggie Never Asked, "Where are GHGs best Regulated?"
The Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI, or "Reggie") will be an emissions cap on power plants because the question was never asked: are power plants the right place to regulate Greenhouse Gasses? Future climate regulations should ask this question up front.
Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute. I've long been a fan of Todd Litman. Among other things, his comprehensive economic analysis was very influential in providing the ideas for my recent articles Investing in Mode-shifting, and my current love affair with commuter rail stocks.
article continued at:
http://www.altenergystocks.com/archives/2007/12/ten_insights_on_carbon_policy_and_its_implications.html
from: http://www.altenergystocks.com
On November 27, I attended the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Fifth Energy Analysis Forum, hosted by NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis & Applications Center. The forum focused on carbon policy design, the implications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. As a stock analyst focused on that sector, I am extremely lucky to have NREL as a local resource: the quality and the level of the experts at NREL and the ones they bring in is probably not matched anywhere in the country, and conferences like these provide priceless insights into what these Energy Analysts are thinking.
Why should investors care what analyst think about the best form of carbon regulation, when it will be the politicians who eventually implement it? Because these are the very experts politicians will call on when designing their legislation. While interest groups will also undoubtedly have a large say in regulation, they are unlikely to come up with new ideas which help shape future regulation. The new ideas will come from the 50 or so analysts that gathered in Lakewood last Tuesday, and the regulations based on these ideas will be critical to the business plans of the companies we invest in.
This is a link to my notes. I will likely find many investment ideas there, only some of which will make it into articles. For those with the time and interest, I expect they will be a valuable resource. For the other 99% of readers, here are ten interesting, intriguing, or just plain surprising ideas that pop out for me.
From Howard Gruenspecht, Deputy Administrator: Energy Information Administration
INSIGHT #1: "Clean Coal" is a Solution to a Political Problem
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle with Carbon Capture and Sequestration (IGCC w/ CCS or "Clean Coal") is popular with legislators because it is a solution to a political problem, not because the technology is ready or because analysts expect it to be the most economical solution. Nuclear power is likely to be cheaper, and it is an existing technology.
INSIGHT #2: Electricity Generation may be a Better Use of Biomass than Liquid Fuels
If the goal is to reduce net carbon emissions, burning biomass for electricity (either by cofiring in coal power plants, or in dedicated biomass generation stations) is more effective than using the same biomass to produce liquid fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol. TK note: I believe that many investors in companies developing methods to produce cellulosic ethanol are underestimating the competition for available feedstock from biomass based electricity generation.
From Joe Kruger, Policy Director National Commission on Energy Policy
INSIGHT #3: Electricity Generators May Get Windfall Profits
Allocation of Emission Credits is likely to create windfall profits for existing generators except in carefully designed auctions.
From Eric Smith, EPA Climate Economics Branch.
INSIGHT #4: EPA May Have to Regulate More than Tailpipes
Because of the Massachusetts vs. EPA lawsuit, the EPA must now regulate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from automobile tailpipes. The EPA is now studying GHG, and if the EPA concludes that GHG represent an endangerment to the public, the EPA will be forced to regulate GHG emissions from many more sources than just vehicles.
From Rich Cowart, Regulatory Assistance Project
INSIGHT #5: It's Better to Allocate Credits to Electricity Distributors than Producers
Greenhouse Gasses need not be regulated at power generators, and other approaches may lead to more efficient reductions. Mr. Cowart was introduced as "Father of the Load-based Cap," in which GHG emissions are distributed to power distributors on behalf of their customers. Carbon regulation can occur anywhere from the mine/wellhead when a fossil fuel is first taken from the ground, to the final consumer. Where this regulation takes place matters because different actors have different abilities to change the way power is consumed. Mr. Cowart argues effectively that for the electricity and natural gas sectors, energy distribution companies are best placed to work with consumers to reduce overall energy use.
BONUS INSIGHT (my own): China Can Build Coal Plants, But We Can Cap Their Emissions
Worries about the number of coal plants built in China and other developing countries might be best dealt with by applying carbon regulation at the mine mouth. China is now a net coal importer. Given that, the rest of the world does not need China's acquiescence to regulate carbon emissions: the coal exporters of the world could form an Organization of Coal Exporting Countries (OCEC), which would effectively be able to limit the total amount of coal burned around the globe. The United States, which I have previously called the "Saudi Arabia of Coal," could play the role of the swing producer, much as Saudi Arabia has traditionally played in OPEC.
From Karl S. Michael, NYSERDA
From Karl S. Michael, NYSERDA
INSIGHT #6: Reggie Never Asked, "Where are GHGs best Regulated?"
The Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI, or "Reggie") will be an emissions cap on power plants because the question was never asked: are power plants the right place to regulate Greenhouse Gasses? Future climate regulations should ask this question up front.
Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute. I've long been a fan of Todd Litman. Among other things, his comprehensive economic analysis was very influential in providing the ideas for my recent articles Investing in Mode-shifting, and my current love affair with commuter rail stocks.
article continued at:
http://www.altenergystocks.com/archives/2007/12/ten_insights_on_carbon_policy_and_its_implications.html
Publicly-traded Solar Power Companies
From AEI: AltEnergyInvestor.org
Publicly-listed Solar Stocks
* 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG
* Aleo Solar AG
* Ascent Solar Tech
* Carmanah Technologies Corp
* Centrosolar AG
* China Sunergy
* Chofu Seisakusho
* Conergy AG
* Canadian Solar Inc
* Daystar Technologies
* Dyesol
* Emcore Corp
* Energy Conversion Devices
* Ersol Solar Energy
* E-Ton Solar Tech
* Evergreen Solar
* First Solar
* JA Solar Holdings
* LDK Solar
* MEMC Electronic Materials
* Motech Industries
* Phoenix Sonnenstrom AG
* PowerFilm Solar
* PV Crystalox
* Q-Cells AG
* Renewable Energy Corporation
* Reinecke & Pohl Sun Energy AG
* Renesola
* Romag Holdings
* Roth & Rau AG
* SAG Solarstrom AG
* Solar2 AG
* Solco Ltd
* Solar2 AG
* Solar Integrated Technologies
* Solar Millennium
* Solar Fabrik
* Solarfun Power Holdings
* Solaria Energia
* Solarparc AG
* Solartron PCL
* Solarworld AG
* Solon AG fuer Solartechnik
* Spire Corp
* Sumitomo Titanium Corp
* Sunline AG
* Sunpower Corp
* Suntech Power Holdings
* Sunways AG
* Trina Solar
* Xantrex Technology
* Yingli Green Energy
Publicly-listed Solar Stocks
* 3S Swiss Solar Systems AG
* Aleo Solar AG
* Ascent Solar Tech
* Carmanah Technologies Corp
* Centrosolar AG
* China Sunergy
* Chofu Seisakusho
* Conergy AG
* Canadian Solar Inc
* Daystar Technologies
* Dyesol
* Emcore Corp
* Energy Conversion Devices
* Ersol Solar Energy
* E-Ton Solar Tech
* Evergreen Solar
* First Solar
* JA Solar Holdings
* LDK Solar
* MEMC Electronic Materials
* Motech Industries
* Phoenix Sonnenstrom AG
* PowerFilm Solar
* PV Crystalox
* Q-Cells AG
* Renewable Energy Corporation
* Reinecke & Pohl Sun Energy AG
* Renesola
* Romag Holdings
* Roth & Rau AG
* SAG Solarstrom AG
* Solar2 AG
* Solco Ltd
* Solar2 AG
* Solar Integrated Technologies
* Solar Millennium
* Solar Fabrik
* Solarfun Power Holdings
* Solaria Energia
* Solarparc AG
* Solartron PCL
* Solarworld AG
* Solon AG fuer Solartechnik
* Spire Corp
* Sumitomo Titanium Corp
* Sunline AG
* Sunpower Corp
* Suntech Power Holdings
* Sunways AG
* Trina Solar
* Xantrex Technology
* Yingli Green Energy
Arizona's First Solar (FSLR) acquires Turner Renewables
N.J. firm takeout puts First Solar in power generation business
Ryan Randazzo, The Arizona Republic
Phoenix-based First Solar Inc. announced late Friday it would spend $34.3 million in cash and stock to acquire a New Jersey-based company that builds and operates commercial solar projects.
The deal vertically integrates the high-flying solar-panel maker, putting it in the market of building and installing power projects as well. It also gives First Solar leverage in the U.S. market, where it has little penetration.
The company it acquired, DT Solar, a Turner Renewable Energy Co., will operate as a subsidiary. It gets its name from entrepreneur, philanthropist and environmentalist Ted Turner, who invested in DT Solar in January.
Turner subsequently was quoted as saying solar power represents the greatest business opportunity in history.
DT Solar has grown rapidly in recent years, said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C., which counts both companies as members.
The move is similar to San Jose, Calif.-based panel-maker SunPower Corp.'s purchase in January of Berkeley, Calif.-based systems provider PowerLight.
"This is I think a direction that shows the maturation of the solar industry," Resch said. "What it shows is that solar is here to stay."
First Solar shares closed Friday down $1.03 to $237.15, before the announcement, which pushed shares up about $2 in after-market trading.
