Applied Materials Improves Solar Postion With HCT Aquisition

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Applied Materials, Inc. today announced that it has agreed to acquire HCT Shaping Systems SA (HCT), a privately-held company based in Switzerland. HCT is the world’s leading supplier of precision wafering systems used principally in manufacturing crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrates for the solar industry. Under terms of the agreement, Applied will pay approximately CHF 583 million (or approximately US$475 million at the current exchange rate) in cash for all of the outstanding shares of HCT. The acquisition is part of Applied’s strategy to accelerate customers' ability to reduce the costs of photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing to make solar energy more competitive with grid electricity.

“This acquisition aligns well with our overall strategy to drive down the cost-per-watt of solar power for c-Si and thin film applications,” said Mike Splinter, president and CEO of Applied Materials. “HCT will significantly expand our opportunities in the c-Si PV technology sector, which currently comprises 90% of solar panel production. By combining HCT’s precision wafering systems with Applied’s strong manufacturing technology and global support infrastructure, we believe we can take solar wafer manufacturing to the next level of production efficiency.”

HCT is a pioneer in precision wafering, with technology that also includes products for squaring and cropping ingots and for slurry recovery. After a silicon ingot is formed, HCT’s wafering systems exactly section it into thin substrates for subsequent use in fabricating c-Si solar cells. As a result of the substantial expansion of the solar industry, HCT has recently experienced rapid growth, supplying its products to c-Si solar manufacturers worldwide.

Currently, one of the major challenges in manufacturing solar cells is the cost and supply of the raw silicon material. In c-Si manufacturing, HCT’s precision wafering systems enable customers to significantly reduce the thickness of wafers used to make c-Si solar cells, decreasing silicon usage. In addition, Applied’s products for thin film solar cell manufacturing reduce silicon utilization by forming atomically thin layers of silicon directly from gases onto a glass substrate.

“Our overall solar strategy is to reduce cost-per-watt, and for c-Si, the ‘grams of silicon-per-watt’ is key to this equation,” commented Dr. Mark Pinto, senior vice president and general manager of Applied’s New Business and New Products Group. “HCT’s technology and roadmap to reduce wafer thickness are critical to improving material utilization and will complement our high throughput c-Si ATON deposition system, enabling customers to scale up production and reduce cost.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain non-U.S. regulatory approvals. The parties expect to close the transaction during Applied’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2007.

Applied Materials will discuss this announcement on a conference call today beginning at 2:30pm Pacific Daylight Time. A live webcast of the conference call will be available on Applied’s web site at www.appliedmaterials.com and a replay will be available after 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time.

This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to Applied’s anticipated acquisition of HCT and expected benefits of the transaction, and Applied’s solar strategy, growth opportunities and product capabilities. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied, including but not limited to: the satisfaction of closing conditions; the successful integration and performance of the acquired business; the sustainability of demand in the nanomanufacturing technology industry and broadening of demand for emerging applications such as solar, which are subject to many factors, including global economic conditions, business and consumer spending, demand for electronic products, the cost-effectiveness and performance of PV products compared to other energy sources, technological innovations, evolving industry standards, economic incentives for alternative energy, production facility utilization rates, supply of raw materials, and geopolitical uncertainties; Applied’s ability to (i) develop, deliver and support a broad range of products and expand its markets and develop new markets, (ii) accurately predict the characteristics of, and capitalize on, opportunities in the solar market, (iii) obtain and protect intellectual property rights in key technologies, (iv) realize synergies expected to result from the transaction, and (v) hire and retain key employees; and other risks described in Applied’s SEC filings. All forward-looking statements are based on management’s estimates, projections and assumptions as of June 26, 2007, and Applied undertakes no obligation to update any such statements.

Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAT) is the global leader in Nanomanufacturing Technology™ solutions with a broad portfolio of innovative equipment, service and software products for the fabrication of semiconductor chips, flat panels, solar photovoltaic cells, flexible electronics and energy efficient glass. At Applied Materials, we apply Nanomanufacturing Technology to improve the way people live. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

DOE Selects 13 US Cities For Solar Amercia Initiative

NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced that DOE will make available nearly $2.5 million to thirteen cities to increase the use of solar power across the country, building on the President’s commitment to further the development of clean, renewable energy technologies. Cities selected for the Solar America Cities cooperative agreements will receive awards to promote solar-powered technologies throughout New Orleans, Louisiana. These awards will further President Bush’s Solar America Initiative (SAI), which seeks to make solar energy cost-competitive with conventional sources of electricity by 2015.

