Solar to Help Rural Chinese

Beijing, Dec 18 (Xinhua) China has devised a cost-effective solar energy bathing scheme for its population in the countryside where statistics show that 200 million out of China's 800 million rural people bathe only once a month.

Now energy experts have devised a bathing scheme aimed at introducing China's rural population to the joys of a hot bath.

Tens of millions of Chinese population were found to bathe only once every quarter or every six months, leading to a high number of diseases, which resulted from bad hygiene.

The problem is especially acute in Chinese villages where some farmers and herdsmen do not bathe for a whole lifetime because of poverty and lack of facilities...read more

Solarfun Not Funny For Investors

NEW YORK — Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd. declined in midday trading Wednesday after becoming the second Chinese solar panel maker this week to begin trading on a U.S. market.

Shares fell 85 cents, or 6.8 percent, to $11.65 on the Nasdaq after pricing at $12.50 per American Depositary Share. Each ADS represents five regular Solarfun shares, and the company sold 12 million shares to raise about $150 million...read more

groSolar Aquires Energy Outfitters

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A national solar energy firm based in Vermont — goSolar — announced today it is buying an Oregon-based solar energy distribution company, making it the fifth largest solar distribution and installation firm in the country, and the first with true reach across all of North America.

The purchase of Energy Outfitters gives groSolar access to key markets in the western United States, namely California, as well as western Canada. The company already has offices on the East Coast, according to company officials. The purchase price was not released.

“This is a great day for groSolar and even a better day for those dedicated to mitigating global warming,’’ said Jeff Wolfe, the company’s founder and chief executive officer. “The combined assets and expertise of the two companies will enable us to put more solar on more roofs across the U.S. and Canada.’’

In recent months, groSolar closed on $2.25 million in venture funding, and has been looking for ways to grow the size and reach of the company. This purchase is one way, said Wolfe...read more

OMRON Control Components selected for use in a Sun-Tracking Solar Power System

Tokyo, Japan, Dec 13, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokyo, Japan - OMRON Corporation (TSE: 6645; ADR: OMRNY; "OMRON"), a global leader in sensing and control technologies, announced that its control components have been used in a sun-tracking solar power system situated near to Madrid, Spain. The system was installed by Electricidad Alsanbo S.A. ("Alsanbo"), a Spanish systems integrator.

The system adjusts the positioning of solar cell panels to ensure that they remain perpendicular to the incident angle of the sun's rays in order to maximize energy output. As a result, the system is able to generate 30 to 40% more power than traditional stationary systems.

In response to Alsanbo's need for a total solution, OMRON supplied all of the components necessary for the system's operation including solar conditioners, programmable logic controllers (PLC), a PLC-based communications interface, programmable terminals, power supplies and limit switches.

Main Component Functions

Programmable Logic Controllers

Programmed with historical data on the position of the sun, OMRON's PLCs precisely control the horizontal rotation and vertical tilt of the solar panels to accurately track the sun's movement.

Solar Power Conditioners

OMRON's solar power conditioners convert DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power for household use. They also incorporate a grid interconnection protection function which automatically stops the system operating if a disturbance occurs in the commercial power system or an accident occurs on the power company side of the interconnection. The methods and safety standards concerning interconnection for power companies vary between countries. OMRON optimized this system to conform with the Royal Decree that regulates interconnection in Spain.

Inverters

Inverters alter electrical frequency in response to data from the PLC on the rotation and tilt angles in order to control the motors that move the solar panels.

Renewable Energy in the EU

The EU has set a target of increasing the percentage of renewables, such as solar power and wind power, in the energy supply from 14% in 2005 to 22% by 2010.

Solar and wind power represent sources of unlimited renewable energy that do not discharge CO2, a major cause of global warming. In comparison to wind power, solar power is considered a quieter and more stable source of energy. In addition, solar power systems are free from the problems presented by the windmills used in wind farms which are a hazard to migratory birds on their journey between Africa and Northern Europe. As a result, solar power is now considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally-friendly forms of renewable energy and demand is expected to grow in the future.


