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<title>SolarTown News</title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com</link>
<description>SolarTown News</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<copyright>Project copyright</copyright>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2013 02:50:55 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Province at the Forefront of Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/canadian-province-at-the-forefront-of-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A recent article points to Canada as a model for American energy and environmental policy. According to a piece published in Yale Environment 360, Ontario has shut down nearly every coal-fired plant, a final step in a plan laid out back in 2003.&quot;The decade-long process to replace a quarter of the province's electrical generating capacity with new plants fueled by natural gas and renewable energy sources represents one of the most ambitious low-carbon generating strategies in the world.&quot; The shift away from coal-fired power plants has lead to legislation including &quot;...feed-in tariff provisions, modeled after similar programs in Denmark and Germany, which offered 20-year contracts to purchase wind, solar, biomass and biogas-fueled electricity from producers at generous prices.&quot;

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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:42:40 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Is the Solar Industry in Germany Losing Its Shine]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/is-the-solar-industry-in-germany-losing-its-shine</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Germany has been known as the gold standard for installing panels and producing solar energy. Forget that Germany is at approximately the same latitude as Alaska. It has installed about 30 gigawatts of solar capacity, which is impressive considering that the juggernaut of solar installations in the U.S. has managed a paltry 6.4 gigawatts, tiny by comparison. Everything sounds sweet for the solar industry in Germany, right? Possibly not. The huge growth has caused some problems, very different in nature but nonetheless problems. The first problem is that the work for installers is now beginning to dry up. The second problem is that competition has become even more intense and solar energy parts manufacturers will face even more severe competition. The other problem to hit the news in Germany is the effect on utilities.


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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:00:01 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Boom in U.S. Continues]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-boom-in-us-continues</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The latest data from last year is in, and although some manufacturers took it in the shins, the boom for solar panel systems continued--big time. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (yes, we know that there is room for bias, but we will take the findings as they are) just published their findings on the results from last year. According to their report, PV installations increased year over the previous year 76% to a total of 3,313 megawatts. In just one year, 83, 000 homes in the U.S. went solar, bringing the total to more than 300,000 homes throughout the US that have solar panel systems. The report documents the dramatic decline in solar module prices, down 41% in just one year. The sizzling growth is not expected to continue next year, but still the GTM/SEIA research project forecasts a further increase in 2013 of 30%.

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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:02:23 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Is the Sun Going Down on Suntech]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/is-the-sun-going-down-on-suntech</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Suntech Power is one of the leading manufacturers of solar panels in the world. But maybe not for long. Suntech missed a $541 million bond payment last Friday and some analysts are saying that the company is on the brink. Suntech has been adjusting its strategy to stay alive as solar panel prices continue to fall and demand declines. Even if&nbsp;Suntech exited the competitive solar manufacturing market, there are still plenty of manufacturers that are poised to fill the void. 

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<pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:57:16 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Class Action against Sunrun in California: Unhappy Customer or Overselling ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/class-action-against-sunrun-in-california-unhappy-customer-or-overselling</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This cannot be good news for Sunrun. Sunrun is a company that offers homeowners a lease or power purchase agreement as an alternative to purchasing solar panel systems. Many homeowners find that the upfront cost for purchasing and installing solar panels is too great an obstacle to allow them to go solar. Sunrun and other companies provide an approach that allows the homeowner to avoid paying the hefty purchase price for the solar equipment.&nbsp;Greentechmedia broke the story about a class action filed in California against Sunrun for various ills, including carrying on business without a contractor's license, inaccurately representing trends in electricity rates, and misrepresenting the termination provision in the homeowner contract. We could not find any other news reports about this class action and do not know whether the lawsuit will even survive what will no doubt be vigorous attempts by Sunrun to get the action dismissed. It doesn't cost much to file a lawsuit. Nevertheless, the solar industry and consumers alike will watch how the lawsuit progresses.

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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:50:52 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Trouble in Hawaii's Solar Paradise ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/trouble-in-hawaiis-solar-paradise</link>
<description><![CDATA[
You would think that Hawaii and solar would be a good combination, but there have been a series of articles about why there may be trouble brewing in this solar paradise. The Los Angeles Times ran an article last year detailing the triumphs of the solar industry in Hawaii and some of the challenges that the fast growth have posed for Hawaii. According to the article, solar power has taken off in Hawaii because of &quot;friendly tax credits, the highest average electricity rates in the nation and the most aggressive renewable energy program adopted by any state.&quot; Unlike in other states, solar in Hawaii is becoming a large component of the energy on the various islands. This has meant that numerous small installations have contributed to an unstable grid.

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<pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2013 03:09:19 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Obama Second Inauguration May Galvanize Solar Energy Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/obama-second-inauguration-may-galvanize-solar-energy-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
During his second inaugural speech, President Barack Obama told the country that the new administration will &quot;respond to the threat of climate change.&quot; What this means to the solar energy industry and to other renewable energy was of course not detailed in the short speech. The few lines devoted to combating global warming in Obama's speech have been the subject to considerable speculation, particularly how this new emphasis on &quot;responding&quot; to the threat of climate change will be translated into specific government policy in the coming weeks and months. Time asks the question that is on everyone's mind: can Obama translate his vision into policy. Its headline reads: &quot;Obama Talked Climate Change in His Inaugural Address. Now Can He Do Something About It?&quot; Although Congress considered passing a comprehensive energy bill during the first Obama Administration, the issue of climate change dropped down on the list of policy priorities after the mid-term elections.

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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2013 09:01:58 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[All Solar Politics is Local]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/all-solar-politics-is-local</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It may be all well and good for the federal government and even the states to try to encourage solar energy, but the battle lines are squarely drawn at the local level. As we entered the New Year, throughout the country, homeowners faced some challenges as they tried to install or take advantage of the power from solar panel systems. Neighbors, homeowner associations and utilities are setting the terms of the argument for solar power. As solar becomes more popular, you can expect more of these arguments to become more common--and more acrimonious.

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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:42:39 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Study Shows Way to Power Grid with Solar and Renewables ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/study-shows-way-to-power-grid-with-solar-and-renewables</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In an ideal world, we would get low cost power without significantly damaging the environment.&nbsp; While such an idea currently seems like a dream, new research findings suggest this could be a reality within the next two decades.&nbsp;Thanks to recent advances in solar and wind technologies, the U.S. has the potential to rely primarly on&nbsp;solar energy and other renewables in the future.&nbsp;The University of Delaware and Delaware Technical Community College recently concluded a study, the findings of which suggest that by 2030, the energy needed to power a large electrical grid could come 99.9% from solar and other renewables. Even better, renewables could provide the necessary power at prices that are comparable to current electricity expenses.&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:06:36 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US Solar Manufacturers Taking Strides in China]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-solar-manufacturers-taking-strides-in-china</link>
<description><![CDATA[
American solar manufacturing giants, First Solar and SunPower, announced on Monday that they will be bringing their technologies to China.&nbsp; While these companies are leaders in the US market, they will have to overcome obstacles to succeed in the expanding Chinese market.&nbsp; Forbes claims that it is difficult for non-Chinese solar manufacturers to make it in China because &quot;the country already has an ample supply of home-grown ones.&quot;&nbsp; However, there is some chance for success.&nbsp; The majority of Chinese manufacturers use silicon, but the Chinese are interesting in developing other forms of solar technologies, making First Solar and SunPower attractive partners.&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:14:48 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[SolarCity and NC Solar Strive to be Successful Cleantech IPOs]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solarcity-and-nc-solar-strive-to-be-successful-cleantech-ipos</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The successes and failures of companies seeking to become public are as old as the stock market itself. The new cleantech industry has produced its own list of companies that have experienced varying levels of success on their offerings. A recent Reuters article points out that the list of actual IPS in cleantech is growing, while the list of successful cleantech IPOs is shrinking. SolarCity Corporation filed for an IPO last month, hoping to reverse this trend. SolarCity's business model is relatively straightforward. It builds solar panel systems for both&nbsp;residential and commercial customers. It sells the power from these systems&nbsp;back to the customers at lower than market rates.&nbsp;NC Solar, like SolarCity, has also recently filed for an initial public offering, but the companies are on vastly different planes.&nbsp;The company intends on installing solar panels on warehouse roofs, but unfortunately only has one client, Duke Energy. While it is too early to discern the future of both of these companies, December should be an exciting month for the cleantech industry.&nbsp;With SolarCity planning on going public this holiday season, and NC Solar attempting to follow in its footsteps, cleantech IPOs will stay&nbsp;on the radar screen of investors.

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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:27:48 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy and Getting Off the Grid]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/hurricane-sandy-and-getting-off-the-grid</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hurricane Sandy left millions along the east coast without power for days, and in many cases, weeks. The storm highlighted our dependence on electricty and exposed the fragility of our power grid, according to Forbes. Even those homes with solar panels were left without power. The New York Times pointed out that &quot;despite the popular perception that installing solar panels takes a home 'off the grid,' most of those systems are actually part of it, sending excess power to the utility grid during the day and pulling electricity back to run the house at night.&quot; There are ways to harness solar energy when the grid goes down such as adding batteries to a home system or using the kinds of independent solar generators that appeared in the wake of the storm.

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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:05:13 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Voting for Solar: What President Obama's Re-election Means for the Solar Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/voting-for-solar-what-president-obamas-re-election-means-for-the-solar-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It may be too early to predict last week's election results on the solar industry, but what is clear is that the support for the solar industry will take a dramatically different trajectory in the next four years than if Governor Romney had been elected. During the presidential&nbsp;campaign, each candidate had very different plans for renewables.&nbsp;But the image of the solar industry has taken a hit with high-profile bankruptcy cases. There is still considerable debate about the effect of Chinese solar panel manufacturers and the production of&nbsp;cheaper panels flooding the U.S. market. An additional obstacle that needs to be overcome to help ensure future success of the solar industry is the low cost of natural gas. The fulfillment of state mandates serves as yet another possible hurdle the industry must overcome.The industry is plagued by uncertainty, and only time will tell how the industry will develop in the next four years.

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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 02:27:53 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Panel Manufacturer Faces Criminal Investigation for Fraud]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-panel-manufacturer-faces-criminal-investigation-for-fraud</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The District Attorney's Office of Weld County, Colorado is conducting a criminal investigation of the officials of the now bankrupt Abound Solar. Abound Solar was a Loveland, Colorado based thin-film solar manufacturing company, which suspended operations this past June, then declared bankruptcy in July, and is now defunct.The DA's office is launching a three-pronged fraud investigation and is also looking into the circumstances surrounding Abound's eligibility to receive $400 million of Department of Energy loans.The US House Energy and Commerce Committee is conducting a separate investigation of Abound Solar. The investigations are leading to parallels being drawn between Abound and the now-infamous Solyndra.

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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2012 03:11:03 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Panel Manufacturers: A Vanishing Breed]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-panel-manufacturers-a-vanishing-breed</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Since the surge of&nbsp;Chinese solar panels, a number of solar companies have gone belly up. A recent report suggests that another 180 solar panel manufacturers will shut down or be acquired by 2015. The report examined more than 300 international solar panel makers to discern how likely they are to survive. The report also listed eight trends in the solar industry in the next three years that you will want to know about.

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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 03:31:27 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Energy Zones Mark New Stride Toward Greater Utilization of Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/energy-zones-mark-new-stride-toward-greater-utilization-of-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The federal government has created&nbsp;energy zones in the Southwest U.S., marking a new&nbsp;stride towards greater utilization of solar energy. Last Friday,&nbsp;October, 12, the United States took a significant step when the Obama administration approved a solar energy roadmap for utility-scale solar energy development on public lands.&nbsp;The solar energy roadmap applies to six southwestern states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.&nbsp; Seventeen new solar energy zones have been created in these six states to improve the government's previous method of handling utility-scale solar energy development.&nbsp; The plan demonstrates that the government is taking a new approach concerning the development of renewable energy sources.

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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:27:29 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Massive Closure of Coal Plants Marks an Opportunity for the Solar Power Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/massive-closure-of-coal-plants-marks-an-opportunity-for-the-solar-power-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The nation's coal plants may be&nbsp;in trouble. Coal plants are closing down at an accelerated rate, higher&nbsp;than previously anticipated. Supporters of coal are falsely accusing regulations by the EPA for the hard hits to the industry. Realistically, the plunging costs of natural gas, campaigns by anti-coal activists, and to a smaller degree, EPA regulations are to blame. While this is unfortunate for the coal industry, it has the potential to be good news&nbsp;for the solar industry and&nbsp;the environment. With these closures comes an opportunity for solar power to fill a widening gap in the energy market.


&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:00:58 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Solar War: U.S. v. China Tariff Decision Nears]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-solar-war-us-v-china-tariff-decision-nears</link>
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The final hearing before the International Trade Commission (ITC) for the United States' trade case against Chinese solar manufacturers occurred last&nbsp;Wednesday, October 3. In order for the Commerce Department's proposed tariffs to be imposed, the ITC must find that cheap Chinese imports have caused material damage to the American solar industry. Both American supporters and opponents of the tariffs believe they will be imposed. The Commerce Department is expected to make its final decision October 10, but the ITC won't make its decision&nbsp;until November.

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<pubDate>Sun, 07 Oct 2012 06:47:17 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Manufacturer SoloPower Slated to Receive $197 Million DOE Loan: Trailblazer or Solyndra]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-manufacturer-solopower-slated-to-receive-197-million-doe-loan-trailblazer-or-solyndra</link>
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The doors of SoloPower's first plant will open September 27 in Portland, Oregon. This is &quot;a major step toward allowing it to tap a $197 million government loan guarantee awarded under the same controversial program that supported failed panel maker Solyndra,&quot; according to&nbsp;Reuters. These federal loans will add to the &quot;$56.5 million SoloPower has collected in loans, tax credits and incentives from the state of Oregon and...Portland.&quot; Additionally, the company has raised &quot;more than $200 million in venture funding from investors including Crosslink Capital, Hudson Clean Energy Partners, Convexa Capital Ventures and Firsthand Capital Management.&quot; SoloPower is receiving attention because of the similarities they share with the now-defunct Solyndra. To help reassure critics, John Cavalier, a managing partner with Hudson Clean Energy Partners, stated &quot;before one dollar of the DOE loan is relied upon it will be demonstrable that this is a company that absolutely can manufacture a product that there will be verifiable demand for.&quot;

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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Sep 2012 01:58:14 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Future of Solar: The View from Solar Power International ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-future-of-solar-the-view-from-solar-power-international</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Solar Power International Conference concluded last week in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp;Despite some huge challenges, according to the head of one industry association,&nbsp;&quot;even in the worst economic times, our industry is growing.&quot; According to a report by GTM Research and SEIA released at the conference on September 10th, &quot;the U.S. achieved its best quarter in history for the utility solar sector in the second quarter of 2012...&quot; A recent San Jose Mercury News article discussing this report stated, &quot;solar installations spiked in the second quarter of this year as large solar power plants came online...More solar was installed in the second quarter than in all of 2009.&quot; A large portion of this second quarter growth can be attributed to the completion of over 20 large solar plant projects in states like California and Arizona, the leading solar states.

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<pubDate>Sun, 16 Sep 2012 01:14:09 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Evolution of Democratic Party Platform on Renewable Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/evolution-of-democratic-party-platform-on-renewable-energy</link>
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Throughout last week's Democratic National Convention, President Obama made it evident that the Democratic Party is still concerned with alternative energy sources and the current state of our environment. During his nomination acceptance speech, President Obama referred to climate change as &quot;one of the biggest threats to this generation,&quot; and the party's 2012 platform demonstrates its concerns. Now that the Convention is over, we can assess the evolution of the Democratic Party's views on solar power and renewable energy sources since the last presidential election. The context for environmental and energy discussions has drastically changed over the past four years. Rising oil prices and our nation's ongoing economic crisis have played significant roles in shaping environmental debates. Many politicians became less concerned with ending our reliance on crude oil, while the state of our economy caused voters to be less concerned with global warming. Environmental and energy debates are further complicated by differing political party opinions. 

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<pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:04:43 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Manufacturing Down, Solar Installations Way Up]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-manufacturing-down-solar-installations-way-up</link>
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Get ready for Solar Power International this week with not so new news that solar manufacturing in the U.S. is down and out, while solar installations are up and up.&nbsp;The growth is not from&nbsp;U.S. solar-panel manufacturing, but rather from installation of largely Chinese and other foreign-made panels, which have experienced a drastic price decline and made solar power more competitive with conventional and other forms of power.

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<pubDate>Sun, 09 Sep 2012 06:37:45 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Chinese Solar Panels Hit the Skids: Why Isn't SolarWorld Celebrating]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/chinese-solar-panels-hit-the-skids-why-isnt-solarworld-celebrating</link>
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The crushing blow of huge tariffs has taken its toll on Chinese solar panel manufacturers.&nbsp; The AP ran an article last week, enumerating the&nbsp;woes facing the Chinese manufacturers.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the article, the Chinese solar panel industry is faced with several major challenges, not the least of which are the tariffs, but looming not far behind are other issues. &nbsp;Besides the tariffs, the companies have experienced weak sales in Europe. And even within the solar industry within China, small companies have popped up driven by incentives to take on the five major manufacturers. Many Chinese manufacturers have accumulated a huge amount of debt, as much as $17.5 billion. The article cites industry analysts who predict possible mergers, bankruptcies, factory closures or layoffs.