“We believe these projects will stimulate activity in the marketplace and create a ripple effect that will boost the use of solar energy across the country,” Secretary Bodman said. “Harnessing more of the sun’s power is central to reaching the President’s goal of increasing our nation’s energy security by pushing forward clean, renewable technologies that will allow us to become less reliant on imported sources of energy.”

Additional cities selected to receive Solar America Cities grants include: Ann Arbor, MI; Austin, TX; Berkeley, CA; Boston, MA; Madison, WI; New York, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; and Tucson, AZ.

Subject to negotiation of final term, DOE will provide a total of $2.5 million in financial assistance to the thirteen competitively selected, cost-shared, two-year projects. Additionally, DOE will provide hands-on assistance from technical and policy experts to help cities integrate solar technologies into city energy planning, zoning and facilities; to streamline city-level regulations and practices that affect solar adoption by residents and local businesses; and promote solar technology among residents and local businesses through outreach, curriculum development, and incentive programs.

Solar America Cities have been identified as large cities with high electricity demand, and represent a diverse geography, population, and maturity of solar infrastructure. Cities were selected based on their plan and commitment to a comprehensive, citywide approach to the deployment of solar technologies. Their efforts will improve the ability of citizens and businesses to adopt solar technology locally, and will provide a model that other cities across the country can follow. Subject to evaluation by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as well as appropriations from Congress, DOE plans to select a new round of Solar America Cities in 2008.

Secretary Bodman made today’s announcement while delivering keynote remarks at the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Renewable Energy Finance Forum in New York. There, Secretary Bodman also announced the issuance of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for up to $30 million for universities to research near-term improvements in solar products; and the competitive selection of ten cost-shared Photovoltaic (PV) Module Incubator projects that will receive up to $27 million in DOE funding over 18 months. These investments will total nearly $60 million to further President Bush’s Solar America Initiative (SAI), integral to the President’s Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI). The AEI seeks to change the way we power our homes, offices, and vehicles by increasing the use of clean, renewable energy technologies.

Additional information is available on these projects.

Ceradyne Opens First Solar Energy Ceramic-Related Factory in China

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ceradyne, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDN) announced today the opening ceremonies for its new 98,000 square foot factory in Tianjin, China. This newly constructed factory will produce high purity ceramic crucibles for the forming of large polysilicon ingots for use in the manufacturing of photovoltaic silicon solar cells.

The opening ceremonies were attended by local and other officials as well as customers, vendors and key Ceradyne executives, including Ceradyne CEO and Chairman of the Board, Joel P. Moskowitz. The facility, located on Ceradyne’s five-acre plot in Tianjin’s Tanggu National Marine High Tech Development Zone, will supply the exact components to its Chinese photovoltaic solar cell customer base as it is currently producing in Atlanta, Georgia, where the technology was developed. The Ceradyne Tianjin facility will be run by Ceradyne Chinese executives and engineers who have been trained by U.S. based Ceradyne Thermo Materials’ management for some time.

Bruce Lockhart, Ceradyne Vice President responsible for the Company’s solar energy efforts, commented: “This is a very exciting event for Ceradyne and particularly for Ceradyne Thermo Materials. Only three years ago, we established a major dedicated facility in Atlanta for the development and manufacture of these high technology ceramic crucibles for sale to solar cell fabricators. This new Tianjin plant replicates the Atlanta plant, only it is much larger, to meet our Chinese customer requirements.”

Ceradyne develops, manufactures, and markets advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel, and commercial applications. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.ceradyne.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future performance of Ceradyne that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “future,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended dated December 31, 2006 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Avista Taps GreenVolts for Utility Scale Solar Trial

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - June 18, 2007) - GreenVolts (www.greenvolts.com), a leader in helping utilities deliver green energy to their customers, today announced that it has been chosen by Pacific Northwest utility, Avista, for a demonstration project to test the company's utility-scale solar energy solution. The company also announced that Avista has made a strategic investment in GreenVolts for an undisclosed amount.

