Colorado Fires up Latest Solar Power Project

WELLINGTON, CO --(eSolarEnergyNews)-- PSEG Solar Source, Platte River Power Authority and juwi today joined to dedicate the PSEG Rawhide Flats Solar Center. The 36.3 MW-dc (30 MW-ac) facility is located 25 miles north of Fort Collins, CO.

The PSEG Rawhide Flats Solar Center was built on a 190-acre site leased from the power authority at the Rawhide Energy Station and will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 8,000 Colorado homes.

Spruce Introduces Residential Solar Loan, Simplifies Solar Sales Process

LAS VEGAS, NV--(eSolarEnergyNews)-- Spruce Finance is making residential solar finance sales easier than ever by adding a new solar loan to its existing power purchase agreement (PPA) and lease product suite. (The term “loan” includes both traditional loans and retail installment contracts, or RICs, which are available in different geographies.) The loan and PPA are available on Spruce’s new platform, SpruceFlow™, which uniquely allows solar companies to offer homeowners multiple products from a single finance provider, on a single platform, with a single credit check.

Canadian Solar Selected for 63 MW Solar Power Project in Mexico

GUELPH, ONTARIO, CANADA --(eSolarEnergyNews)-- Canadian Solar, one of the world's largest solar power companies, today announced that it has won a 63 MWp solar power project in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Canadian Solar will develop and build the solar power plant.

Once connected to the grid, the electricity generated will be sold to CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad), under a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement for energy and capacity and 20-year for Clean Energy Certificates at approximately US$47.95/MWh. The project is expected to be connected to the grid in September 2018.

"We are delighted to announce this win in Mexico which expands our late stage solar project pipeline in OECD countries, and positions us well for further growth in this important emerging market," commented Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar.

 "Our ability to win this competitive bid is a testament to our strength as a global tier 1 leader in the solar industry. We look forward to build on our momentum to expand our global presence and help accelerate the adoption of solar energy to mitigate climate change in the region and around the world as we continue to focus on our corporate vision of making a difference to the planet."

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Valos Solar Ventures Signs Power Purchase Agreement for Solar Development in California

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valos Solar Ventures, LLC (“Valos”) announced today that it has signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) with Pacific Gas & Electric (“PG&E”) for its 20 MW SKIC Solar 1 site located near Bakersfield, California.

California Public Utility Commission approval for SKIC Solar 1 is expected in October, and construction is set to begin no later than August 2013. The project will begin selling power into the California market by April 2014, per the terms of the PPA.

“We are excited about signing this PPA and executing on our solar strategy in California,” said Valos CEO, Hugh Tarpley. “As equipment prices have continued to decline, we believe Valos can bring cost effective solar power to the market.”

Valos COO Lori Cuervo added, “Our SKIC Solar 1 project has already received its conditional use permit, and we anticipate our interconnection agreement with PG&E to be signed by November. We are pleased that interconnection costs on this project are relatively low compared to other areas in the state.”

Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. (“GSAC”) is slated to be the EPC contractor for the SKIC Solar 1 project. Valos signed a Joint Development Agreement with GSAC in July 2012.

About Valos Solar Ventures, LLC

Valos Solar Ventures, LLC was founded in 2009 by industry veterans Hugh Tarpley and Lori Cuervo to develop, finance, own, and operate utility-scale solar power generating facilities. Currently, Valos is developing 130 MW of solar facilities in California. The company is headquartered in Houston, TX.

About Gehrlicher Solar America Corp. (GSAC)

GSAC is the United States subsidiary of the international photovoltaic system integrator Gehrlicher Solar AG, which was founded in 1994 to develop, plan, build, finance and operate solar power systems for ground mounting and for roofs. For more information, visit www.gehrlicher.us

First Solar and PG&E Sign Contracts for 72 Megawatts of Solar Photovoltaic Electricity

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced it has signed power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for 72 megawatts AC of solar electricity to be generated at two photovoltaic power plants that First Solar is developing in central California.