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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:44:41 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[U.S. Department of Defense One Step Closer to Going Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-department-of-defense-one-step-closer-to-going-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A July 20 memorandum of understanding between the Department of Defense and the Bureau of Land Management has moved the United States military closer to being powered by renewable energy. The move to create utility scale solar and renewable power installations on the federal land around military bases has been a DoD priority for some time, but until now questions of land jurisdiction between the DoD and the BLM have prevented development on much of that land.The Memorandum, which expresses a commitment to &quot;work cooperatively to facilitate appropriate, mission-compatible renewable energy development on public lands,&quot; should largely resolve these interagency roadblocks.

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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:18:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Net Metering Without a Roof in California: Community-Based Renewable Energy Self-Generation Program]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/net-metering-without-a-roof-in-california-community-based-renewable-energy-self-generation-program</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A new bill is working its way through the California legislature that has the potential to open up solar power investment and net metering to the 44% of the population that do not own the buildings in which they live or work. The bill, SB843, would create the legal framework for families and businesses to buy a contract for power from a solar generating facility, and then have that power be counted against their grid consumption on their utility bill. Advocates for SB 843&nbsp;claim that the bill will open up access to both residential and commercial renters without any state expenditure. The bill would allow consumers to purchase electricity directly from solar producers, who would feed the power directly into their local grid. The consumer would then be credited for the purchased kW hours on their monthly utility bill, effectively net metering their consumption by offsetting their consumption elsewhere. Several of California's largest utilities, including Southern California Edison,&nbsp;are skeptical of the project, citing additional non-generation costs associated with connection distributed power production infrastructure that would be born by solar and non-solar consumers alike.

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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:30:56 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Utility in New Jersey Responds to New Solar Law with Massive Proposal]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/utility-in-new-jersey-responds-to-new-solar-law-with-massive-proposal</link>
<description><![CDATA[
New Jersey's PSE&amp;G will request permission to allocate $883 million dollars of additional investment to solar power, CEO Ralph Izzo announced on Tuesday. The money would more than double the utility's current $700 million commitment to the solar sector and would be used to create an additional 233 megawatts of capacity in the state. The proposal represents a 28% increase in New Jersey's current solar capacity. The announcement comes on the heals of a new law designed to boost demand for solar investment by upping the proportion of solar power that New Jersey utilities are required to purchase.

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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:20:59 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Grid-Scale Solar Storage Booming]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/grid-scale-solar-storage-booming</link>
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Intermittency has long plagued the renewable energy industry. The sun does not always shine and wind does not always blow. As solar generation capacity increases worldwide, storage technology is becoming more important as a way to minimize power fluctuations. Recent projects in California are trying to overcome power fluctuations and are leading the way to grid-scale solar storage. California has been a proving ground for solar storage companies, which are mostly still in their infancy. As the size of installations increases, storage is becoming a centerpiece of solar technology. Several large grid storage initiatives are currently underway in California.

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<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:12:45 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Large Companies Installing Huge Number of Solar Panels on their Roofs]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/large-companies-installing-huge-number-of-solar-panels-on-their-roofs</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recently we have witnessed a huge growth in the number of companies that have gone solar. IKEA, Apple and Ebay have all completed several large-scale solar installations, with more on the way.&nbsp;In just the past month IKEA has unveiled solar projects in Florida, Virginia, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia. This is a strong sign that solar is gaining traction in the commercial world. NREL explained why in a 2008 report, saying that rooftop solar projects such as those on warehouses and data centers have significant advantages since &quot;there is little to no cost associated with land, and the system is deployed at the point of use, which minimizes transmission and distribution requirements and losses.&quot; Today, July 26, IKEA powered up its newest solar power system in Draper, Utah.

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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:24:24 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Jersey: Solar Saved from its Own Success]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-jersey-solar-saved-from-its-own-success</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On Monday, Gov. Christie of New Jersey signed into law S-1925, a bipartisan bill designed to save the state's ailing solar subsidy system from its own success. New Jersey's permit trading based solar subsidy program has propelled it to the forefront of renewable energy adoption in recent years, making it the fastest growing solar installation base in the nation during the first quarter of 2012 and second only to California in number of existing solar panel installations. New Jersey utilities are required to produce a certain percentage of their total energy production from solar power sources; otherwise, they need to offset their shortfall by purchasing solar energy credits (SRECs) from solar energy producers or pay a steep fine known as the alternative compliance penalty. The system, which was originally set at 1.55% solar energy for 2014, was so successful in spurring new solar installations around the state that vastly more SRECs were generated than the utilities needed to purchase in order to avoid being fined. This glut has driven down prices for SRECs by more than 80% since the introduction of the program. The bill fast forwards the previous permit quota by four years, increasing the proportion of solar energy in the utility mix to 2.05% in 2014, and all the way up to 4.1% in 2028, while introducing an SREC price cap at roughly three times their current value.&nbsp;The bill&nbsp;also eases restrictions on net metering and provides incentives for solar installations built on brownsites and landfills.

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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 09:10:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Trade Conflict with China Escalates]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-trade-conflict-with-china-escalates</link>
<description><![CDATA[
China's Ministry of Commerce today announced that it will begin a year long investigation into U.S. and South Korean polysilicon imports, with the possibility of extending the probe into early 2014. This development has worried many members of the solar industry who believe that further trade barriers would hurt their businesses. China's decision was made following complaints from domestic producers GCL Poly-Energy Holdings, LDK Solar, and Daqo New Energy that U.S. and South Korean companies were dumping polysilicon, or selling it below cost. Polysilicon prices have dropped 56% in the past year.&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:15:27 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Dark Days or Bright Future for Solar Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/dark-days-or-bright-future-for-solar-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In these trying times for some solar companies, things are about to get either much better or much worse. Two analyses of the solar industry, by NPD Solarbuzz and GTM research, paint a complex picture of future solar markets. Solarbuzz claims that photovoltaic (PV) supply and demand will equalize in 2012 while GTM believes the solar panel surplus will persist through 2015 with supply at 200% of demand in 2012.

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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:18:58 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Power Generation Growing Rapidly]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-power-generation-growing-rapidly</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Despite economic uncertainty and rapidly dropping natural gas prices, solar power generating capacity has continued to boom both domestically and globally. The world's most well developed consumer of solar power, Germany crossed an important milestone in May when for the first time a full tenth of its power generation came from solar. This leap into double digits represents a 40% year over year increase in solar power generation for the country, driven in part by its recent commitment to transition away from reliance on nuclear power. Photovoltaic continue to set records in the United States as well, despite substantially higher installation costs than in Germany.

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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2012 02:18:48 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Chinese Solar Energy Target Quadruples]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/chinese-solar-energy-target-quadruples</link>
<description><![CDATA[
China has announced that it will install 21GW of solar panels by 2015, raising its target by 16GW. This projected growth, which will likely be driven by government incentives, bodes well for a solar industry plagued by low panel prices. The target increase is the latest in a series of solar energy policy developments in Asia, following Japan's decision to implement feed-in tariffs on renewable energy. Members and analysts of the solar industry have had mixed reactions to the target increase.

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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:18:20 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Another U.S. Solar Manufacturer Bites the Dust - Abound Solar to File for Bankruptcy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/another-us-solar-manufacturer-bites-the-dust-abound-solar-to-file-for-bankruptcy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The sharply plummeting price of crystalline photovoltaic panels has claimed another industry victim. The Colorado based Abound Solar will terminate its thin-film solar panel business and file for bankruptcy this week, according to a June 28th Department of Energy blog entry. Abound Solar, which received a DOE loan guarantee of $400 million in July 2010, has since struggled to stay price competitive in the rapidly shifting solar marketplace. Crystalline silicon solar panels, thin-film's main technological competitor, have unexpectedly plummeted in price by as much as 47% over the past year due to massive Chinese manufacturing subsidies and European rollbacks of consumer incentives.

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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:15:55 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Consumer Awareness is the Greatest Challenge to Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/consumer-awareness-is-the-greatest-challenge-to-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Consumers are optimistic about solar energy despite having some serious misconceptions about the solar industry. In an attempt to better understand global consumers' outlook on solar power, the survey interviewed 1000 people from countries with high potential growth in solar energy. The chosen nations were China, Japan, India and the United States. The results can be separated into four sections: cost of solar energy, solar job prospects, rate of solar adoption and global solar leaders.&nbsp;Slightly less than half&nbsp;of the respondents&nbsp;answered that solar energy growth would create jobs while exactly a quarter said that it would decrease employment. In both China and India consumers express concerns that the adoption of solar power is &quot;too slow&quot; in their nation. Each country's respondents are convinced that their country leads the world in solar panel installations. Americans say the U.S. has installed the most solar panels. Consumers clearly believe that solar power has an important role to play in supplying global energy needs. This support is a good sign as we are in a pivotal point for global energy supply.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:37:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Japanese Feed-in Tariffs Spur Solar Energy Installations]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/japanese-feed-in-tariffs-spur-solar-energy-installations</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In an effort to stop using nuclear power as an electricity source, Japan has implemented generous feed-in tariffs (FITs) on renewable energy, including solar energy. Today, renewable energy sources (except for hydro) account for only about 1% of electricity production in Japan. The feed-in tariffs will be more than double the size of those in Germany, which has the most solar installations worldwide. Bloomberg reports that while Japan is not a leader in solar electricity production, the new policy could change that by adding 3.2 gigawatts to Japan's solar capacity. This is equivalent to three nuclear power reactors. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:44:42 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[U.S. Solar Industry Continues to Surge]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-solar-industry-continues-to-surge</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The U.S. solar industry is still climbing at a very rapid rate despite some major changes in the market for solar panels. According to a recent report published in collaboration by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, 506 megawatts of solar panels were installed in the United States during the first quarter of 2012. This represents the second highest total of installations ever in a quarter and an 85% increase from the first quarter of 2011.&nbsp;The fall in prices in solar panels has helped revive an industry that has struggled in the midst of economic turmoil and policy gridlock in Washington, D.C. The solar industry is hoping that the positive trends will continue as it strives to reach grid parity and become more cost competitive within the energy market. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 05:38:08 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Dye Sensitized Solar Cells: The Future of Solar Power]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/dye-sensitized-solar-cells-the-future-of-solar-power</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Recent developments in dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have led to record-breaking cell efficiencies and speculation as to when, if ever, this technology will be commercially available.&nbsp;Generally, for residential solar or commerical solar installations, you have a choice between two solar technologies. These are crystalline solar panels, the solid black/blue panels on people's roofs, and thin film panels, the foldable and rollable panels that are not mounted. DSCs are a third kind of solar cell that was inspired by photosynthesis, the process through which trees harness solar energy. Amazingly these cells can be sprayed or painted onto any surface and can produce electricity from diffused light, which means orientation isn't as big a concern! If we could make cheap and efficient DSCs it would revolutionize how we get solar electricity.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 08:57:39 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Consolidation in the Solar Industry Expected to Continue]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/consolidation-in-the-solar-industry-expected-to-continue</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Experts expect large scale consolidation of the solar industry in 2012 and over the course of the next 10 years. As reported by Reuters, these projections come in the wake of a brutal year for the solar industry which saw a number of high profile insolvency filings for companies in the US and Europe. The decade long consolidation of the semiconductor industry serves as an example for solar companies expecting to survive the industry shakeout: be big and basic or small and selective.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jun 2012 10:30:37 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Record Solar Power Production in Germany]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/record-solar-power-production-in-germany</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On May 25, 2012, the sun was shining in Germany when a record-breaking 22.4&nbsp;gigawatt hours&nbsp;of solar power was produced. At peak production nearly half of domestic energy demand was supplied by photovoltaic panels.&nbsp;The director of the Institute of the Renewable Energy Industry (IWR) in Muenster, told Reuters: &quot;Never before anywhere has a country produced as much photovoltaic electricity. Germany came close to the 20 gigawatt (GW) mark a few times in recent weeks. But this was the first time we made it over.&quot; This achievement cements Germany's position as a leader in renewable energy and could not come at a better time as Germany has shut down eight of its nuclear plants in the aftermath of the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi and plans to close the remaining nine plants by 2022. 

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<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:50:31 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels-Big Time]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/tariffs-on-chinese-solar-panels-big-time</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The decision that the solar industry has been waiting for was announced earlier today and it will not be an easy decision for the Chinese manufacturers to swallow. The Department of Commerce released a fact sheet summarizing the decision. In its dry language, &quot;Commerce preliminarily determined that Chinese producers/exporters sold solar cells in the United States at dumping margins ranging from 31.14 percent to 249.96 percent.&quot; Some of the best know solar manufacturers such as Suntech and Trina Solar received preliminary dumping margins of 31%. It is one of the largest anti-dumping decisions in American history, according to The New York Times. Many predict that it will raise the cost of solar panels across the board.

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<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 02:07:47 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Another Planned IPO in the Solar Industry: SolarCity Plans to Go Public]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/another-planned-ipo-in-the-solar-industry-solarcity-plans-to-go-public</link>
<description><![CDATA[
If the excitement surrounding the Facebook initial public offering were not enough, you may want to start thinking about lining up for the IPO for SolarCity. The company recently announced plans to go public, although details are scare about timing and share pricing. The IPO announcement comes on the heels of the second failed attempt to go public by another company-with a very different business model and technology. The growth of SolarCity since its inception in 2006 is tied to its financing approach that allowed homeowners to put solar panels on their roofs without the large upfront cost. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 12:01:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[First and Last Solar: Can It Adapt Quickly Enough]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/first-and-last-solar-can-it-adapt-quickly-enough</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The poster child for US manufacturing of thin film solar modules has lost a lot of its shine lately. We hope that the naysayers are wrong but the recent report that First Solar is closing its factory in Germany and is cutting back on 30% of its work force does not bolster confidence in thin film manufacturing or for manufacturing of solar panels in the United States for that matter. Just a year ago, First Solar, one of the stocks in the S&amp;P 500, was sailing along at $145 and today it will close at around $18, a stomach churning 88% decline in its price. Some of First Solar's woes have less to do with its strategy than with the cost of raw materials of competing crystalline technologies.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:18:26 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BrightSource Not Looking Bright: Another Attempt to Go Public Fails]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/brightsource-not-looking-bright-another-attempt-to-go-public-fails</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Today we were supposed to see the new listing of solar thermal startup BrightSource on the Nasdaq exchange, after a previous aborted attempt. But last night, news hit the street that BrightSource had changed its mind and will not go public. An eleventh hour change of heart is not usual in the public security markets and caught analysts unaware. BrightSource was seeking to raise roughly about $150 million on the public market, but&nbsp;the Oakland-based company issued a press release saying it had decided not to pursue its IPO due to adverse market conditions.

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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 02:46:39 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Maryland Makes Solar Attractive Again]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/maryland-makes-solar-attractive-again</link>
<description><![CDATA[
So what if BP Solar moved out of Maryland? Maryland lawmakers are hanging up the &quot;Open for business&quot; sign for other solar businesses. The bill that just passed the Maryland State Senate accelerates the implementation of Maryland's 2% solar carve-out by two years. The solar industry in Maryland is just short of apoplectic with this hard-earned win.


&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 02:55:48 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US Slaps Tariffs on Solar Panels from China]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-slaps-tariffs-on-solar-panels-from-china</link>
<description><![CDATA[
From barely a blip in 2005, imports of solar panels from China to the U.S. have soared to $2.65 billion in 2011. U.S. manufacturers cried foul and last week the Commerce Department somewhat agreed. The tariffs imposed of 2.9 to 4.73 percent were less than expected. Both sides claimed victory. The Chinese manufacturers dodged a bullet with this first decision, but they are not out of the woods yet. The next question, which may still yet throw the solar industry into disarray, is whether the Chinese firms sell solar panels under market value to drive out competition. That decision is expected next month.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:49:40 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Consolidation, Bankruptcy, Take-Overs: Solar Industry Upheaval Continues]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/consolidation-bankruptcy-take-overs-solar-industry-upheaval-continues</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The upheaval and restructuring of the solar industry continues. The whirlwind that is the solar energy industry has claimed a host of new victims. It has been hard to keep track of factory closings, bankruptcies, restructurings. The sun may be shining brightly on some companies in the solar industry, but let's take a quick review of some of the most recent victims.

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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 2012 06:43:47 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ignoble End to Storied BP Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/ignoble-end-to-storied-bp-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
And so this is how it ends for BP Solar: a liquidation auction on March 6 and 7 in Frederick, Maryland. If you are looking for a Spire (SPI) SIM 4600 SLP Single Long Pulse Sun Simulator, we know where you can get a good deal. You can find all the gory details at Heritage Global Partners' website. It looks like this auction house is staying busy with solar liquidations these days. They are also auctioning off Solyndra's assets, which, according to the liquidators, is a &quot;World Renown Solar Panel Manufacturer.&quot;


&nbsp;

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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:38:56 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Panel Market Volatile: Suntech Discusses Effects of Dumping Case]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-panel-market-volatile-suntech-discusses-effects-of-dumping-case</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar panel market remains volatile this year after an unprecedented drop in prices last year and several major solar energy companies downsizing, moving their operations abroad, and some even filing for bankruptcy. The major issue that has overwhelmed the discussion this year is the beginning of a trade war between the United States and China. The head of the major target of the case against Chinese solar manufacturers was interviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:10:09 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Financing: A Second Life for PACE]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-financing-a-second-life-for-pace</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Just when we thought that property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs were down for the count, there are signs of life these innovative programs for financing homeowner solar energy projects may yet again become available. PACE programs were sweeping the country, after having been innovated in Berkeley, California. There was just one minor problem: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac strenuously objected to having this tax assessment be superior to their loans on the home. A proposed rule&nbsp;by the Federal Housing Finance Agency allows PACE backers to advocate for reinstituting PACE programs.