Beginning this summer, GreenVolts will site its high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) system at Avista's Clean Energy Test Site. The demonstration project will record performance data over two years and is expected to produce test data validating long-term system performance and costs.

"Avista is committed to supporting the advancement of sustainable energy technology. GreenVolts provides an important pathway for us to learn how to apply new technologies and bring more renewable energy to the grid," said Roger Woodworth, vice president of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Avista. "The solar technology being developed by GreenVolts could become part of our future renewable energy portfolio; that is why we are taking an aggressive first step by investing in the potential of the GreenVolts solution here in the Pacific Northwest."

GreenVolts is a solar power company providing affordable, clean energy alternatives for utility companies. The company's patent-pending technology produces a superior photovoltaic collector that, when coupled with a tracking mechanism, is expected to deliver energy at a cost that is competitive with peak natural gas alternatives. The size and flexibility of the company's system allow it to be placed nearer to the demand than other alternatives, helping utility companies avoid constructing costly transmission lines or having to upgrade existing power grids.

"We believe the future is one in which consumers will gain access to green energy by plugging into the grid instead of going off of it," said Bob Cart, CEO and founder of GreenVolts. "In order for this to become a reality, utilities must have access to a price competitive solar energy source that can also be located close to the demand -- making HCPV solar energy both the intellectual and economical choice for utilities."

The core of the company's solution is a low profile platform that tracks the sun as it moves across the sky. This 3kW platform is known as a CarouSol and uses low cost mirrors to concentrate 625 suns of energy onto a 40 percent efficient solar cell. The technology uses less than one-thousandth of the solar cell material of conventional solar panels, and the entire system is optimized for the lowest cost of energy. Other features of the CarouSol include:

-- No shading, off-axis optics
-- Low profile, self-leveling two-axis tracking
-- Automated storm stowing
-- Automated cleaning
-- Passive cooling
-- Scalable manufacturing
-- Rapid delivery and simple installation
-- 1-20MW distributed generation


GreenVolts delivers its energy directly to utilities near the load to avoid the cost, losses and delays of transmission. The company's complete systems approach also dramatically lowers the cost of solar energy for utilities.

"Of all the renewable energy resources, solar presents the greatest opportunity for widespread utility-scale adoption," continued Cart. "Within the realm of solar technologies, only GreenVolts' HCPV technology allows for easy, economical adoption of utility-scale power solutions. Now, for the first time, utilities can harness a renewable energy source in a way that eliminates the need for costly grid upgrades and at a price that rivals the peak energy cost of natural gas-fired plants."

In addition to the Avista investment, GreenVolts has raised more than $1.5 million in seed money and expects to seek a venture round of funding later this year.

About GreenVolts

GreenVolts is a solar power company that supplies massive amounts of efficient energy to utility companies so that they can provide green energy to their end customers economically and with only a flick of the switch. Solar power is the best possible utility-scale solution because it can be forecast with reliability and because it shines brightest when it's needed most -- during the daytime peak hours. GreenVolts' HCPV technology is more efficient than any other photovoltaic solution on the market and its ability to be located near to the load makes it more desirable than other solar technologies because it eliminates the need for utility grid upgrades. The company is based in San Francisco.

About Avista Corp.

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is a company operating division that provides service to 346,000 electric and 306,000 natural gas customers in three western states. Avista's non-regulated subsidiaries include Advantage IQ and Avista Energy. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com.

Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's current expectations. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts. Such statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, in addition to those discussed herein, all of the factors discussed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

Space Station Unveils New Solar Array

The International Space Station spread its new set of wings today, and now the STS-117 crew members can turn their attention to the mission’s next spacewalk.

The solar arrays on the newly installed Starboard 3 and 4 (S3/S4) truss segment deployed to their full length with the assistance of the STS-117 crew. The S3/S4 was installed onto the station Monday before the start of STS-117’s first spacewalk, during which STS-117 astronauts began activating the truss. The arrays will increase the station’s ability to generate power when they go online.

Today’s deployment activities occurred in steps, beginning about 11:43 a.m. EDT. The forward-facing array on the S3/S4 was first deployed to its length of 115 feet. The procedure was repeated for the rear-facing array which was fully deployed about 1:58 p.m.