The 32-megawatt Lost Hills project in Kern County and the 40-megawatt Cuyama project in Santa Barbara County are expected to create up to 600 jobs at peak construction. Project construction could start in 2013 as soon as the development process is complete, depending on plans of the projects’ eventual owners.

Together, Lost Hills and Cuyama will produce enough clean, renewable energy to power some 24,000 California homes, offsetting approximately 45,000 metric tons of CO2 annually—the equivalent of taking about 8,900 cars off the road each year.

“We are very pleased to add these projects to PG&E’s solar portfolio, helping it and California reach their renewable energy goals,” said Brian Kunz, First Solar Vice President of Project Development. “Grid-friendly utility-scale power plants from First Solar are readily integrated into the electrical infrastructure.”

The power purchase agreements—each with a delivery term beginning in 2019—are subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission, whose decision is expected in the first half of 2013.

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. The company’s integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar’s renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

P2 Solar Signs Binding Agreement for a 4.95MW Solar Project in Bulgaria

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Solar Energy News)- Feb. 29, 2012 - P2 Solar, Inc. (the "Company") (OTCBB:PTOS) is excited to announce that it has executed an Agreement to develop a 4.95 MW solar power farm with a 20 year gross revenue of 31 million Euro with a net cash flow of 13.6 million Euro. The irrevocable Binding Agreement is to acquire 100% of the PV project, which has all necessary land secured, all required permits, licences and rights in place.

The project also has a signed 20 year government Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and has all required approvals for grid connection. The 15.1 hectare project site has been secured and is located in a favourable area for solar, at an altitude of 266 meters above sea level in the northwestern region of Bulgaria, in the Vratsa Province.

Mr. Raj-Mohinder Gurm, CEO of P2 Solar, Inc., said, "We have a stellar team working through the process of finalizing each of the steps in procuring the various components of this and other PV projects."

Solar in Bulgaria:

Bulgaria has emerged as one of Europe's most lucrative solar energy markets because of the country's strong solar irradiation and government feed-in-tariff program. Developers are seeking new opportunities in central and south-eastern Europe after Spain and Germany, the global industry leaders in photovoltaics (PV), cut incentives.

P2 Solar Mandate:

The Company has been building its management team in an effort to take advantage of opportunities in the emerging solar industry worldwide. The Company's areas of focus are the regions of India, Europe and Canada and the company is currently working to identify and execute potential PV solar projects in these regions. For more information, please visit http://www.p2solar.com.

Enfinity America Corporation Expands Municipality Portfolio With Ten Solar Installations for the City of Reno

ATLANTA, Feb. 29, 2012 (Solar Energy News) -- Leading solar energy development and finance company, Enfinity America Corporation, announced today the completion of ten solar installations for the City of Reno. The installations will generate over 1,800 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually – approximately 18% of the city's total electricity needs - and save the city between $1.6 and $3.0 million over the 20 year power purchase agreement (PPA) term. The solar installations are located at municipal facilities throughout the city.

Enfinity's Executive Vice President of Development, Bob Hopper, said, "In line with our focus on Distributed Generation opportunities, the City of Reno is the latest addition to our portfolio of projects developed for municipalities. Enfinity will own and operate the systems on behalf of the city, helping Reno to benefit from energy savings and strengthen its position as a leading sustainable community."

The solar program came to fruition through close collaboration between Nevada Solar Works LLC (comprising Q&D Construction, CleanPath Renewables and Reliant Electric), the City of Reno and Enfinity. Construction services were provided by Swinerton Renewable Energy, a division of Swinerton Inc.

Hopper continued, "Increasingly, municipalities are recognizing that solar energy is a viable, commercially-sound proposition. Cities like Reno are now able to purchase clean energy, often at a lower rate than their current cost of energy, without significant up-front capital costs or the responsibility for maintaining the system."