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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:20:53 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Obama Not Walking Away from Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/obama-not-walking-away-from-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In what is likely to be a major campaign issue, solar energy occupied a critical part of the State of the Union Address. In a not too subtle reference to Solyndra and that &quot;some companies fail,&quot; President Obama boldly defended his record and indicated that he was not going to &quot;walk away&quot; from solar energy. As pointed out by CNN, &quot;For the third year in a row energy played a central role in President Obama's State of the Union address, with the president leaning hard this year on the twin themes of increased domestic oil and gas production and the need to invest more in renewable sources.&quot;

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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:54:45 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy in Germany: Sinkhole or Vision of the Future]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-in-germany-sinkhole-or-vision-of-the-future</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Germany has been heralded as the world leader in deployment of solar energy. With its decision to move away from nuclear, renewable energy in Germany has become an even higher priority. The question in Germany as in every other country is what level of support the government should provide as the cost for solar panels continues to decline. The solar industry has been at the cross hairs of the debate this past week on the level of support through feed-in tariffs. Der Spiegel has launched a full-throated attack on the solar energy industry while parliamentarians debate the feed-in tariff. Their deliberations affect the industry far beyond the borders of Germany.

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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:38:51 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Makes it Easier to Read...on a Kindle]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-makes-it-easier-to-readon-a-kindle</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Technical innovation is changing the landscape of the solar industry. With the many challenges facing the solar industry, innovative companies like SolarFocus continue to push creative thought and innovation by designing and building solar electronic products like the new solar-powered Kindle for consumers! Yes, you can buy a solar powered Kindle to add to your collection of cool solar gadgets like a solar backpack and solar oven.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:14:22 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Economics of Solar Energy: Is Fracking Killing Renewable Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-economics-of-solar-energy-is-fracking-killing-renewable-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
That big earthquake you just felt may be a bigger threat to solar energy than a cloudy day. Economics more than anything else drive the solar energy market and when oil and gas go up, the demand for renewable energy also go up. When the price for oil and gas go down, the demand for renewable energy also goes down. In an effort to produce low cost natural gas, the demand for renewable energy, including solar energy, the utilities are reducing the demand for solar panels on your homes.

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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:11:57 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Tick Tock, the Clock Runs Out on the 1603 Cash Grant]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/tick-tock-the-clock-runs-out-on-the-1603-cash-grant</link>
<description><![CDATA[
If you are still getting ready for New Year's, you may want to think about putting up your solar panel system before the clock runs out on the 1603 cash grant program, which expires with the revelry on Times Square Saturday&nbsp;at midnight. The good news is that you need not complete your 125 kilowatt system before the stroke of midnight, you just need to get started, and If you really are waiting until Saturday morning to start your solar energy system, you'd better stop shopping and talk with your accountant or lawyer. But for most of us, the window of opportunity for this major driver in the growth of the solar energy industry will expire.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:53:23 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Lights and Gifts Illuminate the Holidays]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-lights-and-gifts-illuminate-the-holidays</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar community is beginning to say good-bye to another record year, and is&nbsp;thinking about how to ring in the New Year. What better ways to celebrate the holidays than with solar gifts. SolarTown offers its ten best solar gift ideas for 2011 and includes solar lights and solar oven and even a solar backpack.&nbsp;And there are others who are talking about solar and other eco-friendly gifts for their loved ones. The Miami Herald chimes in with its own list of new home-brightening green gifts, suggesting&nbsp; gift ideas from a solar-powered rock and solar Christmas lights. The article suggests that you should check out these options as you decorate and shop for gifts this holiday season.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:07:32 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Round 1 in U.S.-China Trade War: Trade Panel Says China Imports May Hurt U.S. Solar Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/round-1-in-us-china-trade-war-trade-panel-says-china-imports-may-hurt-us-solar-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted unanimously on Friday that there is a reasonable indication that SolarWorld and other U.S. solar manufacturers have been or could have been harmed by imports of Chinese solar cells and panels. The Commission will follow with a full investigation on Chinese solar imports. SolarWorld and six other U.S. solar manufacturers filed a complaint with&nbsp;the ITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce on October 19, saying the Chinese government uses cash grants, raw-materials discounts, preferential loans, tax incentives and currency manipulation to boost exports of solar cells. These manufacturers are asking import duties of more than $1 billion on Chinese imports. There will now be a full investigation on possible economic harm to American solar manufacturers by the ITC. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:40:55 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Chalk One Up for the Utility Companies Against Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/chalk-one-up-for-the-utility-companies-against-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Last Wednesday, Virginia's State Corporation Commission announced that Dominion Virginia Power would be able to charge a standby fee for large-scale solar residential owners who use net metering. In another solar news story, we discussed the implications of such a charge. Solar power advocates worry that this will deter solar energy installations, dealing a blow to the solar energy industry in Virginia. The decision allows Dominion to charge any residential customer with solar systems that produce between ten and twenty kilowatts up to $60 per month, or $4.19 per kilowatt for a solar customer's average peak usage of Dominion's electricity each month. The idea is to pay for infrastructure costs associated with developing net metering: the charge covers costs to keep the power flowing to solar customers at times when the sun does not shine. Today, this charge affects only one customer in Virginia, but will deter any other large-scale installations from being built. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:47:27 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[U.S.-China Solar Trade War Escalates: China Retaliates With its Own Investigation]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-china-solar-trade-war-escalates-china-retaliates-with-its-own-investigation</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The U.S. Department of Commerce launched an anti-dumping investigation on Chinese solar manufacturers last month. In anticipation, Chinese companies are moving production sites and have launched their own investigation on U.S.-manufactured polysilicon.The China Ministry of Commerce launched its own investigation into whether U.S. subsidies and other policies in the solar, wind and hydroelectric sectors had unfairly hurt the industrial development of China's renewable energy industries. The decision is scheduled for May&nbsp;2012, which allows China time to retaliate if the U.S. Department of Commerce imposes punitive tariffs on Chinese solar cells as part of its anti-dumping investigation, for which the decision is due in March, or its antisubsidy investigation, for which the decision is due early May. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:30:15 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Proposed Cuts in German Solar Incentives Would Harm Solar Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/proposed-cuts-in-german-solar-incentives-would-harm-solar-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Germany is the world leader in producing solar energy, so what happens in Germany has ripple effects throughout the global solar industry. When Germany's solar industry hiccups, the world takes note. So last week, the world took note of the proposal to cut subsidies to&nbsp;installations in Germany above a certain aggregate amount. Germany's Economy Ministry proposed a plan on Thursday last week to reduce subsidies to German solar installations to 1GW. The Environment Ministry is opposed to the cuts, saying that the reductions already planned for January 2012 are enough and that these additional cuts would &quot;starve&quot; the German solar market. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:07:50 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[U.S. Solar Energy Industry: A Community Divided on the China-U.S. Solar Trade Dispute]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-solar-energy-industry-a-community-divided-on-the-china-us-solar-trade-dispute</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On October 19, a coalition of nine U.S.-based solar manufacturers announced a trade action with the Department of Commerce, claiming that China was dumping solar panels on the U.S. market. The Department of Commerce opened the case for hearings on November 8. China has already announced that setting tariffs on Chinese solar PV cells would have consequences on American exports to China, and some American solar companies fear the effect of a tariff on the American solar market. Other solar companies say China's investment has benefited U.S. customers because of the 30% drop in solar panel prices. They have created a rival Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy. This solar trade fight could be a &quot;circular firing-squad in which everyone gets hurt.&quot; 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:21:27 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Proposed Utility Charges Could Damage Solar Energy Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/proposed-utility-charges-could-damage-solar-energy-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Two public electric utility companies, one in San Diego and one in Virginia, recently proposed usage charges for net-metered customers who have solar energy systems. These are designed to spread the infrastructure costs of solar powered systems more equitably, according to the utility companies. Dominion Virginia Power, the Virginia monopoly utility provider, and San Diego Gas &amp; Electric, the San Diego utility provider, claim that they incur costs for infrastructure maintenance for solar customers, but solar industry representatives doubt the actual amount of cost incurred and bring up a law that prevents utility companies from targeting net-metered customers. Both cases are being reviewed by the respective state commissions, and are being closely watched by utilities and solar advocates across the nation. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:23:23 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Incentives: Going, Going, Gone]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-incentives-going-going-gone</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Governments around the world are cutting incentives for solar energy. If you were counting on the price of solar panels for your home to drop and for the incentives to stay in place, then think again. Some of the latest states to reduce their incentives in the U.S. are Maryland and Arizona, and if you live in Great Britain or Germany, their incentives have also been reduced. And at the federal level in the US, the 1603 Cash Grant will expire at the end of 2011. If you want to take advantage of the incentives for solar energy, then the moral of the story is: get your solar panel systems on your homes today. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:37:54 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[U.S. Solar Companies' Complaint Driven by Envy, China Says]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-solar-companies-complaint-driven-by-envy-china-says</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Last week, we discussed how seven U.S. solar manufacturers filed a petition with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission for the U.S. government to raise duties on Chinese solar imports by more than 100%. In their petition, these solar manufacturers argued that they have been injured by Chinese manufacturers' dumping of crystalline solar cells on the U.S. market at prices below production costs. China Energy News reported today that this was a foolish, misguided attempt at trade protectionism driven by jealousy. 

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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:32:49 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Manufacturers Cut Output as Solar Panel Oversupply Continues]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-manufacturers-cut-output-as-solar-panel-oversupply-continues</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Two European solar manufacturers cut output this week as solar panel prices continue to drop and demand stays low. This week, Meyer Burger, Europe's biggest solar equipment maker, said it would temporarily stop production at its site in Thun, Switzerland, for a maximum of three weeks. Solar panel makers&nbsp;are dealing with weakened demand in Europe and at the same time&nbsp;under pressure from Chinese manufacturers, which have expanded production capacity just as demand slowed, causing cell and module prices to plummet. The drop in demand comes as no surprise given the economic downturn and cut in feed-in tariffs in Europe. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:57:14 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Solar Trade Wars Begin: US vs. China]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-solar-trade-wars-begin-us-vs-china</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This war has been brewing for some time and yesterday several US solar manufacturers fired the first shot at their Chinese rivals. The gist of their grievances is that the Chinese government has subsidized solar manufacturers in China. These manufacturers have unfairly have lowered their prices on solar modules and are dumping them in the United States., driving US manufacturers out of business. One thing is for sure. Manufacturing of solar modules in the US has become increasingly scarce. OregonLive quotes the lead US manufacturer in the complaint against the Chinese as saying that in the last 18 months, seven U.S. solar plants have closed or downsized, eliminating thousands of manufacturing jobs in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. China has assumed the lion's share of global manufacturing of solar panels, and just this year has shipped more than $1.6 billion of solar panels to the United States. Wholesale prices for solar panels have dropped by about 30 percent since the beginning of the year. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 07:24:32 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Dow Solar Shingles Hit the Market]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/dow-solar-shingles-hit-the-market</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Dow Solar, a division of The Dow Chemical Company, released its POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle to the market last Thursday in Colorado. This release in Colorado is part of a partnership with D.R. Horton Inc, the largest homebuilder in the U.S., which announced its commitment to offer Dow's solar shingles as a standard feature on fifty new homes in the Spring Mesa Community in Colorado, and to offer each of the remaining homes in the community a three-kilowatt solar shingle roof. Dow is planning to expand to twelve other states over 2012 with homebuilders throughout the nation. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:51:33 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solyndra Spectacle Will Continue without CEO Harrison]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solyndra-spectacle-will-continue-without-ceo-harrison</link>
<description><![CDATA[
You knew it wasn't good news for solar energy company Solyndra when the FBI came knocking on Solyndra's doors. And you knew that it was particularly bad when CEO Brian Harrison and chief financial officer W.G. Stover took the Fifth when testifying before the House of Representatives. Harrison resigned last Friday, although the news of his resignation became known today. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:11:02 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy Product Mimics Photosynthesis to Produce Fuel]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-product-mimics-photosynthesis-to-produce-fuel</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Sometimes we see in the news of an innovative solar energy product that attracts particular attention. Even though solar energy is becoming more and more commercialized, there are breakthroughs every year on new solar energy technology. Recently, a team of scientists successfully created a solar cell, which mimics photosynthesis in order to produce storable fuel. This &quot;solar leaf&quot; is aimed toward producing storable and clean energy by producing hydrogen and oxygen. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 07:04:35 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Schools Nationwide Turn to Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/schools-nationwide-turn-to-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
With the falling prices of solar modules and government incentives, more and more schools, from grade schools to colleges, are turning to solar energy to reduce their energy bills. From Maryland to California, schools have and are installing solar power panels on their campuses. Solar leasing is becoming increasingly popular for school installations as more solar companies offer it as an alternative to funding solar panel installations. Under leasing agreements, the most common is a power-purchasing agreement, in which customers agree to buy the power produced from the solar arrays installed at a fixed rate over twenty years, typically below current utility rates. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:37:42 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Decathlon 2011 Crowns University of Maryland Solar Champion]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-decathlon-2011-crowns-university-of-maryland-solar-champion</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The University of Maryland won the fifth Solar Decathlon on Sunday, followed by Purdue and New Zealand. The Solar Decathlon judged twenty teams based on ten different factors, which included architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, energy balance and home entertainment. At the close of the Solar Decathlon, Energy Secretary Steven Chu gave a speech congratulating students, reminding them that they are helping the U.S. remain a major competing force in the clean energy industry. You can see all of the solar homes in the Solar Decathlon on SolarTown's Facebook Page. 

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<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:35:15 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[There Are Limits to Cheap Solar Manufacturing in China]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/there-are-limits-to-cheap-solar-manufacturing-in-china</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Jinko Solar Holding Co, a Chinese solar panel manufacturer, faced violent protests over the week as one of its subsidiary factories, Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co. Ltd., allegedly spilled pollutants into a nearby river. The factory's production was temporarily shut down. The company said that preliminary tests showed pollution was caused due to improper waste storage, which, followed by heavy rains, caused a fluoride spill into nearby streams. The company also said that this incident was unrelated to the May incident, in which the company received fines for elevated levels of fluoride during a single day. Finally, Jinko Solar promised to pay for environmental clean-up and to provide compensation for damage related to the pollution. 

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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:28:03 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cost to Install a Solar Panel System on Your Home is Dropping, and May Continue to Drop]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/cost-to-install-a-solar-panel-system-on-your-home-is-dropping-and-may-continue-to-drop</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is already now old news that the price of solar modules this year has fallen through the floor, but a new study shows that labor and other costs to install a home solar panel system have also come down. According to the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab's) fourth annual PV cost tracking report Tracking the Sun IV, the cost of installing photovoltaic systems in the country fell by around 17 percent between 2009 and 2010. In the first half of 2011, costs have decreased by a further 11 percent. The primary reason for these falling costs, say the Berkeley Lab researchers, is the dramatic reduction in the prices of photovoltaic modules. But the non-module costs, including labor, marketing, overheads, inverters, and the balance of systems, have fallen by around 18 percent between 2009 and 2010, both for residential and commercial solar energy systems. 

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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:35:01 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Accelerated Growth in New Jersey and Pennsylvania Solar Markets Causes SRECs to Plunge]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/accelerated-growth-in-new-jersey-and-pennsylvania-solar-markets-causes-srecs-to-plunge</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The number of solar PV installations rose tremendously in Pennsylvania and New Jersey this past year, sending Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) plummeting downward last week. This makes it more difficult for customers to finance solar panel installations, putting the industry at risk. Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania's programs for rewarding credit in order to help finance solar panel installations were incredibly successful over the past year. Pennsylvania reached 100 MW of installed solar capacity last week.. This marks an increase from just 3 MW of installed solar capacity four years ago. New Jersey saw a similar surge in solar panel installations with solar capacity doubling in the past year, putting the state second only to California. 