Ryan Randazzo, The Arizona Republic
Phoenix-based First Solar Inc. announced late Friday it would spend $34.3 million in cash and stock to acquire a New Jersey-based company that builds and operates commercial solar projects.
The deal vertically integrates the high-flying solar-panel maker, putting it in the market of building and installing power projects as well. It also gives First Solar leverage in the U.S. market, where it has little penetration.
The company it acquired, DT Solar, a Turner Renewable Energy Co., will operate as a subsidiary. It gets its name from entrepreneur, philanthropist and environmentalist Ted Turner, who invested in DT Solar in January.
Turner subsequently was quoted as saying solar power represents the greatest business opportunity in history.
DT Solar has grown rapidly in recent years, said Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C., which counts both companies as members.
The move is similar to San Jose, Calif.-based panel-maker SunPower Corp.'s purchase in January of Berkeley, Calif.-based systems provider PowerLight.
"This is I think a direction that shows the maturation of the solar industry," Resch said. "What it shows is that solar is here to stay."
First Solar shares closed Friday down $1.03 to $237.15, before the announcement, which pushed shares up about $2 in after-market trading.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Zacks moves JA Solar (JASO) from HOLD to BUY
JA Solar Upgraded to a Buy
Posted Thu Nov 29, 03:20 pm ET, Zacks.com
As Zacks senior alternative energy analyst Jon Kolb notes today in his upgrade of JA Solar (JASO) shares from a Hold to a Buy, the Chinese solar panel manufacturer is one of the fastest-growing stocks in the alt-energy space:
"JASO's significant upswing following its February 2007 IPO remains a compelling growth story in clean energy. The growth potential for the solar industry as a whole is very promising. Capacity expansions and committed supply of key raw materials at JA Solar will continue to fuel growth.
"Strong earnings growth, coupled with a well-diversified customer base, makes JASO one of the fastest-growing alternative energy stocks. Material cost savings through the company's long-term supply agreement will also boost margins. Accordingly, we upgrade our recommendation on JASO to BUY with a six-month target price of $63.00, representing annualized total return potential of
41.3%.
"Looking ahead, successful execution in the high-growth potential solar panel market warrants premium multiples to the broader market and JASO is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity. The company still trades at a significant discount to the average industry multiple and many of its peers. With strong projected year-over-year earnings projections throughout 2008, this discount represents an opportunity for the share price to appreciate significantly with forward P/E multiple expansions."
Posted Thu Nov 29, 03:20 pm ET, Zacks.com
As Zacks senior alternative energy analyst Jon Kolb notes today in his upgrade of JA Solar (JASO) shares from a Hold to a Buy, the Chinese solar panel manufacturer is one of the fastest-growing stocks in the alt-energy space:
"JASO's significant upswing following its February 2007 IPO remains a compelling growth story in clean energy. The growth potential for the solar industry as a whole is very promising. Capacity expansions and committed supply of key raw materials at JA Solar will continue to fuel growth.
"Strong earnings growth, coupled with a well-diversified customer base, makes JASO one of the fastest-growing alternative energy stocks. Material cost savings through the company's long-term supply agreement will also boost margins. Accordingly, we upgrade our recommendation on JASO to BUY with a six-month target price of $63.00, representing annualized total return potential of
41.3%.
"Looking ahead, successful execution in the high-growth potential solar panel market warrants premium multiples to the broader market and JASO is well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity. The company still trades at a significant discount to the average industry multiple and many of its peers. With strong projected year-over-year earnings projections throughout 2008, this discount represents an opportunity for the share price to appreciate significantly with forward P/E multiple expansions."
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WARNING: Investing in common equity of public companies is a high risk, high potential reward activity. Owning investments in individual alternative energy companies is for high risk investors only, and medium risk investors should consider green mutual funds, clean energy funds, renewable power index funds and other sector plays. Even then, these should be owned as part of a widely diversified portfolio. There is a gathering mania for investing in publicly-traded alternative energy companies, similar to the computer, technology, internet and banking / real estate booms of the past two decades. There will be some nasty corrections along the way, and some years from now when they come crashing down en masse, the world will still benefit from all the amazingly advanced clean and efficient energy technology created during the bull run. (Above note re-written March 2009 as my earlier prediction of a market top and a crash in the sector starting in August '09 was hastened by the credit markets collapse and began in August 2008, before the bubble had fully formed. Of all the sectors in the equity markets, clean energy has the best prospects to assume market leadership and public favour; we are bouncing aong the bottom still, and those who have followed our guidance to begin including (in a judiciously blended portfolio of cash, bonds, stocks and yes, um... real estate) green energy investment funds dollar-cost-averaging programs in Winter and Spring of 2009 are well positioned for longterm capital growth.)
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