About Enfinity

Founded in 2005, Enfinity is an established leader in renewable energy (the sixth largest in the world in its sector), with operations in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The company finances, develops and builds solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. Enfinity also owns its own portfolio of renewable energy installations. Enfinity has been selected to build some of the largest renewable energy projects across the globe, with 390 MW installed and operational worldwide. Further information is available at www.enfinitycorp.com

Borrego Solar Systems Launches Power Purchase Agreement Program to Help Schools, Companies and Government Organizations Finance Solar Projects

EL CAJON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-tied solar electric power systems, today introduced a new financing option for schools, companies and government organizations interested in adopting clean, renewable solar energy. Borrego’s new power-purchase agreement (PPA) program gives its customers a new, simple way to finance a solar project without having to assume the up-front costs of the project or work with a third-party financier.

With $30 million backing from a PPA fund launched by Walsin Lihwa, a current investor, Borrego is well positioned to develop and finance more than $100 million solar projects over the next 12 months. The PPA program is also the first commercial PPA of its kind designed to finance school and commercial solar projects in Massachusetts. Borrego has already received interest in the program from early customers in Massachusetts, New Jersey and California.

“Borrego Solar has long been a leader in commercial scale solar systems, bringing significant expertise, quality of service and optimum system performance to its customers,” said Yu-Lon Chiao, Chairman of Walsin Lihwa. “As a result of this deal Walsin Lihwa has committed to supporting Borrego Solar in its mission to become the leading provider of commercial scale solar electric solutions in North America. We are excited about the market potential for Borrego’s integrated solar energy services.”

“We continue to see significant demand for grid-tied solar systems, but a common concern for many customers is the lack of financing available to design, install and maintain the system,” said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. “And though the PPA is not a new concept, some customers don’t want the hassle of finding a third-party financing option or the restriction of having to deploy the technology chosen by the PPA provider. By choosing a Borrego PPA, customers deal with one company for system financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance. As a result of this program Borrego is now able to offer our customers a “one stop shop” for all solar energy services - all without the technology lock-in of other programs.”

Borrego finished 2008 with $58 million in revenue and more than $90 million in contracts, having completed some of the country’s largest projects for schools, companies and government agencies. By offering a commercial PPA, the company expects to increase the size and scope of projects it designs, builds and manages.

Scatec Solar Establishes Subsidiary in the US, Signs a 500 kW of Solar PPA in CA

OSLO, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Scatec Solar, a global turn-key supplier of solar PV (photo voltaic) solutions, has established a subsidiary in the US with the objective to become a major provider of commercial PV power plants in North America. Scatec Solar announced that it has signed a power purchase agreement with a large winery in Sonoma California which has agreed to buy all the electricity produced by 500 kW PV rooftop system.

- As the US is rapidly emerging as the world's largest solar PV market,
it has been a priority for Scatec Solar to establish in North America,
Mr. Ravi Khanna, President and CEO of Scatec Solar, said. We are in the
process of building a strong US team, with very strong market knowledge
and executional capabilities. With our ability to leverage on our
substantial European PV experience, we see ourselves very well
positioned to take substantial market share as the US solar markets
takes-off, Mr. Khanna said.

- The new emphasis on renewable energy and oil independency in the US
will be driving demand for solar energy solutions. And as the PV
technology approaches grid parity in many markets, and grants schemes
and tax incentives take effect, the demand will grow even stronger, Mr.
Khanna states.


Scatec Solar North America will be located in Mountain View, Ca, however the company's objective is to build projects in multiple states. It is also working very closely with different state governments to assist in quick roll-out and implementation of solar projects.

Residential Leases and PPAs; Questions for Homeowners to Ask If Considering a Solar Lease or a Solar Power Purchase Agreement

RIO VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2008 new financing options for homeowners wanting solar systems were introduced in California. These options were designed to overcome the biggest obstacle to potential solar users: the first cost to acquire the system. For typical residential solar installations the cost is around $40,000 but after tax credits and state rebates it is usually around $25,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. Most homeowners pay cash or finance the purchase.

For homeowners who are considering one of the new leasing or power purchase methods, there are important considerations because these homeowners will not own the system. The system will be owned by the leasing company or the power purchase company.