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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:52:42 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Despite Recent Bankruptcies, U.S. Solar Manufacturing Not Dead]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/despite-recent-bankruptcies-us-solar-manufacturing-not-dead</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There has been a spate of news stories about the demise of solar manufacturing here in the United States. And now the brouhaha that has erupted over the tanking of Solyndra is becoming increasingly marked by partisan finger pointing. Politicians in the U.S. will debate government support for of renewable technology projects as China's state-funded banks continue to happily loan billions to Chinese solar companies such as SunTech. The outlook does not look bright for solar manufacturing in the US, but despite the onslaught of bad news, it may be easy to forget that there are some bright spots for manufacturing solar modules in the US.Major solar manufacturers such as First Solar, which produces thin film modules, are still going strong.&nbsp;Also,start-ups are flourishing in states with strong government incentives regarding the production and purchase of solar systems. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:26:03 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Big Solar News: FBI Searches Solyndra's Offices]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/big-solar-news-fbi-searches-solyndras-offices</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Solar manufacturer Solyndra outlook did not seem like it could get more gloomy until the FBI landed on its doorsteps to serve search warrants. We are not sure what to make of this breaking news story just in on the New York Times. The headline is &quot;Solar Company Is Searched by F.B.I.&quot; According to the Times story, &quot;The warrants are part of a joint investigation between the F.B.I. and the Department of Energy's Office of Inspector General, according to Alicia Sensibaugh, a spokeswoman for the F.B.I., who declined to elaborate further.&quot; One might think that the venture capitalists who may lose a billion dollars are a tad miffed by the recent downturn in Solyndra's prospects when Solyndra filed for bankruptcy. And the pending hearings on the Hill to look into what happened to $535 million of taxpayer loan guarantees probably may cause Solyndra's executives some indigestion. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:19:10 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Major Solar Manufacturer SolarWorld Shuts Down California Solar Module Factory, Cuts Workforce in Germany]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/major-solar-manufacturer-solarworld-shuts-down-california-solar-module-factory-cuts-workforce-in-germany</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar news has been swamped with solar manufacturers not just walking away, but running away from manufacturing their solar products in the United States. Earlier this month, major solar manufacturer SolarWorld based in Germany was the latest manufacturer of solar modules to announce that it would close a production facility in the US. All U.S. manufacturing will be consolidated at the company's Hillsboro, Oregon facility, while sales and distribution operations will remain in Camarillo, California. In addition, at SolarWorld's Freiberg/Saxony, Germany, location, older sections of production facilities will be shut down. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:19:42 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Australia May Be First to Reach Grid Parity for Solar PV]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/australia-may-be-first-to-reach-grid-parity-for-solar-pv</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar news from down under is looking better since SolarTown reported earlier this summer on installation problems and dwindling government incentives in Australia. Today, the good news coming from New South Wales (NSW) is that NSW is on the verge of achieving grid parity in some areas-&quot;a lot of places except Melbourne and Hobart,&quot; according to Andrew Blakers, director of the center for sustainable energy systems at the Australian National Universiy. According to Muriel Watt, spokeswoman of the Photovoltaic Association, solar has become competitive with coal-powered electricity, as the cost of producing energy from rooftop panels over the course of their 25-year lifetime equates to the cost of retail electricity. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:39:34 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solyndra Rounds Out the List of Solar Companies Filing for Bankruptcy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solyndra-rounds-out-the-list-of-solar-companies-filing-for-bankruptcy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We commented just a couple of weeks ago on the SolarTown blog about how solar manufacturing in the US has surrendered. We did not realize that the once glorified Solynda would so soon follow on the heels of Evergreen.&nbsp;Solyndra is filing for bankruptcy.&nbsp;The solar panel maker is filing for bankruptcy and will be shutting its doors.&nbsp;Solyndra was the recipient of a $535 million loan from the federal government, which may explain why no one from the company was willing to go on camera to talk about the downfall of Solyndra.&nbsp;The reasons cited for the downfall of Solyndra include the over supply of solar panels, falling prices and tight credit for its problems along with foreign competition. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:25:02 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Soccer Stadium in Brazil: World Cup Going Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-soccer-stadium-in-brazil-world-cup-going-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
After recently connecting its first commercial solar-powered plant, Brazil will now have Latin America's first solar-powered soccer stadium, continuing the trend of solar powered sports stadiums.&nbsp;A Germany-based solar company has teamed up with Brazilian environmental technology group Ecoluz Participa&ccedil;&otilde;es S.A. to carry out the project under the name Gehrlicher Ecoluz Solar do Brasil S.A. Utility company Coelba awarded the contract to the joint venture. Under the joint venture, Latin America will see its first photovoltaic system installed on a soccer stadium. Located at the Pitua&ccedil;u Stadium in Brazil's third largest city, Salvador da Bahia, construction on the 403 kilowatt system is expected to begin in September, and they expect to be able to connect to the grid by December. Tender procedures to install solar on all 12 of the upcoming 2014 World Cup venues have been submitted and are &quot;in progress.&quot; 

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<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:41:04 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Renewed Demand for Solar Curbs Year-Long Price Pains]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/renewed-demand-for-solar-curbs-year-long-price-pains</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The price of main components of photovoltaic (PV) modules, especially polysilicon and microinverters, has dropped precipitously since the beginning of the year, forcing major makers of solar products to accept thinner margins. This drop in price, however, seems to be coming to an end as demand for PV once again rises.&nbsp;The price of multi-crystalline silicon, or polysilicon, the main raw material of solar cells, dropped by 33% over the past year. The drop in the price of polysilicon coincided with a drop in the price of microinverters, another main component of a solar PV module.The result of this drop has been a fall in company profits. Other situations proved more serious as several significant players filed for bankruptcy because they could not repay the debt they owed creditors.The fall in the price of both polysilicon and microinverters is a result of the introduction of low-cost Chinese manufacturing companies and a fall in demand for solar panels in key markets such as Germany and Italy. In the face of economic difficulties, the Italian and German governments cut financial incentives to install solar panels, dramatically reducing demand for PV systems. 

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<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:37:47 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The View on the Residential Solar Market in the US from the UK]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-view-on-the-residential-solar-market-in-the-us-from-the-uk</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar industry in the U.S. likes to congratulate itself for the explosive growth that it has experienced. Despite the gains, the inroads that solar energy has made in the United States have been relatively modest. At least this is the view from one&nbsp;United Kingdom newspaper. The main beef that the UK has with the solar industry in the US is that there have been an increasing percentage of utility scale projects in the US to the detriment of distributed solar.

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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:05:12 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Evergreen Bites the Dust]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/evergreen-bites-the-dust</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Evergreen just a few years ago a promising light on the solar industry filed for reorganization today, but according to press accounts, there is no chance that it will reemerge from bankruptcy. Evergreen is basically getting breathing room to sell its remaining assets. For those who invested in this green company, well, there is this from Morningstar: &quot;Based upon the estimated value of the Company's assets, the assets are expected to be insufficient to satisfy all its obligations to its creditors. Accordingly, it is expected that no distributions will be made to holders of common stock and the common stock will be extinguished upon consummation of the Chapter 11 plan.&quot; 

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<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:05:30 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Update: Los Angeles to Reboot Solar Incentive Program]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/update-los-angeles-to-reboot-solar-incentive-program</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) cancelled their solar incentive program, citing an inability to manage the high overwhelming interest and inadequate funds. However, in a recent development last week LADWP announced that it received approval from the Board of Power and Water Commissioners to restart the program with some changes. LADWP expects to accept new applications as early as September 1. While LADWP quickly claims that they are taking feedback into account, it seems most, if not all, of the adjustments to the program are weighted heavily against the interests of the consumer.&nbsp;Incentives have been reduced by 30% for those who buy systems and 40% for those who lease their system to deal with the high demand. 

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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:10:58 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Study Confirms that Solar Energy Systems are a Sound Investment for your Home]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/study-confirms-that-solar-energy-systems-are-a-sound-investment-for-your-home</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Researchers from UCLA and UC San Diego have recently found that solar panels add value to your home. By looking at home sales and re-sales in Sacramento and San Diego counties from 2003 to 2010, they found, on a house-by-house basis, that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems add 3.5% to a home's value. That means, for the half-million-dollar homes they studied, they saw an average increase in value due to the solar panels&nbsp;of about $20,000. When compared to the $20,000 initial investment, this is considered a very good return, especially compared with other home improvements and especially&nbsp;when the system will allow you to save on your utility bills. The second phase of their research tried to determine the demographics of homeowners that increased the likelihood of their home being equipped with a solar PV system.&nbsp;The more liberal, higher educated, presence of a hybrid vehicle and a history of charitable donations to environmental causes from a household all increased the chances that their home had a solar energy system. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:14:23 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Department of Energy SUNPATH Program: Is $50 Million Enough to Invigorate Solar Manufacturing in the US]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/department-of-energy-sunpath-program-is-50-million-enough-to-invigorate-solar-manufacturing-in-the-us</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier this week, the Department of Energy announced its new SUNPATH program via a press release. SUNPATH, which stands for Scaling Up Nascent PV AT Home, will invest $50 million over the next two years into the solar PV manufacturing industry that has been spiraling downward since 2000. According to PV-Tech.org, Energy Secretary Steven Chu was quoted as saying: &quot;This investment provides a necessary boost to domestic solar manufacturing businesses, encouraging them to keep jobs here and establish America's leadership in the world's growing clean energy economy.&quot; This program is the second phase of the DOE SunShot initiative, not at all related to last summer's Junk Shot, to lower the price of solar systems by 75% by 2020.

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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:22:37 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Getting FIT for Summer]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/china-getting-fit-for-summer</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Since 2007 China has been the world's foremost producer of photovoltaic solar panels producing near half of the world supply. Some have attributed China's ascent to the downsizing of manufacturing in the United and the falling prices of solar panels globally. Now China intends to dominate both sides of the market, spurring their economy from within and investing in infrastructure on an unprecedented scale. China's new feed-in tariff program guarantees solar developers&nbsp;a certain return for each&nbsp;kilowatt for grid-tied solar installations of all sizes.

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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:49:02 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Panels Cool Your Home: New Study Reveals Added Benefits of Solar Panels]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-panels-cool-your-home-new-study-reveals-added-benefits-of-solar-panels</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) have recently released a study which explores the effects that roof-mounted solar panels may have on the thermal heat storage capacity of the building ceiling they are attached to. During the summer, the research team found that solar panels cool the buildings on which they are installed. Using thermal imaging techniques, UCSD researchers found that solar panels act as giant sun shades and that building ceilings directly under panels were 5&deg;F cooler that comparable top-floor building ceilings without panels. 

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<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:00:31 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BP Solar to Close Up Shop in Maryland]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/bp-solar-to-close-up-shop-in-maryland</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BP Solar has decided that it will close its solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing plant in Frederick, Maryland as early as the first quarter of 2012. Built in 1981 by Solarex, the factory's solar panel roof is an icon alongside I-70 but, while the factory has continued to generate electricity, it has not been making solar panels for over a year now. At its height, the plant employed over 500 workers but, more recently, the plant has only served as office and R&amp;D space for 80 employees.BP Solar has decided that it will close its solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing plant in Frederick, Maryland as early as the first quarter of 2012. Built in 1981 by Solarex, the factory's solar panel roof is an icon alongside I-70 but, while the factory has continued to generate electricity, it has not been making solar panels for over a year now. At its height, the plant employed over 500 workers but, more recently, the plant has only served as office and R&amp;D space for 80 employees. The major reasons for downsizing and shutting down the plant include the falling prices of PV panels, lower demand in Europe and more-affordable labor in China with which they could not compete.

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<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:12:24 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Life for PACE: Legislation Presented for Solar Financing Program]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-life-for-pace-legislation-presented-for-solar-financing-program</link>
<description><![CDATA[
If you've been following or involved in the PACE discussions, you are aware that the merits of the program have been subject of debate for over a year now. This program does not use taxpayer money, leveraging private investment through bonds, while providing work for a wide range of local small businesses and building an infrastructure of renewable energy. Unfortunately, as of last summer, mortgage lenders, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (as well as the overseers in the Federal Housing Finance Agency) have balked at the prospect of increased risk from a first lien on the property and refused to underwrite any homes participating in the program. Last week, PACE may have been given new life in the House. 

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<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:33:53 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[National Football League Going Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/national-football-league-going-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The National Resource Defense Council has been partnered with the National Football League's Green Team since 2008 to develop sustainable practices throughout the league.&nbsp;This is part of a larger nation-wide effort to reduce the environmental impact of all professional sports leagues. The Eagles and Redskins management have shown us that environmental stewardship is not just lip-service and that the private sector can and will be a driving force in the renewable energies market. Following the Eagles lead, the Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans are also trying to lessen their environmental impact. After all, it's hard to frown at the $3 million the Eagles have saved since 2005 from energy, water and waste reduction efforts alone.

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<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:40:12 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Hybrid Solar Collector Makes a Big Splash]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/hybrid-solar-collector-makes-a-big-splash</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A graduate student in the Netherlands is making a big splash in the hybrid solar collector pool. Stefan Roest, a student majoring in Sustainable Energy Technology has created a new model of hybrid solar collector that has substantially higher efficiency and a longer life span than others on the market at the moment. Hybrid solar collectors use both PV and solar thermal technology to create energy as well as heat water. Conventional hybrid solar collectors pose many problem such as overheating of PV panels and low efficiency; both problems that Roest addressed in his new model.

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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:04:37 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Industry Reeling in Australia: Incentives Suspended and Installations Subpar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-industry-reeling-in-australia-incentives-suspended-and-installations-subpar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar industry is worldwide and we at SolarTown report solar news from around the globe because what happens in one country can affect what happens in another country. That brings us to the latest news from down under, where the news is not good both because reduced incentives are depressing growth in an quickly expanding solar market, and, possibly more importantly, because low quality installations of solar energy systems has raised the specter of safety hazards. Following the government's decision in April to suspend the Solar Bonus Scheme, a per kilowatt rebate system in New South Wales (NSW), residents of NSW with solar PV systems were recently hit with even more bad news. Audit figures released last week have shed light on what many had been suspecting for months - that there are widespread snags in NSW residential solar installations.

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<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2011 07:20:02 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Good News for Solar Energy in DC]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/good-news-for-solar-energy-in-dc</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Even though President Obama has not installed solar panels on his home in Washington, D.C. as promised, our nation's capital is making strides to boost solar energy so that other homes and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of solar energy.&nbsp;The solar panels on the White House were supposed to be installed by the end of spring, but spring has come and gone, and the panels have not been installed.&nbsp;Not deterred by the lack of progress on Pennsylvania Avenue, the City Council has been busy trying to jumpstart solar power in the District of Columbia. The Distributed Generation Amendment Act of 2011 is currently undergoing a &quot;Second Reading&quot; in the DC City Council, weeks after successfully passing the first reading by a unanimous vote of 13 - 0. If the amendment makes it through the second reading, it will come before DC Mayor Vincent Gray, who is widely expected to sign the Act into law.

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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:01:09 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Department of Energy Putting Some Skin into Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/department-of-energy-putting-some-skin-into-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the last week, the US Department of Energy has announced two projects for which it is providing important loan guarantees-all part of the accelerating effort to bring down the cost of solar power on your homes and on solar farms. Together these projects show promise to make solar power less expensive and more competitive with traditional energy sources in the near future. With these new projects, the Department of Energy is hoping that the United States should be able to increase domestic production and development of solar panels to keep on pace with, and even exceed, current predictions.

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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:08:30 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Israel Belatedly Gets on the Solar Bandwagon]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/israel-belatedly-gets-on-the-solar-bandwagon</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Israel has been at the forefront of solar water heaters, but woefully behind on generating solar electricity-which is surprising considering that Israel is a small country not known for significant natural resources save for the sun. And there is lots of sun in Israel. So the response to the unveiling of a major solar farm in Israel is more like, &quot;what took you so long?&quot; Israel recently unveiled a 5 megawatt commercial solar field at Kibbutz Ketura, celebrating with a large opening ceremony including multiple speakers and a rapper performing his new song &quot;Solar Energy.&quot; You've got to love it, if that is not enough to shake up the naysayers for solar energy, then what will? The solar field, built in just six months, but five years in planning, will provide the energy needs for three surrounding communities. That should just be just the beginning of a trend for Israel and its neighbors.

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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:20:26 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US Reaches for the Sun with New Legislation: Ten Million Solar Roofs by 2020]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-reaches-for-the-sun-with-new-legislation-ten-million-solar-roofs-by-2020</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The sun is beating harshly on Washington, D.C. this summer, possibly reminding our Congress that we are falling way behind other countries on deployment of solar energy systems. If we are to even come close to approaching the goals for renewable energy in the coming years, we need to develop stable policies to support the development of solar energy in the US. You may recall from SolarTown solar news last year that Senator Bernie Sanders introduced an initiative to place home solar panels on ten million roofs. In a year of intense bipartisan bickering, Sanders' initiative did not get very far. Undeterred, Sanders has recast his initiative as the 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011and to the surprise of some, is even getting some bipartisan support. 

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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:41:10 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Ups the Ante on Solar Power]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/china-ups-the-ante-on-solar-power</link>
<description><![CDATA[
China may be&nbsp;the most attractive country for investors in renewable energy, ahead of the United States, India, and Germany, according to a recent report. This is primarily due to China's diversification of its renewable energy portfolio by increasing emphasis on offshore wind and concentrated solar power. Along with the ever-increasing advent of new technologies, China is in a league of its own. The above report has prompted China to increase its 2015 solar capacity target from 5 gigawatts (GW) to 10 GW, with an even loftier goal of reaching 50 GW by 2020. China has devised a long-term strategy to address its growing role in the solar industry. Solar cell prices are dropping across the globe and countries like China, the US, India, and Germany should be the first to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits that solar has to offer.