The STS-117 astronauts are scheduled to enjoy a few hours of off duty time this afternoon before beginning preparations for the mission’s second spacewalk on Wednesday. Mission Specialists Steve Swanson and Pat Forrester will continue the activation of the S3/S4 and assist in the retraction of the starboard solar array on the Port 6 (P6) truss during the spacewalk. Wednesday’s excursion is scheduled to begin at 2:03 p.m.

The P6 will move from its location atop the station to the end of the Port 5 truss during a future mission.

Solaicx Lands 27m To Expand Production

Solaicx on Tuesday said it has received an additional $27.1 million in funding, giving the solar wafer developer the funds it needs to boost production.

Santa Clara, California-based Solaicx, a Red Herring North America 100 company for 2007, has developed a new process for making single-crystal silicon wafers—designed specifically for solar panels—more efficiently and cheaply.

“We’ve proven the technology,” said Solaicx CEO Bob Ford. “Now it boils down to actually doing it.”

Solaicx hopes to overcome a global shortage of silicon by making more solar wafers—the building blocks that are made into solar cells, which in turn get wired together to make solar panels—from less silicon. The company has developed technology to manufacture silicon wafers in a continuous process as opposed to in batches, increasing efficiency by up to 30 percent and lowering production costs...read more about Solaicx's product expansion

Signet Solar Unveils Plans For Thin-Film Plant in India

PALO ALTO, CA, USA; andNEWDELHI,INDIA.—June 7, 2007 — Signet Solar today announced plans to establish significant thin-film solar module manufacturing
capabilities in India. Signet Solar’s India announcement follows plans unveiled last month for a manufacturing and development plant in Dresden, Germany. Signet Solar is a global company founded to design, develop and manufacture large area, low cost,thin-film silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Signet Solar’s first production line inIndia will have a capacity of 60 megawatts (MW); expanding to 1 gigawatt (GW) inannual production over the next ten years.

Signet Solar’s India production facilities will tap into India’s manufacturing and engineering talent to establish high tech, high volume thin film solar module production. “The announcement by Signet Solar to expand its production capacity will significantly contribute to our plans to accelerate semiconductor and information technology (IT) hardware manufacturing in India,” states Thiru. A. Raja, India’s Honorable Union Minister of Information Technology. “Combined with our highly skilled workforce, India has an opportunity to be a leader in using technology to address pressing global energy needs.”

Worldwide solar PV installations have grown at an annual rate of nearly 40 percent over
the last five years, with demand expected to continue similar growth. In India, the Ministry of Renewable Energy has set a target to produce 10 percent of the country’s power requirements through renewable energy sources by 2012. “Signet Solar’s plans to establish manufacturing operations in India are very timely,” states Shri Vilas Muttemwar, India’s Honorable Minister of New and Renewable Energy. “Our electric power demands will continue to increase as India’s economic growth accelerates. Cost effective alternative power generation technologies and power plants will be essential to help manage peak power demand and distributed power for rural electrification, while being sensitive to the environment.”

“We are convinced that India is ideal for manufacturing the world’s lowest cost solar modules,” said Dr. Prabhu Goel, Chairman and Founder, Signet Solar. “With its manufacturing prowess and vast need for energy, we consider India key to bringing Clean Affordable Renewable Energy, via thin film solar modules, to our customers.”

Applications for the company’s thin film solar modules include solar farms, large commercial installations, building-integrated photovoltaics, remote habitation, and irrigation. Thin film modules are expected to play a vital role in peak power production and stand-alone applications by avoiding massive investments in power infrastructure. Signet Solar is poised to significantly expand existing markets for Clean Affordable Renewable Energy™ and create vast new opportunities in emerging economies. Signet Solar customers will include PV system integrators and installers of solar farms for power generation. The large glass substrates and relatively lower cost of thin film modules are ideal for large scale PV system installations, building-integrated photovoltaics and remote habitation.

About Signet Solar
Signet Solar, Inc. is a global company established in 2006 to bring Clean Affordable Renewable Energy™ to people and countries worldwide. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., the company has been founded to design, develop, manufacture and market thin film silicon photovoltaic modules. For more information, please visit www.signetsolar.com.