How does a lease or power purchase agreement work?

A lease allows a customer to make a monthly payment over a fixed term, like 5, 10, or 15 years. At the end of the term the homeowner will have the option of paying for the remaining value of the system or having it removed. Interest is charged on the balance of the value of the solar system for the duration of the lease.

A power purchase agreement is a long term contract to buy electricity produced by the solar system. The term of the contract is typically 15 to 20 years. The site owner does not own the solar system during the term of the contract. At the end of the contract the homeowner will have the option to purchase the system for the remaining value of the system or having it removed. Some of these contracts also allow a customer to purchase the system before the end of the term of the contract. The cost of the electricity from the solar system will escalate over the term of the contract and the escalation rate will be specified in the contract. The escalation rate may or may not be at the same rate that the local utility will charge over the same period. The homeowner will still be a customer of the local utility and purchase electricity from the utility when the solar system does not produce electricity (such as overnight or on a cloudy day).

In both a lease or power purchase agreement, the company receives both the tax credit and any state rebates.

Do state or federal regulations govern these leases or power purchase agreements?

Not at this time. These financing options are a new development in the retail solar market. Power purchase agreements have been used successfully for transactions between wholesale power generators and utilities. They have also been used successfully in large commercial solar installations since 2006. The terms and conditions of the commercial power purchase agreements are negotiable and most commercial projects are reviewed by the customer’s attorney(s) and accountant(s).

Legislation recently sent to the Governor’s signature (AB 2863, 2008) will establish disclosure requirements for residential leases and power purchase agreements. If the bill is signed into law, it will require:

1. A good faith estimate of the kilowatt-hours to be delivered by the solar energy system.

2. A plain language explanation of the terms under which the pricing will be calculated over the life of the contract and a good faith estimate of the price per kilowatt-hour.

3. A plain language explanation of operation and maintenance responsibilities of the contract parties.

4. A plain language explanation of the contract provisions regulating the disposition or transfer of the contract in the event of a transfer of ownership of the residence, as well as the costs or potential costs associated with the disposition or transfer of the contract.

5. A plain language explanation of the disposition of the solar energy system at the end of the term of the contract.

AB 2863 will also require that the leasing or power purchase company:

- Record a notice on the title of the property. If the contract is terminated or sold, they must file a new notice.

- Must provide a copy of the contract to a prospective buyer of the home if the homeowner is selling their home.

Questions to ask if a homeowner is considering a solar lease or solar power purchase agreement

Since homeowners do not usually have an attorney and accountant to review the agreements, the following questions are good questions to ask if they are considering a lease or power purchase agreement to have a solar system installed on a home. Getting these questions answered in writing will help the homeowner in the event that a dispute develops later about the terms of the arrangement.

Installation

1. Who is the installation company? (Not all financing companies have a contractors’ license so they will contract with an installation company to perform the construction work.)

2. Does the contractor have a license to install solar?

3. Does the contractor have workers’ compensation insurance?

4. Is the contractor reputable and have a good track record for installations?

5. Can the contractor file a mechanics lien against the house?

6. Is there a separate contract for the installation of the system?

Contract terms

7. What is the assumed inflation (sometimes called escalation) rate for the solar electricity payments? (If the solar electricity payments escalate faster than the utility electric rates can the homeowner end up paying more for electricity over the life of the contract because they bought a solar system?

8. Does the contract obligate the homeowner to buy the system at the end of the contract? How much will the homeowner be expected to pay at the end of the contract? (Some contracts will state that the homeowner must pay the fair market value for the system. What is the value of the system after 10 years? 15 years? What is the actual cash price at the end of the term (not adjusted down for value of money)?

9. What happens if a homeowner refinances the house? Are there any clauses or language in the agreement restricting this? Are there any documents that the bank or appraiser will need?

10. Who is insuring the system in the event of damage (due to accidental damage to the home or vandalism, for example)? Does the homeowner have to pay for any or all damages? What should the homeowner report to their insurance company? Assuming the company insures the system; will the homeowner receive a certificate of insurance naming the homeowner on the company’s insurance policy?