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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:20:11 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Disasters Steer Japan to Embrace Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/disasters-steer-japan-to-embrace-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
You may be familiar with the flag of Japan, which shows a large red disk representing the sun. So what better place than Japan to create a national energy policy based on utilizing the virtually limitless resource of the sun? Just on the heels of the disasters that befell Japan, the government there has just enacted the Sunrise Plan, a solar agenda to increase energy independence.The Sunrise Plan comes just after the decision to halt plans to expand Japan's nuclear program and focus more on renewable energy, including solar energy. In Tokyo, officials aim to reduce the cost of installing solar power by over 65% by 2020 and over 80% by 2030. Because solar energy is exceedingly safer than nuclear energy and greener than traditional fossil fuels, many nations are investing in solar energy. This will result in better technology in the solar industry and even more reasons for individuals to go green and purchase their own solar panels.

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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:28:40 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Vermont Enacts Speedy Solar Registration Program]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/vermont-enacts-speedy-solar-registration-program</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A nearly all inclusive renewable energy bill was passed in Vermont last Wednesday. Being the first of its kind, the Vermont Energy Act of 2011&nbsp;will streamline the installation of small-scale solar energy systems, setting an example for other U.S. states to follow. The new registration process for solar installations of 5 kW or less will replace the often cumbersome and expensive solar permitting program. Vermont has come up with an innovative way to address the financial and temporal problems typically associated with small-scale solar systems. Many households and businesses believe solar systems require too much upfront capital and take too much time to break even. But by cutting the red tape associated with solar permitting, Vermont is showing the rest of the country that solar energy is not only feasible, but a necessary step should we wish to internalize our energy needs.

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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:04:35 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Solar Fill-Up Station Unveiled]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-solar-fill-up-station-unveiled</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier today, in Plainville, Connecticut, officials and employees of General Electric, along with state government officials, unveiled GE's newest feat of technology: a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) carport. General Electric is headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, just an hour away from Plainville. The charging station is one of the largest solar carport projects in North America. It can provide clean energy alternatives to traditional energy sources and will last at least 25 years. The 216-by-40 foot solar carport can create 125 megawatt hours and can fully charge up to 13 vehicles per day, which is equivalent to powering 20 homes each year. It takes six hours on average to charge each car, with the bill coming out to just $3 per charge. Compare that to average Connecticut gas prices of $4.11 a gallon and it's easy to see why GE expects their carport to resonate well with local residents.

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<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 02:29:18 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Jersey Continues to Lead in Solar Power]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-jersey-continues-to-lead-in-solar-power</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In the midst of worldwide solar incentive cuts, one U.S. state has remained committed to the expansion of solar energy. Second in solar production only to California, the state of New Jersey has emerged as a solar energy pioneer in the United States.&nbsp;New Jersey alone constituted 14 percent of the cumulative installed solar capacity in the U.S. This number is surprising, considering that the state ranks just 47th in total area. Many factors have contributed to New Jersey's solar boom, including effective land use, strong legislation, and a bold renewable energy portfolio. A recent Reuters article references the benefits of 2006 state legislation which requires energy suppliers to get 20 percent of their power from renewables by 2020, including 2 percent from solar. New Jersey also has a carbon offset program, which allows polluting companies to buy certificates from renewable energy producers to offset their own emissions. This provides not only a source of revenue for those who produce renewable energy, but also an incentive to invest in solar power.

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<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 05:57:06 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Incentives Dealt a Heavy Blow in Australia]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-incentives-dealt-a-heavy-blow-in-australia</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Incentives for solar energy cut due to austerity measures. Does this sound like a worldwide trend? Just ask the residents of New South Wales, Australia, who are up in arms over the government's recent declaration that it will cut funding to the Solar Bonus Scheme. This program has provided a huge impulse to residential solar energy in Australia through a 60 cent per kilowatt hour rebate to participants.&nbsp;
The government decision will close the program to new applicants and retrospectively slash the rebate for existing participants from 60 cents to 40 cents beginning July 1, 2011, saving the government over $470 million. This means that all program participants who previously had a 60 cent rebate will now only get a 40 cent rebate, regardless of when they may have signed up. The decision reflects the cruel reality around the world that renewable energy incentive programs are an easy target for budget cuts.

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<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 07:27:10 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Los Angeles Rebate Program: Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/los-angeles-rebate-program-do-not-pass-go-do-not-collect-200</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Another incentive program for placing solar panels on your home bites the dust-at least temporarily. The suspension of the solar rebate program by the Los Angeles Department of Power (LADWP) has left a lot of acrimony in its wake. PV installers blame the utility for an ineffective program while the utility cites not only budgetary considerations but also &quot;growing safety concerns&quot; and &quot;some apparent misinformation to LADWP customers by some PV installers.&quot; Talk about ways not to gain any friends in the solar energy industry. Whether the Los Angeles utility will again turn on the spigot for solar energy may depend not only on the budget but also on the administration of a very popular program. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 07:21:23 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[SRECs Take a Tumble in Washington DC]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/srecs-take-a-tumble-in-washington-dc</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Homeowners want to go green and place home solar panels on their roofs. The nation's capital, where SolarTown calls home, is ideal for rooftop applications of solar energy. But there are some challenges, as many homeowners are simply not apt to plunk down $30,000 for a solar energy system and wait years for the payback. Incentives have played a vital role in supporting the industry, but you want a stable legislative regime so that you can accurately predict what the payback period will be. The downturn in the market for solar renewable credits in Washington, DC serves as a mighty disincentive for those who want to go solar in Washington DC-and serves as a reminder that the incentive structure is still far from stable. 

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<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:02:53 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[California Requires 33 Percent Renewable Energy Standard--Again]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/california-requires-33-percent-renewable-energy-standard-again</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The most aggressive renewable portfolio standard in the country became law (again) earlier this week. Former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order in September 2009 requiring that the utilities in California obtain 33% of all their energy from renewables by 2020. But as we indicated in our solar news article about the executive order, the governor bypassed the California legislature, throwing into question whether the executive order was legal. Now, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, Schwarzenegger's successor in the Governor's office, Jerry Brown, signed into law, not just by executive order, the 33% renewable energy standard. According to the article, the new law requires that all of the state's utilities reach 33 percent in three steps.

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<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:57:33 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cost of Solar Energy Continues to Drop-Closing in on Coal]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/cost-of-solar-energy-continues-to-drop-closing-in-on-coal</link>
<description><![CDATA[
No surprises on the trend of solar energy: costs are going down, and installations are going up. Bloomberg reports today that analysts are predicting that solar panel installations may &quot;surge&quot; in the next two years &quot;as the cost of generating electricity from the sun rivals coal-fueled plants.&quot;&nbsp;The trend line is unmistakably up for adoption of solar energy, but even with rapid growth, the solar component of the energy portfolio is still ridiculously low. Analysts are not timid about what this may mean for the prospects of solar.&nbsp;One commentator suggests that investors may need to rush to buy some solar stocks: You may not have to wait in line long, though.&nbsp;Strategy still makes a difference in the solar energy market, and a rising tide is not going to lift all of the ships in this market. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:54:58 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Builder Offers Solar Panels as Standard Feature on New Homes]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/builder-offers-solar-panels-as-standard-feature-on-new-homes</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The significance of this new approach in homebuilding is that it begins to bring solar to the masses.One of the largest U.S. homebuilders has announced that it will include as a standard feature a solar array on new homes in California.&nbsp; KB Home will incorporate a small array on its new homes in ten California communities.&nbsp;Homebuilders want&nbsp;to stand out in a struggling housing market and&nbsp;more are including green features in their standard packages. Now, there's a push to add home solar panels to the mix even for low cost homes. The significance of this new approach in homebuilding is that it begins to bring solar to the masses.

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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:34:06 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Explosive Growth in Solar Industry in 2010]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/explosive-growth-in-solar-industry-in-2010</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The events in Japan have overwhelmed the other solar industry news reported earlier this month, and we shouldn't let the good news go without notice. For the solar industry, 2010 was a banner year, according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research.&nbsp;According to the summary of the report, the total value of U.S. solar market installations grew 67 percent from $3.6 billion in 2009 to $6.0 billion in 2010. The surge in activity in grid-tie solar installations was particularly impressive. This segment of the solar industry doubled in 2010 and reached 878 MW.

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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:14:46 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Japan Nuclear Woes Boost Solar Energy Industry]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/japan-nuclear-woes-boost-solar-energy-industry</link>
<description><![CDATA[
No one is celebrating the dire condition of the nuclear reactors in Japan and the risk to the people of Japan. The specter of nuclear disaster loom ever so large and everyone is hoping and praying that the Japanese will be able to contain the nuclear reactors before a meltdown. But as the events in Japan unfold, the investment community is already looking for cover.Nuclear energy, which looked like it was poised to make a major comeback in industrialized countries throughout the world, is now the subject of tight scrutiny-and investors are selling as quickly as they can and they are looking at solar energy as a serious alternative. 

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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:42:04 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Will SunShot Be Shot in the Arm for Solar Industry: DOE Grid Parity Initiative]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/will-sunshot-be-shot-in-the-arm-for-solar-industry-doe-grid-parity-initiative</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Everybody likes solar, but nobody likes the price, especially without the incentives. And the incentives are like sand castles with the tide rising, here one day, gone the next. The fits and starts in the incentives from the government has wreaked havoc on the market. The Department of Energy announced a new initiative to lower the cost of solar so that solar can be competitive with fossil fuel and other non-clean energy-without the incentives. The Department of Energy last month released its SunShot Initiative to jumpstart the solar energy industry. The goal of the program is clear: &quot;to make large-scale solar energy systems cost competitive without subsidies by the end of the decade.&quot; The program focuses on the installed system as a whole, and will target not only cell technologies and manufacturing, but also installation and permitting costs. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:20:21 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Decathlon Not Kicked Out of Washington After All]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-decathlon-not-kicked-out-of-washington-after-all</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Early last month, students preparing for the Solar Decathlon, the biennial competition of solar homes from colleges here and abroad, received a body blow: not on the nation's front yard.&nbsp;The Obama administration evicted&nbsp;about 1,500 students who design and showcase energy-efficient homes as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon from the event's grand stage, the Mall. The permit to locate this event that has attracted hundreds of thousands had been unceremoniously revoked. In response, the students waged a campaign to get back on the Mall and won.

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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:58:33 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Incentives Waning: An Unwelcome Surprise in Colorado ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-incentives-waning-an-unwelcome-surprise-in-colorado</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As states are trying to balance their budgets, an easy target seems to be the precious renewable energy programs. Colorado has suspended its popular Xcel program, creating uncertainty and frustration. The Denver Post quotes one solar installer who sums up the effect: &quot;It is hard to run a business under these conditions.&quot; Industry executives suggest that the slash in incentives could cause the loss of as many as half of Colorado's 5,300 installation jobs, according to the article. Demonstrators gathered at the state capitol to protest the reductions in the program ahead of schedule.

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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:09:40 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Powered Roads: How to Outsmart the Storm]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-powered-roads-how-to-outsmart-the-storm</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Every year the United States is hammered with multiple feet of snow and each year we continually spend billions of dollars to clean up the mess. Yet there is a glimmer of hope to make our future winters a little bit safer and a lot more cost effective. Our future lies in solar powered roads that can melt the ice away along with our problems.

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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:28:51 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Obama Highlights Solar and Other 'Clean' Energy in State of the Union]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/obama-highlights-solar-and-other-clean-energy-in-state-of-the-union</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It was good to hear that President Obama did not forget renewable energy, including solar, in his State of the Union address. He exhorted the country to &quot;join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, 80 percent of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources.&quot; And in what some folks in the renewable energy field are having heartburn from his subtle shift from &quot;renewable energy&quot; to &quot;clean energy&quot; and for what he next had to say next: &quot;Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal and natural gas. To meet this goal, we will need them all -- and I urge Democrats and Republicans to work together to make it happen.

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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:25:31 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Land Battles Heat Up Over Solar Farms: The Sierra Club Sues]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-land-battles-heat-up-over-solar-farms-the-sierra-club-sues</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Whenever you have land use over large tracts of land at stake, there are certainly bound to be disputes. But the latest dispute over solar farms adds a new dimension to the land battles.The latest series of battles pits environmentalists and solar energy developers against one another.

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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:22:57 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Will 2011 Be Another Solar Boom Year]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/will-2011-be-another-solar-boom-year</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We watch the solar industry and are part of the industry that sometimes it is hard to tell whether we are in a true boom, are there is just wishful thinking. And with the solar energy just a miniscule of our current output, anything, yes, anything looks like a tidal wave. We now have a raft of reports that purport to predict a year of hope for the solar industry in the U.S. and abroad.

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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:17:25 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Is Evergreen Solar Dying]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/is-evergreen-solar-dying</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A 20 year warranty sounds pretty good, but what if the company that gives you the warranty is no longer around? That is what many consumers are wondering about the solar modules brought to them by Evergreen Solar. No one has written off Evergreen Solar quite yet, but the news from the company is not altogether encouraging. Evergreen Solar announced earlier this week plans to shut down its manufacturing plant in Devens, Massachusetts and move its manufacturing operations to China. 

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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:13:56 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Attempt to Assassinate Congresswoman and Solar Energy Champion Gabrielle Giffords Fails]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/attempt-to-assassinate-congresswoman-and-solar-energy-champion-gabrielle-giffords-fails</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot at close range during a constituent meet and greet on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona. According to the latest reports on CNN, Giffords remains in critical condition. The gunman killed six bystanders, including a federal judge and a girl born on 9/11/2001. Altogether Giffords was among 20 people shot at the event. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Giffords' tireless public service has been highlighted, particularly her passionate commitment to solar energy.

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<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:46:18 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Turns Its Eyes on Ohio: Roofs and RVs]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-turns-its-eyes-on-ohio-roofs-and-rvs</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Ohio is putting boots on the ground for solar to gain a foothold in the energy profile of the country. Even a Republican candidate for governor had to back off his stated intention to eliminate Ohio's renewable energy portfolio standard. In Ohio, which relies on coal for 90% of its power, this stand was not tenable.&nbsp;The landscape for solar is changing and the impact is visible across Ohio. Farmers, homeowners and small companies have installed solar panels in Ohio. 

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<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:26:50 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy is Sexy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-is-sexy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
So concludes William Pentland blogging on Forbes.com. So all of you critics should not stand in the way, because it is what the public wants. As Pentland says, &quot;Solar energy is easy to beat up, but impossible to dismiss. Solar power is a shoo-in for public support for reasons that go well beyond the sex appeal of solar panels. This is where the skeptics of solar power are wrong. They fail to appreciate the profound psychological appeal that drives the public's support for solar energy.&quot; With the approaching New Year, there is news throughout the country of homes and businesses going solar.

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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:32:50 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[FIT to be Tied in California: The Renewable Auction Mechanism]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/fit-to-be-tied-in-california-the-renewable-auction-mechanism</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There was a flurry of legislative activity affecting the solar industry as the year draws to a close. The most closely watched battle was here in Washington, D.C., where the President signed into law an extension to the treasury grant program. But another regulatory development in California may have a major impact not only on the capital of the solar industry in the U.S., but also in other states that will closely watch what will be the effects of the new incentives in California. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM) program, which is designed to drive small- to mid-sized renewable energy development.

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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:11:28 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Congress Tosses Lifeline to Solar: Tax Grant Program Extended ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/congress-tosses-lifeline-to-solar-tax-grant-program-extended</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar industry is opening the bubbly a little early this year as the treasury grant program, which seemed all but dead a few weeks ago, will see another day---or actually another year. The rollercoaster ride that has characterized the debate over several months may have a safe landing after all. It is expected that an extension to the&nbsp;1603 treasury grant program will be signed into law later today.