OMRON's Solutions to New Market Needs

OMRON is currently focusing on solving emerging needs related to product quality, safety, and the environment. Through its European sales subsidiary, OMRON Europe B.V., OMRON will continue to focus on supplying the robust and highly reliable control components required for solar power systems, while leveraging its strong sales and support systems in the EU to actively expand sales in this area.

Comments from Andres Almendros Martinez, President of Electricidad Alsanbo S.A.

Founded in 1989, Alsanbo is a systems integrator that is strongly committed to the development and diffusion of development of renewable energies in order to contribute to the reduction of detrimental atmospheric emissions.

The trust developed over 17 years of working with OMRON was one of the major reasons why we selected the company for this project. In addition, the fact that OMRON was able to provide all of the components we required, and that its products offer a high level of environmental-resistance and reliability were also key factors in our decision. As a result, we were able to swiftly complete the power system and begin long-term, stable power generation. As similar solar power systems spread, I believe OMRON will be an ideal partner for Alsanbo in the future not only because of its EU-wide support systems, but also because of its comprehensive support and customer services in Spain.

About OMRON Corporation

Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, OMRON Corporation (TSE: 6645; NYSE: OMRNY) is a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933 and headed by President and CEO Hisao Sakuta, OMRON has more than 28,000 employees in over 35 countries working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields including industrial automation, electronic components, social systems (ticket gate machines, ticket vending machines, and traffic control) and healthcare. The company is divided into five regions and head offices are in Japan (Kyoto), Asia Pacific (Singapore), China (Shanghai), Europe (Amsterdam) and US (Chicago). For more information, visit OMRON's website at www.omron.com For further information, please visit the OMRON Corporation home page at: ?Company_Show.asp?compid=2747

Peju Winery Completes Solar Project

LOS GATOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akeena Solar, Inc. (OTCBB:AKNS), a leading designer and installer of solar power systems, announced today the completion of the design and installation of a 126 kW solar power system for Peju Winery in Napa Valley, CA.

With the solar power system, Peju Winery generates enough clean, solar electricity each day to power 40 average homes. This solar power system will reduce Peju’s annual expense of electric utilities by approximately 35 percent. The solar power system will pay for itself in less than five years. For more information, go to www.akeena.net/cm/Peju.

From the solar energy of the system, Peju Winery now produces approximately 35 percent of its electricity needs on an annual basis. The winery received a solar energy rebate of approximately $260,000 from the California Energy Commission, as well as approximately $278,000 federal business solar tax credit.

"Being chosen by one of Napa Valley’s top wineries to install this solar energy system was quite an honor. The current state and federal solar incentives make solar electric systems a viable investment for all types of businesses," said Barry Cinnamon, Chief Executive Officer of Akeena Solar. "With electric energy costs skyrocketing, smart organizations like Peju Winery are now looking for ways to reduce and set its facility operations expenses for the long term. With a 25-year warranty and a 30-year design life on the major system components, this solar energy system will save the winery money for many years to come."

As a certified Napa County Green Business, Peju’s primary motivation for installing the solar power system is to produce green solar energy. Ariana Peju, Vice President at Peju Winery, said, "It's the right thing to do. Solar energy is good for the environment and the reduction of greenhouse gases is good for the community. With the financial incentives, it was an easy decision. We chose Akeena Solar based on its reputation and its employees. It was easy to do business with Akeena.”

About Peju Winery

Peju Winery is recognized as one of Napa Valley's top wineries. Wine & Spirits Magazine gave its highest honor to Peju, naming it the "Top Artisan Winery of the Year." Wine Spectator selected the Peju Reserve as one of "the top California Cabernets." Most of the highly sought after wines are sold only from the winery, with a small allocation available through distributors in a few states, making them a special find. For more information, go to www.peju.com.

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 integrators 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.