Green Green House Utilizes Solar Power

NEW CASTLE - Lynn Dwyer does more than just raise plants in her greenhouse operation.

She also cultivates the power of sunlight to make heat and electricity.

Dwyer's business is taking advantage of solar in a big way, even for a greenhouse. Last fall and winter, she put in more than $100,000 worth of solar energy systems at Dwyer Greens & Flowers, which is located on a former 160-acre homestead up a mile-long dirt road southwest of Apple Tree Park outside New Castle.

Rebates from Holy Cross Energy and Xcel Energy covered $45,000 of the cost. Put those together with tax credits, and 80 percent of Dwyer's initial investment will be reimbursed.

That doesn't take into account the savings in electric bills. Dwyer already has received a check from Holy Cross when the greenhouse generated more energy than it used. Her January electric bill was less than for the same month a year earlier, even though Dwyer had added a third greenhouse.

Dwyer has had a 56-panel, 9-kilowatt photovoltaic system installed to generate electricity, which is especially needed in the summer when fans and swamp coolers must be used in the greenhouses. In addition, a rooftop solar thermal system heats water that can provide radiant heat in a warehouse, warm plant roots or keep gutters de-iced... read more about this green green house

Largest Military Solar Power Installation in Central Valley

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fast-growing Akeena Solar (OTCBB:AKNS) is generating the equivalent of power for 200 households with its just-completed project at the Air National Guard Armory in Fresno, CA.

Akeena, a publicly held company that already is one of the largest installers of residential solar and small commercial systems in the country, says that the $2.2 million contract is a meaningful contribution to Akeena’s revenues last quarter and this quarter.

“This project is so important in so many ways,” said Barry Cinnamon, chief executive officer of Akeena. It solidifies our footprint in the Central Valley, where we took over the solar power business of Solahart All valley of Fresno last year. It shows that our government is taking action to use clean, renewable power. This contract also helped contribute to the growth of our commercial business segment.”

The project generates 300 kilowatts of electricity, the equivalent of what would be used by 200 households. Akeena installed 566 solar panels to generate the power.

“We like to think that we made this project easy for the military, which is exactly what we try to do for homeowners,” Cinnamon said. “Our engineers design custom solutions for every project. Then we handle all of the paperwork for rebates and tax credits for homeowners. In California, incentives cover about a third of the cost thereby encouraging homeowners to run their electric meter backwards with a solar power system.

About Akeena Solar, Inc

Founded in 2001, Akeena Solar's (OTCBB:AKNS) philosophy is simple: We believe producing clean electricity directly from the sun is the right thing to do for our environment and economy. Akeena Solar has grown to become one of the largest national installers of residential and small commercial solar power systems in the United States, serving customers directly in California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit Akeena Solar's website at www.akeena.net.

Colorado Could Take Lead in Solar Power

DENVER—Standing before hundreds of pinwheels outside of the Capitol Building Environment Colorado and the Sierra Club highlighted the potential and support for renewable energy in Colorado.

The 294 pinwheels were displayed to represent the number of wind turbines that could supply 20% of Denver’s electricity. Environment Colorado and the Sierra Club called on Congress to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard requiring that utilities generate 20% of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020, an issue that will be debated in the House and Senate within the next few weeks.

“There is no question that America has the know-how to move beyond fossil fuels and to tap into our abundant renewable energy resources,” said Matt Garrington Environment Colorado’s Field Director. “Colorado voters have already shown their commitment to renewable energy and now Colorado can help power the rest of the country.”

By the end of this year Colorado will produce more than 10 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power. Countries like Denmark currently derive more than 20 percent of their overall electricity generation from wind power alone.

One of the most proven policies to drive renewable energy development, an RES, also known as a “renewable portfolio standard” or RPS, has been enacted in more than 20 states, including Colorado. These policies require that utilities generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.

Colorado’s renewable energy standard of 20% by 2020 will create over 4,000 jobs, raise the state GDP by $1.9 billion, and increase wages by $570 million. The success of Colorado’s renewable energy standard will be multiplied with the adoption of a national renewable energy standard.

“Colorado has the 5th best solar energy potential in the nation and the 11th best wind energy potential in the nation, ,” said Matt Garrington. “Colorado can and will be a clean energy exporter in America’s new energy future.”