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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:41:16 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy Gaining Toehold--Just as Congress Pulls the Plug]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-gaining-toehold-just-as-congress-pulls-the-plug</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The good news is that solar energy is becoming cheaper, but the question of the hour is whether Congress will let an essential incentive expire with the New Year just as the solar energy is making a perceptible toehold in the U.S. Just as all of this good news is coming out about how solar energy is poised for growth (and we have heard this many times before), one sure fire way to squash the growth is to eliminate a major tax incentive for renewable energy.&nbsp;Over a thousand solar projects with total investments of $1.3 billion in 42 states have been built with support from a program that will expire with the New Year. Growth projections for solar energy will significantly change in the United States, when 2,000 megawatts is planned for 2011. Without the program, this estimate could be slashed to 800 megawatts if the program isn't extended.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 03:20:36 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Germany Continues Leadership in Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/germany-continues-leadership-in-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The German solar market continued to outpace every single other country by a landslide.&nbsp;Germany will add an impressive 8 gigawatt (GW) of photovoltaic capacity, bringing the total solar capacity to between 17 and 18 GW five times greater than the next largest producer Spain with a total of 3.5 GW. That does a lot to explain why supplies in the US dried up as we heard that whole ship loads of panels were redirected to Germany in the middle of the year.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 01:39:16 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Ontario: A Province with a Clean Energy Vision or Spendthrift]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/ontario-a-province-with-a-clean-energy-vision-or-spendthrift</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On the North American continent, Ontario has led the way in its vision for a clean energy vision-which is why it is watched closely.&nbsp;Ontario released an &quot;updated&quot; long term energy plan, under which the province will close its remaining coal powered power plants by 2014 and increase its clean energy share of the province's power supply from 3% to 13% by 2018. The province intends to create 50,000 clean energy jobs.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:47:21 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Flying Like a Solar Eagle: Football Team Going Off Grid]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/flying-like-a-solar-eagle-football-team-going-off-grid</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We used to think that going off grid was reserved for those living in remote locations. Going off grid is great if you have a hunting lodge and you can't connect to the grid. Using solar is a lot better and much better for the environment than using a kerosene lamp. But now the Philadelphia Eagles football team is &quot;taking their gridiron off the grid&quot; - right in the middle of the city. The NFL club will be installing 2,500 solar panels and wind turbines at the stadium.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:26:11 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Crystalline and Thin Film Solar Modules Duke it Out--But Thin Film is Already on the Mat]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/crystalline-and-thin-film-solar-modules-duke-it-out-but-thin-film-is-already-on-the-mat</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The war between the dominating crystalline technology and the emerging thin film technology continues. Thin film has competed successfully based on price, but as the price for crystalline solar panels has precipitously dropped, the competitive edge for thin film solar modules is waning. A recent report from Lux Research entitled&nbsp;may cause some heart burn for some thin film module makers. As CNET News reports in the early 2000s, &quot;several solar start-ups set out to disrupt the solar power industry by producing a new generation of thin-film solar cells that were vastly cheaper to make than the incumbent silicon cell technology.&quot; That was then, and this is now. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:55:52 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[International Energy Agency: Fossil Fuel Subsidies Endanger Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/international-energy-agency-fossil-fuel-subsidies-endanger-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
You may have heard about the great debate whether solar should have to carry its own economic weight. Fossil fuels are much cheaper and taxpayers should not have to subsidize solar energy, goes the argument. But, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency, governments throughout the world pour money into fossil fuel subsidies.The BBC reports that the major culprits are Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, India and China-which together cough up almost $200 billion in subsidies to support fossil fuels. Thestreet.com reports that total subsidies reached $312 billion in 2010 as opposed to $57 billion for renewable energy. The IEA concludes that removing the subsidies for fossil fuels would cut CO2 emissions by 5.8%. The IEA recommends eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:05:13 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US and India: Partners for Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-and-india-partners-for-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The US and India announced an agreement to build a joint clean energy research and development center in New Delhi along with a number of other agreements to support clean energy technologies.The center will concentrate on improving clean energies and the initial priority areas will be focusing on solar energy. The Center was the subject of one of six agreements signed during President Obama's 3 day visit to India. As to highlight the importance of energy on the international agenda, three of the six agreements signed related to energy.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:01:33 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Threat to Solar Power: Declining Cost of Fossil Fuels]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/threat-to-solar-power-declining-cost-of-fossil-fuels</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are obstacles to solar power making inroads in the U.S., and the one that has taken a heavy toll in the last couple of years has been the lower price for natural gas and other fossil fuels. The low cost of fossil fuels has hit hard some renewable energy projects. It may be short signed, but declining costs of fossil fuels are becoming a major threat to the growth in renewable energy in the U.S. of new wind power have dropped a whopping 72 percent. Solar has not been as affected as wind, but the cost is a major factor in the slowdown in the growth in the solar industry. The gap in price between renewable and traditional energy has opened a divide between regulators and the utilities, who seem to have different time horizons.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:11:01 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Largest Solar Thermal Plant Breaks Ground Just in the Nick of Time]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/largest-solar-thermal-plant-breaks-ground-just-in-the-nick-of-time</link>
<description><![CDATA[
After years of delays, the world's largest solar thermal plant known as the Ivanpah Solar Project broke ground last week. The project took years to be approved because of controversies over the installations' impact on water, wildlife, and fragile desert landscapes.&nbsp;The massive project on 3,400 acres of federally leased land is scheduled to be completed by 2013 The beginning of construction had to occur before the end of the year.to qualify for tens of billions of dollars in federal grants and loan guarantees that are about to expire.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:02:32 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Not So Sunny for US Panel Maker Solyndra]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/not-so-sunny-for-us-panel-maker-solyndra</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Major solar panel maker Solyndra is shuttering one of its major production facilities-just seven months after it announced plans to expand production in the U.S. Coming on the heels of Solyndra's announcement in June that it would defer its stock offering, this is a particularly galling blow to Solyndra and the prospects for solar manufacturing in the U.S. Solyndra received a half a billion dollars in federal aid to build an advanced robotic factory. Solyndra is a victim of Chinese completion and the closure of the Solyndra facility may be a sign of the prospects for American solar companies.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:08:25 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[The Solar Energy Industry and the Elections]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-solar-energy-industry-and-the-elections</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The growth in the solar energy industry has been very dependent on the amount of support from the government. Whether that support will continue may depend on the outcome of the midterm elections tomorrow.&nbsp;It is much more complicated than Democrats are friends and Republicans are enemies of the solar industry. That is simply not the case. People across party lines generally support solar energy-but for very different reasons.The outcome of the election will undoubtedly affect the way in which the government supports renewable energy. Support for solar industry will compete with other energy sources. Obama will need both parties' support to devise an agreement on our country's energy future. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:41:44 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Net Metering Battle Heats Up in Maryland]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/net-metering-battle-heats-up-in-maryland</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The net metering wars are starting.&nbsp;A law intended to strengthen the state's renewable energy program is now the battleground between consumers and utilities&nbsp;Net metering allows people with renewable energy systems to earn money or credit from utility companies for energy they produce. The new legislation sought to strengthen the net metering law in Maryland. The utility companies proposed calculating the dollar value of excess energy each month, and carrying forward that dollar amount on a customer's bill. The credits would be valued at &quot;prevailing market prices.&quot; The difference in interpretation could mean an eight fold increase in utility bills.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 09:41:18 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Forecasts for Solar Energy Look Rosy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/forecasts-for-solar-energy-look-rosy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are a spate of optimistic forecasts for the solar energy industry. According to Bloomberg, solar power may meet 4.2 percent of U.S. electricity supplies by 2020. And the Washington Post, relying on research by Climate Action, reports an even greater jump: &quot;Within 15 years, the sun could supply 10 percent of the nation's power needs.&quot; Both estimates would require a huge jump in solar energy in the years to come. Just how big? That would be quite a jump as all renewables together in 2008 totaled just 7% of the nation's energy consumption, and solar made up just 1% of the renewables, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:52:56 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Support for Solar Energy Grows-Along with Residential Solar Installations]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/support-for-solar-energy-grows-along-with-residential-solar-installations</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Several news surveys confirm what we all know-that support for solar energy is growing, but what may be somewhat surprising is that this support cuts across party lines and is growing. Some like solar energy because of global warming, others because of jobs, and still others because it is a good way to save energy.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:15:09 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Micro Inverters Multiplying Like Maggots]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/micro-inverters-multiplying-like-maggots</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Micro inverters have quickly become mainstream on solar panel home installations. The idea is simple: you change the DC power to AC power right at each individual module, so you no longer need a central inverter. Enphase Energy brought the micro inverter to market the quickest, but now competitors are cropping up left and right. Installers and consumers seem to like the fact that you don't have to work with high voltage DC power and Enphase has reportedly captured 13% of the small scale solar home market. A number of competitors, including Petra Solar, SolarBridge, Enecys, Sunsil, GreenRay, are bringing their products to market, trying to catch up in this quickly expanding market.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:03:24 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Nanoscale Technology to Make Silicon Solar Cells Passe]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-nanoscale-technology-to-make-silicon-solar-cells-passe</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Solar technology is evolving and the latest developments have concentrated on making old technology more efficient. But solar industry observers are always looking for that game-changer that may thrust solar into the mainstream more quickly than simply with incremental efficiency improvements. Stanford researchers recently published a paper that describes a new technology that may portend fundamental changes in solar energy applications. If this new technology is proven and applied commercially, solar panels could be in for a major overhaul. This new technology may be a very important step forward in significantly improving solar panel efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.&nbsp;It may be awhile before nanoscale thin film is commercially available, but it definitely has the potential to change the game.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:44:16 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Sun Will Shine Again on the White House: Solar Panels Coming to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/sun-will-shine-again-on-the-white-house-solar-panels-coming-to-1600-pennsylvania-avenue</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Hooray for President Obama! He is going to restore solar to the White House, so many years after President Reagan removed the Carter panels. But wait, as Greentechmedia reports, solar energy was installed on the White House grounds during Bush II. A 10 kilowatt photovoltaic system and two thermal solar systems were installed within the White House compound during George W. Bush's presidency. &quot;All the inverters had to go to the Secret Service warehouse for clearance, presumably for inspection for listening devices and explosives,&quot; For those who have been waiting for the announcement that President Obama was &quot;restoring&quot; panels to the White House, this little bit of history seems to get in the way. But then one has to wonder what took Obama so long. Whatever the reason for the timing, solar enthusiasts were very pleased by the announcement and are looking forward to going to the White House in next year's solar home tours. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:04:18 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[A Solar Way of Life in Ontario, Canada: Largest Solar Farm in North America Opens]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/a-solar-way-of-life-in-ontario-canada-largest-solar-farm-in-north-america-opens</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier this week, the province of Ontario, Canada, hosted the grand opening of the newly updated solar farm known as The Sarnia Solar Project. The new facility has tripled in size from its original 20 megawatt system and the companies involved say it is the largest operating photovoltaic (PV) solar farm in the world.&nbsp;The Sarnia Solar Project cost roughly $400 million and&nbsp; covers a huge surface, approximately 240 acres of land in a facility comprised of 950 acres, and consists of 1.3 million thin-film solar panels. The annual power generation is expected to be about 120,000 megawatt hours (MWh). The 80MW Sarnia Solar Project is expected to power about 12,800 homes.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 09:22:32 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Homes Open Their Doors throughout the Country]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-homes-open-their-doors-throughout-the-country</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This weekend, solar homes throughout the US will open their doors to visitors. Those that want to see solar in action can participate in at least 648 community tours, triple last year's number. Communities throughout the country are readying for the onslaught of people who will be on the tours. The tours are a great opportunity to learn about solar and to find out how homeowners have overcome the financial and engineering challenges to go green.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:59:39 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Leasing Company Versus PACE: Solar Industry Shooting Itself in the Foot]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-leasing-company-versus-pace-solar-industry-shooting-itself-in-the-foot</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The frontal assault on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) caught many observers, and especially many cities, by surprise. What was even more surprising was the source of some of the attacks: the solar industry itself. One solar leasing and financing company claimed that it acted in the defense of homeowners, but there are definitely some skeptics out there. Now that Congress is proposing legislation to fix some of the problems with PACE, accusations are flying fast and furious.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:04:42 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[White House Still Waiting for the Moment to Go Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/white-house-still-waiting-for-the-moment-to-go-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We have been waiting for the moment when the &quot;new&quot; residents of the White House would tell the nation that they are restoring solar to the nation's home-and we have been waiting, and waiting... And some are getting just a little bit tired of waiting. Earlier this year, Obama was offered a free rooftop array worth $107,900, according to the article in USA Today, which could reduce the White House's electricity bills by as much as 81%. What a deal!-but the offer was not accepted. Now one environmentalist took it to the White House steps. Environmentalist Bill McKibben of the group 350.org recently tried and failed to convince the President to reinstall a solar panel on the White House roof that Jimmy Carter had originally put there in 1979.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:47:52 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[China Major Threat to US Alternative Energy Industry Says the United Steelworkers Union]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/china-major-threat-to-us-alternative-energy-industry-says-the-united-steelworkers-union</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier this month, the United Steelworkers Union filed a 5,800 page petition against China through the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, claiming violations of the World Trade Organization rule on green technology.&nbsp;The major complaint is that Beijing unfairly subsidizes and protects its green-tech industries to the detriment of American companies and their union-represented employees.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:30:28 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Illinois Governor Signs Solar Energy Legislation]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/illinois-governor-signs-solar-energy-legislation</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On August 17, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed into law a pair of bills promoting solar energy use by both individuals and industry, SolarIndustryMag.com reported.&nbsp; The new laws strengthen utilities' renewable energy requirements and protect the rights of homeowners interested in going solar.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:30:22 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Feed-In Tariffs Gaining Steam in California]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/feed-in-tariffs-gaining-steam-in-california</link>
<description><![CDATA[
While even the smallest attempts at energy legislation are floundering in Congress, California, in response to a study put out last month by UC Berkeley, is making progress toward a new feed-in tariff. A feed-in tariff is a policy mechanism that encourages the adoption of renewable energy by requiring utilities to buy electricity from renewable sources and setting the rates at which utilities must pay for that electricity.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:14:12 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Clean Energy Jobs Drifting Overseas]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/clean-energy-jobs-drifting-overseas</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Watching the US clean energy sector struggle to keep up with increasingly bigger competitors is like watching a fighter in the ring without gloves. We've got the heart: We were once a heavyweight contender at the turn of the millennium, manufacturing half of the world's supply of solar cells. We were even the first country to create the modern windmill. But these days, we seem to lack the punch: our right and left swingers labeled &quot;price&quot; and policy&quot; have been picked up by foreign contenders and have brought the US clean energy sector down for the count. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:02:59 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Small in Size, Delaware Tries to Be a Leader in Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/small-in-size-delaware-tries-to-be-a-leader-in-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Delaware Governor Jack A. Markell has signed into law four renewable energy bills that together make up the Clean Energy Jobs package. The laws seek to expand employment in the renewable energy industry and could facilitate the installation of approximately 250 MW (enough to power about 62,000 homes) of new solar photovoltaic systems by 2025, according to the governor's office. The new legislation expands Delaware's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) so that 25% of Delaware's electricity must come from renewable energy sources by 2025. It also includes specific solar energy targets (solar carve-outs) and provides incentives for local labor and manufacture of renewable energy systems.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:16:51 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Hollywood Movie Sets Go Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/hollywood-movie-sets-go-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Revealed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio, a dash of green was added to the production of his newest blockbuster hit, Inception. Caprio disclosed in a recent&nbsp;interview that the set of&nbsp;this new movie&nbsp;was made with solar power. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:54:35 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Energy Bill is Dead...Long Live Ten Million Solar Roofs!]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-energy-bill-is-deadlong-live-ten-million-solar-roofs</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid&nbsp;admitted that he did not have the votes needed to pass an energy and climate bill before the August recess. Reid had been working over the past couple of weeks to put together an energy bill that would include a cap on carbon emissions from utilities, but the combination of election year politics, a troubled economy, and a stubborn Republican opposition has ultimately proven too much to overcome. But don't despair, not all energy-related news is so dire.&nbsp;The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this Wednesday approved Sen. Bernie Sanders's (D-VT) Ten Million Solar Roofs bill, which is designed to encourage the installation of 10 million solar systems in the U.S. over the next ten years. The bill would authorize $250 million for competitive grants in 2012 and additional funding through 2021, which would be used to fund state solar rebate, loan, and performance-based incentive programs. Systems with a capacity of one megawatt or less would be eligible for funding under the initiative. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:36:49 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Going Solar in Virginia Isn't All That Easy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/going-solar-in-virginia-isnt-all-that-easy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Thanks to severe home improvement regulations from homeowners associations (HOAs), as well as lack of state-funded incentives, residents and business owners in Virginia are waging an uphill battle to go solar. The Washington Examiner reports that many homeowners associations in the county forbid the installation of solar panels and the state of Virginia does not offer financial assistance to residents looking to install solar energy systems. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:51:11 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Proposed National Renewable Energy Standard Introduced in the Senate]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/proposed-national-renewable-energy-standard-introduced-in-the-senate</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Legislation&nbsp;establishing national renewable energy and energy efficiency standards was introduced in the Senate. This draft legislation&nbsp;would also give incentives for developing biofuels and biofuel infrastructure, and&nbsp;set targets for the availability of advanced vehicle technologies. The bill, called the Securing America's Future with Energy and Sustainable Technology Act of 2010, establishes a renewable electricity standard (RES) of 25% by 2025 and an energy efficiency resource standard of 1% per year. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:35:26 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[National Net Metering Bill Introduced in the House]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/national-net-metering-bill-introduced-in-the-house</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) has&nbsp; introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would establish a national standard for net metering. The bill, entitled the Americans Making Power Act, would allow Americans to feed back into the grid excess renewable power they generate through homes and small businesses. It also seeks to improve the reliability of the nation's electric grid by encouraging a more diffuse means of energy production. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:09:33 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PACE Will Not Go Down Without a Fight]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/pace-will-not-go-down-without-a-fight</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Who will save the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs? California Attorney General Jerry Brown is initiating a &quot;major action&quot; against Fannie, Freddie, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates the two lenders, for announcing in May that they will no longer issue mortgages on properties with PACE loans. Due to Fannie and Freddie's predominance in the mortgage market, private lenders have followed suit. Not surprisingly, then, all PACE programs have been suspended as of last week, when the FHFA formally endorsed Fannie and Freddie's disapproval of PACE. Attorney General Brown is getting some backup from a couple of prominent lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Barney Frank (D-MA), chairmen of the Energy &amp; Commerce and Financial Services committees, respectively, have sent a letter to the secretaries of Energy and Treasury and the Director of FHFA urging cooperation in establishing guidelines that will allow PACE programs to continue while protecting taxpayers and private lenders. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:00:44 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Smart Meters Rejected in Maryland]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/smart-meters-rejected-in-maryland</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A proposal made by Baltimore Gas &amp; Electric to install 1.2 million smart meters and institute time-of-use pricing was rejected on June 21 by Maryland's Public Service Commission. The proposal was touted by BG&amp;E as a way to save their customers billions of dollars and help them monitor and control their energy use, but the PSC objected to the utility's plan to pass on most of the upfront costs to their ratepayers. According to the PSC, the proposal asks BGE's ratepayers to take significant financial and technological risks and adapt to categorical changes in rate design, all in exchange for savings that are largely indirect, highly contingent and a long way off. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:37:43 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Germany Reduces Feed-in Tariffs While Report Trumpets Benefits of Feed-In Tariffs in US]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/germany-reduces-feed-in-tariffs-while-report-trumpets-benefits-of-feed-in-tariffs-in-us</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The German Parliament approved an agreement made with the federal states that will cut the feed-in tariff for electricity generated by solar power. The feed-in tariff (FIT) is a policy mechanism designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources and help accelerate the move toward grid parity, which is the point at which alternative means of generating electricity is equal in cost, or cheaper than, grid power. In the meantime, there is growing interest in FITs in the U.S. The University of California, Berkeley yesterday announced the results of a study examining the economic benefits of a comprehensive FIT in California. California's existing FIT, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, allows only small renewable energy systems of up to 3 megawatts (MW) to sell the electricity they generate back to their utilities, whereas the FIT considered in this study would cover systems with a maximum 20 MW capacity. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:50:53 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Plane Soars Like An Eagle--Both Day and Night]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-plane-soars-like-an-eagle-both-day-and-night</link>
<description><![CDATA[
New feats of solar technology continue to amaze. A plane called Solar Impulse, weighing only as much as a midsize car, was powered by 12,000 solar cells that spread across its massive wingspan of &quot;210 feet from tip to tip&quot; according to TreeHugger. It took off from Switzerland at 6:15am yesterday, and the Solar Impulse blog reported victory early this morning: &quot;HB-SIA and pilot Andr&eacute; Borschberg are back from the night skies.&quot; 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:01:07 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Obama Promises Money for Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/obama-promises-money-for-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In his weekly address to the nation, President Obama announced the investment of nearly $2 billion in solar energy. With a financial reform bill on its way through Congress and Deepwater Horizon continuning to spew oil into the Gulf, this announcement couldn't come at a more opportune time. The investment, in the form of a loan guarantee, was given to two companies, Abound and Abengoa - who will create thousands of jobs and promote the use of cleaner energy. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:56:40 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[PACE Program Challenges Grow]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/pace-program-challenges-grow</link>
<description><![CDATA[
This solar news story is an update to an article we wrote last month about the major obstacle Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have put in the way of PACE programs. A support to homeowners, PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is a finance program that allows homeowners to install solar panels and put the cost of the installations on their property tax bills and pay the assessment over a long-term period. Despite being promising in an economic and environmental sense, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued a letter in May, suggesting that property owners with mortgages from these two mortgage lenders would be forbidden from participating in the PACE programs. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:44:15 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Saharan Desert to Power Europe in Five Years]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/saharan-desert-to-power-europe-in-five-years</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As a testament to a truly connected world, already borderless in terms of trade and commerce, sunlight will soon join the ranks of globally imported goods. Collected from Saharan Desert solar panels, the intense, direct sunlight will be transported via underground wiring line called &quot;Transgreen&quot; to supply power to the hungry European homes and businesses. The Destertec plan, that EcoGeek describes as a &quot;large scheme of solar projects in Northern Africa.&quot; was unveiled last year, but excitement has been rekindled as just last week, European Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger announced that Europe will be powered &quot;within the next five years...This is much sooner, than the initial 10-year time frame given to the project&quot; according to folks at Inhabitat.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:11:21 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[An Entire School District in Pennsylvania Going Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/an-entire-school-district-in-pennsylvania-going-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We see many announcements for solar projects, some of which get built, and many of which never get built. We usually wait until they are built before we mention them, but an announcement earlier this week about an entire school district in Pennsylvania going solar caught our attention. A solar integrator Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. (SEI) signed a letter of intent to undertake a $16 million solar project with an unnamed school district (why keep it secret?) in Pennsylvania to install and operate about 4 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) systems for the entire school district. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:20:44 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[An Upset at the Solar Decathlon Europe: Virginia Tech Takes the Honors]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/an-upset-at-the-solar-decathlon-europe-virginia-tech-takes-the-honors</link>
<description><![CDATA[
It is not quite the same magnitude of an upset as if Ghana were to win the World Cup this year, but we do have an upset of sorts to report in the solar world.&nbsp;World Winning by a hairline margin of less than a point, Virginia Tech took home the first prize&nbsp;at Europe's Solar Decathlon held in Madrid, Spain. It was a surprising win for the US team because less than a year ago, the same submission,an 800 square foot unit called the Lumenhaus,did not fare well at all.&nbsp;The team finished 13th overall out of 20 teams at the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:23:50 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Subsidies in Dangerous Waters in Europe: The Woes of Spain and Germany]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-subsidies-in-dangerous-waters-in-europe-the-woes-of-spain-and-germany</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In a major blow to the solar industry in Spain, the Spanish government has decided to cut the revenue of most existing solar power plants by 30%. This decrease could bankrupt hundreds of companies that produce electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. In a parallel move, Germany is also making solar cuts. Considered the center of the global PV industry, the German PV market faces major changes in the upcoming months due to proposed revisions to the feed-in tariffs expected to be enacted by the end of 2010. The German parliamentary meditation committee was tasked with reaching a decision on proposed cuts to the country's solar incentive system, and is expected to announce their decision in early July. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:20:00 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Pennsylvania Wants to Bolster Its Solar Credentials ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/pennsylvania-wants-to-bolster-its-solar-credentials</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Pennsylvania is trying to pass new legislation that will increase the incentives for solar energy . According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the proposed bill, also known as the Clean Energy and Green Jobs legislation,&nbsp;offers the potential to help create more green jobs and boost the growth and economy of the state's clean energy companies. The bill's primary focus is on progressing coal combustion technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:17:01 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Soccer in Africa]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-soccer-in-africa</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Solafrica, a Swiss nonprofit, is bringing the excitement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to residents of Kiberia, Kenya's largest slum - and they are doing it entirely with&nbsp;solar energy. Dubbed &quot;Solar Soccer,&quot; the event's intent is to bring the game to Kiberians who would otherwise not be able to see it.&nbsp; Kiberia lacks many basic services, such as refuse disposal and plumbing, so for many residents, watching the game on Pay-Per-View is not an option.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:08:07 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Gang Up on PACE ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-gang-up-on-pace</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One of the major challenges for homeowners to buy and install solar panels on their homes has been trying to obtain financing. Across the nation, cities and counties are developing new finance programs that provide support to homeowners to install solar panels and green retrofits. Known as PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy), homeowners put the cost of the solar installation on their property tax bills and pay the assessment over the long-term such as 15 years. But stop the presses-Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have put a major impediment in the way of the PACE programs. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:32:34 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Deepwater Horizon Disaster Spurs Louisiana Lawmakers to Embrace Renewable Energy ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/deepwater-horizon-disaster-spurs-louisiana-lawmakers-to-embrace-renewable-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There is nothing like an environmental disaster to focus the mind and win converts to renewable energy. While millions of gallons of leaked oil continue to spill into the Gulf of Mexico, seeping into Louisiana's fragile coastal wetlands, and damaging fisheries and the tourism industry, Louisiana lawmakers are pushing energy bills in the state legislature. If passed, the measures would help Louisiana capture energy from the Mississippi River's currents, make it easier for residents to install solar panels on their homes and allow people to trade in their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:30:34 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Apple Sees a Future in Solar Electronics]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/apple-sees-a-future-in-solar-electronics</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In a patent application, Apple revealed plans for an incredible new implementation of mobile solar technology - one that places a solar panel inside of the phone itself. Portable solar modules for charging cell phones are already on the market, but Apple has been looking at integrating solar technology for quite some time. Prior patent applications from Apple, including one for &quot;solar cells on portable devices&quot; from 2008 and another for &quot;power management circuitry and solar cells&quot; from January 2010 hinted at the installation of solar panels in Apple devices. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:58:56 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Will the Deepwater Horizon Disaster Spur Support for the Energy Bill: Obama Hopes So]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/will-the-deepwater-horizon-disaster-spur-support-for-the-energy-bill-obama-hopes-so</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The United States' dependence on fossil fuels has been in the spotlight in the past few weeks due to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. President Obama has used the spill to highlight the administration's plans for alternative energy. In two recent speeches -- one at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University on Wednesday and another at the Solyndra photovoltaic panel factory on May 26, Obama explained the importance of supporting alternative energy in building a brighter future for America. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:59:38 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[In North Carolina, Solar Means Jobs]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/in-north-carolina-solar-means-jobs</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Solar power is creating the one thing many Americans have been searching for since the start of the economic recession: jobs. Policy makers around the world have been stressing the economic potential of the renewable energy industry, expecting the creation of thousands of jobs in the coming years, from wind turbine manufacturing to solar panel installation. North Carolina could generate at least 28,000 jobs in the solar industry if it shifts electricity production from traditional sources to solar energy in the next 20 years.