With Congress seeking to address energy security and global warming this summer, there is momentum building to establish a national RES. Environment Colorado called on Congress to pass legislation to establish a national RES of 20 percent by 2020.

An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that a standard of 20 percent by 2020 would create 355,000 jobs, save consumers $49 billion on their electric bills, and direct $16.2 billion to rural communities.

“We should heed the advice of our fellow Coloradans to act quickly at all levels of government to promote the development of clean energy like wind and solar, and thus reduce global warming impacts, instead of wasting money on outdated and harmful fossil fuel technology,” said Roger Singer with Sierra Club. “I look forward to the day these 300 symbolic pinwheels are replaced with 300 real wind turbines here in Colorado.”

Clean energy advocates are specifically calling on Colorado’s congressional delegation to join

U.S. Representatives DeGette, Perlmutter, and Udall to cosponsor H.R. 969, which would establish a 20% by 2020 Renewable Electricity Standard.

Environment Colorado focuses on protecting air and water quality, promoting a sustainable energy policy, implementing transit oriented solutions to Colorado's transportation problems and curbing sprawl by promoting responsible land use planning. Environment Colorado utilizes the time-tested tools of research, public education, advocacy and organizing.
For more information, visit: www.EnvironmentColorado.org.

San Antonio To Host Largest Solar Power Project In Texas

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A warehouse renovation project set for the historic Pearl Brewery site will also be a “learning laboratory” for “green”

building and energy efficiency, featuring the largest solar energy installation in the state, announced CPS Energy and Silver Ventures, which is renovating the historic brewery in an adaptive re-use project.

The $1.35 million solar energy joint project will install a 200-kilowatt array of solar panels atop a 67,000 square-foot former warehouse facility being adapted for office, retail and residential use. The project will generate about one-quarter of the building’s total energy needs, and will enable CPS Energy to test the viability of a solar energy application in a large, real-world commercial application, said Milton Lee, general manager of CPS Energy, San Antonio’s city-owned power utility.

“This is another way for CPS Energy to push ahead with efforts to diversify our portfolio of renewable energy resources that includes wind power and landfill gas,” said Lee. “Our goal is to achieve renewable energy capacity equal to 15 percent of our customers’ peak electrical demand by 2020, and we’re now above 11 percent and one of only a handful of utility systems across the country that has surpassed the double-digit percentage mark.”

The project will also feature an educational venue for students and visitors to showcase the workings and benefits of solar power to visitors, including state-of-the art metering devices that monitor energy use and display real-time information about the amount of solar energy being generated.

Known as the Full Goods Building, the Pearl Brewery Project will be one of the first LEED certified buildings in San Antonio.

The historic Pearl Brewery, a San Antonio landmark in operation from 1883 until 2001, is located on 22 acres alongside the San Antonio River north of downtown. The Pearl complex is undergoing a transformation that will create a vibrant village on the river where urban living, great food and events, art, ideas and education all come together.

CPS Energy is the nation’s largest municipally owned energy company providing both natural gas and electric service. More CPS Energy information can be found at www.cpsenergy.com.

The Vatican Turns to Solar Power

Some Holy See buildings will start using solar energy, reflecting Pope Benedict XVI's concern about conserving the Earth's resources, a Vatican engineer said Tuesday. The roof of the Paul VI auditorium will be redone next year, with its cement panels replaced with photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, engineer Pier Carlo Cuscianna said.

The 6,300-seat auditorium is used for the pontiff's general audiences on Wednesdays in winter and in bad weather during the rest of the year. Concerts in honor of pontiffs are also staged in the hall, with its sweeping stage.

The cells will produce enough electricity to illuminate, heat or cool the building, Cuscianna said.

"Since the auditorium isn't used every day, the (excess) energy will feed into the network providing (the Vatican) with power, so other Vatican offices can use the energy," he said.

A feasibility study for the planned conversion, published recently in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, found it made economic sense. It quoted from Benedict's speeches defending the environment and noted that his predecessor, the late John Paul II, also championed the safeguarding of natural resources.

Cuscianna recalled a speech in which Benedict lamented "the unbalanced use of energy" in the world... read more about the Vatican's Solar Power Plans