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:47:34 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[New Jersey: Solar Leader or Solar Loser]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/new-jersey-solar-leader-or-solar-loser</link>
<description><![CDATA[
New Jersey has been a leader in clean energy programs in recent years In what looks to be a major blow to the solar industry in New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie has diverted $158 million from the Clean Energy Fund, which is used for clean energy incentives and operated through the state Board of Public Utilities, to help reduce the Garden State's increasing budget deficit.&nbsp;Governor Christie's actions have created a question as to whether the Garden State will continue to take the lead in America's energy revolution.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 10:26:24 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Will the Deepwater Horizon Acccident Help or Hinder Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/will-the-deepwater-horizon-acccident-help-or-hinder-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We are at an interesting crossroads in the history of renewable energy. With the BP Deepwater Horizon accident serving as a vivid hallmark of the need for change as it continues to spew an estimated 210,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico daily, and the climate bill, dubbed The American Power Act of 2010, just unveiled, the world is looking on to see what will unfold in the next couple of months. Coming at a time when the Obama administration is all ready taking a hard, long look at our energy policy, the BP oil debacle in the Gulf Coast may be the catalyst that helps drive our nation toward a future based on clean, renewable, homegrown energy sources and a national commitment to energy efficiency

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 02:01:14 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Connecticut Takes the Solar Initiative]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/connecticut-takes-the-solar-initiative</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Those looking to install solar power for their homes or businesses in Connecticut, whose traditionally-generated electricity rates are some of the highest in the United States, may soon get a break, as an aggressive energy bill was just approved by both the Connecticut House and Senate last week. It now awaits further action from the Governor.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 10:59:57 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Zoning Can Turn Your Solar Electricity Off]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/zoning-can-turn-your-solar-electricity-off</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We have emphasized that you need to spend time designing your residential solar PV system-and that includes checking with your zoning board of your local municipality and checking with your homeowners' association to make sure that your solar modules comply with applicable zoning and other restrictions. Whether you own a few solar panels atop your residence or an entire large-scale solar farm, zoning laws are a bigger deal than you might think. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 05:53:11 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Is Your Solar Installer Certified: New UL Certification]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/is-your-solar-installer-certified-new-ul-certification</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Last week, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) announced that it will introduce a program to train and certify installers of photovoltaic products and systems. The program, set to launch in July of this year, is geared toward professional electricians interested in expanding their skill set to meet the demands of the growing solar energy industry. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2010 08:03:25 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Public Opinion Polls Show Strong Support for Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/public-opinion-polls-show-strong-support-for-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Two recent polls show strong public support for renewable energy in general and solar in particular. A poll released on Earth Day by the wind energy industry suggests that 52 percent of American voters believe the US economy would be stronger if the country depended more on renewable energy resources. Thirty percent said the economy would be unchanged, and only 15 percent voted that the economy would be in worse shape. A second poll, released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in March, showed similar public backing for solar energy. The SEIA poll found that 75 percent of survey takers supported the installation of solar power plants on public land. Only 15 percent of the respondents opposed such installations. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:51:47 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Home Solar Panels Double in 2009]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/home-solar-panels-double-in-2009</link>
<description><![CDATA[
According to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar energy installations experienced significant growth in 2009--despite the&nbsp;recession. The total generating capacity from grid-tied photovoltaics (PV) grew 441 MW in 2009, reaching a cumulative capacity of 1,653 MW. In addition, solar thermal capacity landed just shy of 24,000 MW by the end of 2009. One of the industry's biggest winners was the market for home solar panels.&nbsp;According to the report, additional residential installations increased from 78 MW in 2008 to 156 MW in 2009, a 100 percent increase in just one year. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:21:56 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Renewable Portfolio Standards and Solar Carve-Outs: Focus on Maryland]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/renewable-portfolio-standards-and-solar-carve-outs-focus-on-maryland</link>
<description><![CDATA[
On the last day of their 2010 legislative session, Maryland lawmakers finalized a bill that will step up Maryland's adoption of solar energy.&nbsp;When the&nbsp;bill goes into effect, it&nbsp;will strengthen&nbsp;Maryland's solar energy industry by accelerating the percentage of solar energy that Maryland utility companies will need to obtain and increasing the penalty for non-compliance. The bill is expected to be signed by Governor O'Malley in May. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:15:45 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[BP Solar Closing Maryland Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/bp-solar-closing-maryland-solar-panel-manufacturing-plant</link>
<description><![CDATA[
BP Solar announced on March 26, 2010 that it would cut back operations at its main solar panel manufacturing plant in Fredrick, Maryland.&nbsp;The company plans to eliminate about 320 of the facility's 430 positions with many of the job losses coming from the plant's manufacturing unit. BP Solar will still maintain its Fredrick presence for sales, marketing, research, and project development.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:10:55 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Maryland Tries to Step Up the Pace for Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/maryland-tries-to-step-up-the-pace-for-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Maryland state legislature is making an effort to hasten the adoption of solar energy. In a bill approved by the state senate&nbsp;on April 2, 2010, utility companies would be required, over the next few years, to purchase a higher percentage of their electricity from solar power than mandated in current law. The House of Delegates is scheduled to vote on the legislation in the coming weeks. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:28:45 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Congress Active in Promoting Community Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/congress-active-in-promoting-community-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Although there has been little to no movement on the energy bill in the Senate--you may remember the hopeful stories about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 when it was barely passed in the House in June 2009--two Congressmen have introduced legislation to spur solar energy projects. Although small in scope, these initiatives are aimed at promoting the installation of community-based solar power systems. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:51:39 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Rating Solar Panels: For Quality and Environmental Impact]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/rating-solar-panels-for-quality-and-environmental-impact</link>
<description><![CDATA[
If you are planning on putting home solar panels on your roof for the next 25 years, you have to be concerned about the quality of the solar panels. Certification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the premier independent product safety certification organization, under stringent testing conditions is one measure of the quality of solar modules. UL is going global. And the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition has released a scorecard, ranking manufacturers of solar panels on, among other criteria, environmental impact. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:46:20 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Large Solar Power Plants in the US and Abroad]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/large-solar-power-plants-in-the-us-and-abroad</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar energy industry is showing signs of growth both in the United States and abroad. Large solar power plants in California, Florida, and Europe are making headlines and grabbing the attention of energy insiders and policy makers. report. The Solar Energy Industry Association is predicting that there are over 100 utility-scale projects in the planning stages-that represents a whopping 17,000 megawatts. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:01:56 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy Expands Its Reach in Developing World]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-expands-its-reach-in-developing-world</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are new signs that solar energy is increasing its global presence in the energy marketplace. Its ability to satisfy small, remote energy loads makes it a popular choice for power generation in developing regions of the world, Phaesun GmbH, a German solar power company specializing in off-grid installations, is building ten solar power plants in the Koudougou Region of Burkina Faso. These installations, which are expected to be finished by the end of March, will power telecommunications facilities in this West-African country's rural areas. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:09:22 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Keeping Pace with Renewable Energy Standards: Colorado Climbs the Mountain]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/keeping-pace-with-renewable-energy-standards-colorado-climbs-the-mountain</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The Colorado State Senate gave its final approval for a bill that stands to raise the state's renewable energy production. Awaiting final signature from Democratic Governor Bill Ritter, the new legislation will require Colorado power utilities to increase the amount of energy that they purchase from renewable sources from 20% to 30% by 2020. You will remember from SolarTown's news article, last year California raised its mandate to 33%. With its new renewable energy standard, Colorado will be able to boast the second highest renewable energy standard in the United States. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:42:39 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[PACE Coming to the Nation's Capital]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/pace-coming-to-the-nations-capital</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Property Assessed Clean Energy is gaining traction throughout the country, including here in Washington, D.C. There is now even a website devoted to gathering information about all of these programs. According to this site, a &quot;PACE bond is a bond where the proceeds are lent to commercial and residential property owners to finance energy retrofits (efficiency measures and small renewable energy systems) and who then repay their loans over 20 years via an annual assessment on their property tax bill.&quot; Berkeley issued the first bond in January 2009. According to the Center for Resource Solutions, 16 states and 300 cities across the country will have enacted PACE legislation by the end of this year. Now PACE is coming to Washington, D.C. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:49:04 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Mojave Desert Solar Power Complex Receives Large Federal Loan Guarantee]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/mojave-desert-solar-power-complex-receives-large-federal-loan-guarantee</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The solar power industry got a big boost last week when the Department of Energy announced a $1.37 billion loan guarantee for a solar thermal power complex in the Mojave Desert. BrightSource Energy, the recipient of the loan, plans to construct three solar thermal facilities with a collective generating capacity of 392 MW. According to a report from the Washington Post, the money will be drawn from resources given to the Department of Energy under the economic stimulus bill of 2009.&nbsp; The Obama administration emphasized that the new project would bring clean energy jobs to the region. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:08:53 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Net Metering Gets a Boost in California]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/net-metering-gets-a-boost-in-california</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A&nbsp;new bill passed by the California State senate may provide even greater incentives to residential solar energy projects. This draft legislation&nbsp;would significantly raise the net metering cap for electric utilities from 2.5% to 5%, but there are some opponents to the legislation. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:26:28 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Ten Million Solar Roofs Initiative]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/ten-million-solar-roofs-initiative</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, chairman of the Senate's green jobs subcommittee, recently introduced the 10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010. The legislation is aimed to encourage the installation of solar energy systems and solar water heaters on the rooftops of residential and commercial buildings by 2019. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:14:03 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[US Partnership for Renewable Energy Unlocks Capital for Solar Energy Projects]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-partnership-for-renewable-energy-unlocks-capital-for-solar-energy-projects</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The US Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance (US PREF), a program of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), outlined the interaction and feasibility of financing utility and commercial scale renewable energy sources as a response to federal policy and lending programs at the recent Renewable Energy Technology Conference. US PREF is a non-partisan association whose objective is to unlock financial capital for renewable energy by networking private capital and investment firms with utilities, various levels of government, and other major stakeholders. Designed as an educational program for finance training in policy decisions to maximize government efficiency and to develop sound legislation, PREF provides pro bono analysis of how policy decisions will affect the market, and makes recommendations on policy that will spur private sector involvement. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:29:18 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Chinese Solar Panel Manufacturer Opening Arizona Factory]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/chinese-solar-panel-manufacturer-opening-arizona-factory</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Earlier this week Suntech Power Holdings, China's largest manufacturer of solar panels, announced its plan to build a new production facility in Goodyear, Arizona. According to Solar Daily, the new production plant will be Suntech's first manufacturing outlet in the United States. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:46:32 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Industry Sees Bright Future in New York State]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-industry-sees-bright-future-in-new-york-state</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In an effort to bolster the solar energy industry in New York State, the New York State Power Authority (NYPA) announced a plan to increase the state's solar electricity generation by 100 megawatts over the next four years, representing a 500% increase on New York's current solar generating capacity. Announced on Wednesday, this initiative is in line with Governor David Patterson's &quot;45 by 15&quot; goal that calls for 45% of the state's electricity to come from renewable resources by 2015. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:33:20 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[US Funding New Solar Energy Technologies]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/us-funding-new-solar-energy-technologies</link>
<description><![CDATA[
In an effort to promote sustainable business development, the federal government has taken to funding innovative technologies that will increase solar energy's efficiency and scope of applications. At the beginning of 2010, the Obama administration and the Department of Energy announced funding of $2.3 billion tax credits to 183 companies for new clean energy technology initiatives. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:17:07 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Maryland Trying to Become Leader in Solar]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/maryland-trying-to-become-leader-in-solar</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are several states that are trying to wrest the solar mantle from California, which has been the major hotbed of solar activity. Although not known for their sunshine, several states in the mid-Atlantic region have adopted progressive agendas to motivate growth in the solar industry-and there are enough solar rays to go around. Maryland is the latest state to strengthen its solar agenda. Governor Martin O'Malley released his 2010 energy agenda earlier this week. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:54:52 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[France Wants Solar-But Keep It Beautiful Sacirc;il Vous PlaAtilde;reg;t ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/france-wants-solar-but-keep-it-beautiful-sil-vous-plat</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The growth of solar continues to be driven by economic incentives. Most of these incentives are based on capacity or output or price, but here is a new one from France, aesthetics. France's answer to those who may deride the aesthetics of solar photovoltaic systems is to provide additional incentives for solar shingles or building-integrated photovoltaics installations. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2010 07:23:53 PST</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Solar Panels: On Our Roofs or In Our Fields]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-panels-on-our-roofs-or-in-our-fields</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Possibly it is a reflection of the maturing of the solar industry that the debate has shifted from whether to go solar to where to go solar, like in whether to put solar panels on your roof or in a huge array in the desert. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:20:34 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Whither Thin Film: Is Thin Film Wilting on the Bud]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/whither-thin-film-is-thin-film-wilting-on-the-bud</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Thin film technology has been increasing its market share over the last couple of years. As reported in Greentech Media, according to Navigant Consulting thin-film shipments accounted for 11 percent of the global market in 2007, 14 percent in 2008, and possibly as much as 25 percent in 2009. But with the price of crystalline PV coming down, the thin film industry is under siege. Thin film has generally been recommended for its low cost, its ease of installation, its attractive appearance and its output in low light situations. But the major drawback is that it is significantly less efficient than the competing photovoltaic technology and requires much more space to produce the same output as crystalline panels.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:19:45 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Contaminated Brownfield Sites and Solar Energy: A Bright Idea]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/contaminated-brownfield-sites-and-solar-energy-a-bright-idea</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Renewable energy, and solar in particular, are real solutions in solving the energy issues faced by the United States. However these resources take space, and lots of it. As the result, the problem of where to place all of these solar power plants has arisen. One solution is through the redevelopment of contaminated industrial sites. Brownfield land sites- abandoned industrial or commercial areas with ground contamination that has been determined to be non-hazardous, number over 400,000 sites in the US and cover approximately 15 million acres. Much of this land goes undeveloped for decades, because the clean-up costs are prohibitively expensive so projects are done elsewhere. This results in slow economic growth in surrounding areas and increasing regional sprawl as new land is developed for commercial and industrial use. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:40:04 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Calculus is Changing: Massachusetts Allows You to Sell Excess Back to the Utility]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-calculus-is-changing-massachusetts-allows-you-to-sell-excess-back-to-the-utility</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The price of solar panels is dropping. The life of solar panels is Increasing. New law are being enacted to allow you to sell excess electricity back to your utility company.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:22:20 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solution for Solar Energy: More Effective Lobbying]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solution-for-solar-energy-more-effective-lobbying</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The convention at Solar Power International 2009 wrapped up last week, but the news media and blogosphere are still discussing the speech by the president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:47:56 PST</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Likelihood of Energy Bill Passage Before End of Year: None to Slim]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/likelihood-of-energy-bill-passage-before-end-of-year-none-to-slim</link>
<description><![CDATA[
If the health care debate and Afghanistan were not enough on the plate of President Barack Obama, it appears that he has not given up hope of quick passage of the energy bill, and more importantly of a deal in Copenhagen at the United Nations Climate Change Conference that is set to begin on December 7. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:30:43 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Biden Does Berkeley: Financing Your Solar Array]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/biden-does-berkeley-financing-your-solar-array</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Vice President Biden announced a new national program, a part of which is modeled substantially on the Berkeley approach to provide financing for solar installations. We at SolarTown believe that the number one impediment to the adoption of solar energy in the United States today is financing. Even with the generous incentives currently available from the federal government and many states and local utilities, the upfront costs continue to present a high hurdle for those looking to place solar panels on their roofs. The creative financing approach innovated in Berkeley, California has received considerable attention and has been seen as one of the solutions to the financing quandary. The new program attempts to address this substantial challenge to the solar industry. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:48:06 PDT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Feed -In Tariffs  California Style]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/feed-in-tariffs-california-style</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The feed-in-tariffs, under which the consumer may sell excess energy back to the utility, have been both praised and demonized in Europe. They have been at the center of the debate in the leading solar countries of Germany and Spain. And they are beginning to creep into the United States, slowly but surely. California became the latest state to adopt some form of a feed-in tariff. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:18:15 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Dow Chemical Wants to Become the 800 Pound Gorilla in the BIPV Market]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/dow-chemical-wants-to-become-the-800-pound-gorilla-in-the-bipv-market</link>
<description><![CDATA[
New technologies incubating now will hit the market in the next few years, changing the entire complexion of solar energy products. Dow Chemical has announced a new product in the building integrated photovoltaic market that it hopes will dominate the market in the next several years. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:21:45 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Batten Down the Hatches: Solar Panel Thefts]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/batten-down-the-hatches-solar-panel-thefts</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Along with new technology comes new crime. We have seen this with viruses attacking our computers. And now we are seeing it in solar energy. Burglary of solar panels has cropped up in California over the past year, leaving homeowners, schools, and businesses with missing solar panels. Just last week, there was another report of a theft of solar panels in the wine country in California. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:37:07 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Will Obama Go to Copenhagen Empty Handed]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/will-obama-go-to-copenhagen-empty-handed</link>
<description><![CDATA[
President Obama has not made any secret of the fact that he would like to attend the Copenhagen conference with the energy bill in hand. Tomorrow, we will&nbsp;see&nbsp;the version of the bill in one Senate committee. Passage of the final bill is anything but assured before the Copenhagen conference, even though it is a major component of the Obama Administration's domestic policy agenda. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:06:21 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Cooperatives: Going Solar One Neighborhood at a Time]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-cooperatives-going-solar-one-neighborhood-at-a-time</link>
<description><![CDATA[
There are several significant challenges facing someone who is interested in going solar. The cost of the array, which can be in the tens of thousands of dollars looms as a major hurdle. The panels may be expensive and you may not have the finances to support going green. The second challenge is simply the process and procedures. It is very confusing even for the most committed because most of the programs are relatively young and the people who are in charge of the various bureaucracies do not have a lot of experience. Finding out about local regulations, building codes, tax credits, utility rebates all involves work. A neighborhood in DC formed a solar cooperative to battle against these problems.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:17:35 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[California Executive Order Mandates 33 by 2020: Is it Legal]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/california-executive-order-mandates-33-by-2020-is-it-legal</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order yesterday requiring that the utilities in California obtain 33% of all their energy from renewables by 2020. Although this is an ambitious goal, the executive order bypassed the work of the California legislature, imperiling the bipartisan support for this goal. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:41:03 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Million Solar Roofs from California to India]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/million-solar-roofs-from-california-to-india</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Nature reports on a new initiative in India to put solar panels on one million roofs by 2020. The initiative is reminiscent of the bold initiative in California to place solar panels on one million roofs in the Golden State by 2018. Governor Schwarzenegger signed the legislation to complete this million solar roof plan in 2006, and now India has matched California's vision. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:29:53 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Chinese Garnering Market Share Through Dumping]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/chinese-garnering-market-share-through-dumping</link>
<description><![CDATA[
We have been following the news stories about the precipitous fall in the price of PV panels. And now there may be another explanation. A New York Times article set off a fire storm of protest by suggesting that one of the major solar PV manufacturers was selling panels in the US at below its marginal cost. Why would a manufacturer want to incur a loss on selling its products? The simple answer is to garner market share and drive its competitors out of business. This practice is known as dumping and, if harm can be shown to domestic producers, is illegal. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:15:15 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Efficiency Standards in Building Codes: Does San Francisco Show What the Future Holds ]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/efficiency-standards-in-building-codes-does-san-francisco-show-what-the-future-holds</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The fastest way to improve our nation's energy needs is to improve the efficiency of our buildings. By far and large the structures we occupy throughout the country consume the largest percentage of our resources. Perhaps this is why the recent American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) includes a major provision requiring higher efficiencies in new building construction. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:28:26 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Lower Silicon Prices...Again]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/lower-silicon-pricesagain</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Good news continues to roll in about prices of silicon. Once again they continue to fall. Only this time they have fallen enough to lead many companies to renegotiate their supply contracts. A green tech media online article talks about the price reduction and the near spot market price of around $67 per kilogram being reached. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:46:39 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Creative Financing Solutions Fuel Solar Energy]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/creative-financing-solutions-fuel-solar-energy</link>
<description><![CDATA[
By now every American citizen is aware of the nation's drive towards a renewable and green energy future. The push for energy independence has been tied to national security and environmental preservation, making it imperative that as citizens we change our habits now. Rhetoric motivates the populace beginning the process of reversing decades of energy waste. But rhetoric doesn't solve the greatest barrier to conversion to renewable energy; the cost. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:59:34 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Invasion of the Feed In Tariffs]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-invasion-of-the-feed-in-tariffs</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Solar installation in the United States still lags behind nations in Europe despite a recent flurry of federal and state tax credits. Despite government tax credits, the price of installing solar panels remains out of reach of most consumers. More creative means are needed to stimulate demand. More creative means are needed to make solar more affordable. America is now looking to Europe for guidance. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:47:20 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Energy Market Poised for Significant Growth]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-energy-market-poised-for-significant-growth</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A&nbsp;picture of a future grounded in solar energy is sharpening as the vision is coming into focus. The pieces of the puzzle are lining up ready to be placed into their appropriate position. Each individual piece ready to fulfill its job. The time for solar energy is here. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:33:00 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Surplus of Silicon Reduces PV Prices]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/surplus-of-silicon-reduces-pv-prices</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The main barrier inhibiting solar's entrance onto the main stage is the cost of silicon used in manufacturing. In anticipation of a growing world market companies are developing newer, cheaper and more efficient methods of refining silicon for use in solar products. As these methods are perfected the supplies of silicon are increased. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:09:38 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Land Rush]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-land-rush</link>
<description><![CDATA[
A land rush is underway in the American Southwest as companies and investors buy up large tracts of land in anticipation for building solar energy plants. This rush has been pushed forward recently by the Bureau of Land Management's opening of public lands for possible solar development. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:44:14 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[First Solar Providing Industry Drive]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/first-solar-providing-industry-drive</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The price of installing a watt of solar energy has fallen dramatically with a few companies announcing they have broken the one dollar a watt barrier. The payoffs for installing solar are now shorter in time and cost savings are growing greater as quickly as price falls. 


&nbsp;

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:00:44 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Solar Looking for a Solar Carve-Out]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/solar-looking-for-a-solar-carve-out</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Legislation and incentives are what has buffered solar energy production from the fates of so many other industries recently. Massive amounts of stimulus money have been appropriated for renewable energy and should be making its way into the market soon. In addition to providing more money, the industry is lobbying for legislation requiring greater amounts of future energy supplies to be met through solar power. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:51:18 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Incentives Continue for Renewables]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/incentives-continue-for-renewables</link>
<description><![CDATA[
The House of Representatives narrowly passed what is generally regarded as landmark legislation directed at curbing greenhouse emissions in the United States, setting the stage for a tough fight in the Senate. The American Clean Energy and Security Act aims to cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050 through various means. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:24:47 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Building the Smart Grid]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/building-the-smart-grid</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Most citizens in the United States live in cities. Many of these cities lie close to the coasts. Most supplies of renewable energy lie in remote areas in the interior of the country. It appears we have a geographical problem to overcome. One solution is the construction of a smart grid throughout the United States. &nbsp;Discover Magazine reporter Peter Fairley wrote an in depth story about the next generation smart grid in June's edition. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:38:48 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Sun Doesn't Shine Bright In Texas]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-sun-doesnt-shine-bright-in-texas</link>
<description><![CDATA[
One of the sunniest states in the union failed to pass significant legislation to aid solar energy development when the Texas legislature failed to approve $500 million in incentives. Not everything is bigger in Texas.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:44:17 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[The Sunshine State Not Living Up To Its Name]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/the-sunshine-state-not-living-up-to-its-name</link>
<description><![CDATA[
&quot;Build it and they will come.&quot; The famous line heard by Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) in the 1989 film &quot;Field of Dreams&quot; may be used to explain the development of the United States' first all solar city.&nbsp;Earlier this year, former NFL linemen Syd Kitson and Kitson &amp; Partners announced plans to begin construction for Babcock Ranch reports the New York Times.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:44:43 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Thin Film: Solar Energy's New Frontier]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/thin-film-solar-energys-new-frontier</link>
<description><![CDATA[
As solar energy gains acceptance and financial feasibility, start-up companies across the country are aiming to develop and market the most efficient solar products to consumers. The focus is not entirely on large solar power plants anymore. Thin film technology is gaining a foothold. 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:23:24 PDT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Obama's Energy Pop]]></title>
<link>http://www.solartown.com/community/news/view/obamas-energy-pop</link>
<description><![CDATA[
Before he became president in July 2008, President Obama started his &quot;energy pop&quot; by seriously considering alternative energies. He summoned a meeting of industry leaders from oil companies, utility providers, a climate scientist, an economist, a California climate expert, and campaign staffers. Following the meeting Obama decided the climate and energy issues needed more pop. &quot;This stuff needs to pop more,&quot; he told his aides as he left the room. &quot;We need to find a way to make it pop more.&quot; 

]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:15:08 PDT</pubDate>
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