11. Who is responsible for the warranty of the system? Is the warranty to the homeowner from the installer or is the warranty from the installer to the leasing or PPA company? Who does the homeowner file a claim against if there’s a problem, like a roof leak? Has the company had any claims? How have they been handled?

Terms of the Contract

12. Are there any costs to buy out the lease or PPA early in the first 5 years? If the homeowner buys out the lease or PPA in the first 5 years will they have to also pay the company for the loss of the tax credits and depreciation?

13. What is the implicit interest rate that the homeowner is paying in the lease/PPA?

14. What happens if the homeowner needs a new roof and the system needs to be moved? Who will cover the module warranties if the modules are moved? (Many module manufacturers void the warranty if the modules are moved).

15. Whose responsibility is it to restore the roof and replace shingles or tiles if the homeowner decides to have the system removed at the end of the term?

Sale of Home during term of Contract

16. What happens if the homeowner sells their home?

17. Can the contract be sold or assigned to someone else if the house is sold? What is the qualification process/what are the requirements for a new party assuming the lease/PPA?

18. What if someone who wants to buy the house but doesn’t qualify to assume the lease/PPA?

19. What if someone who wants to buy the house but doesn’t want the solar system?

System Performance

20. Does the company provide production guarantees? How is that tracked and does that affect the monthly payments that the homeowner makes (i.e., will the monthly payment be adjusted if the system underperforms?

21. Is the homeowner responsible for any of the maintenance or monitoring?

22. Assuming the homeowner monitors the system, if there are production issues what is the company’s response time?

Fiscal condition of the Financing Company

23. Is the company financially sound?

24. Can the company sell the contract to a new entity? Will the homeowner be notified?

25. What happens if the leasing company or PPA company goes out of business?

26. Could the system be repossessed or removed if the PPA/leasing company gets into financial trouble?

27. Does the company maintain a reserve account for repairs? How much is set aside for repairs and are the funds kept in an escrow account?

About CALSEIA: Since 1977, California Solar Energy Industries Association has supported the widespread adoption of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems by educating consumers, supporting solar legislation and conducting business in a professional and ethical manner. www.calseia.org includes a list of solar companies that are members. Click on “Find an Expert”.

For more information, contact Sue Kateley 916-747-6987 or info@calseia.org.

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Virtually Eliminate Your Power Bill While Saving the Planet

GM To Add 1.2 MW Solar Array To Transmission Plant

Baltimore, Maryland – General Motors announced today it will add a 1.2 megawatt solar power installation to the roof of its transmission assembly plant in White Marsh, Maryland.

The system will be deployed under an agreement with SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider. Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, install, operate and maintain the system.

When fully operational in the third quarter of 2009, the system will be one of the largest rooftop solar installations on the East Coast. The system will consist of more than 8,700 solar panels and will sit on approximately 300,000 square feet of roof space.

The installation will generate about 1.4 million kWh of clean renewable solar energy, which is equivalent to the demand of about 140-150 U.S. households with an average annual consumption of 10,000 kWh. Additionally, the installation will enable GM to displace about 20 percent of the plant’s current power purchased from the local utility with a renewable energy resource, while reducing the plant’s utility bill.

“This project will help GM reduce costs while serving as a clean, renewable energy source,” said John R. Buttermore, GM Powertrain Vice President of Global Manufacturing. “Through innovation and commitment, GM is making a significant, positive impact on the environmental issues facing our world.”

The White Marsh plant reached landfill-free status in 2007, because it no longer sends any production waste to local landfills. All the waste generated at the facility is entirely recycled or reused. The Baltimore plant is GM’s first global manufacturing facility to operate landfill-free and have a solar power installation.

The State of Maryland has made an aggressive commitment to developing and promoting renewable energy sources and the GM project has support from the highest levels of the state government.

“Maryland is quickly becoming a national leader in sustainable energy alternatives,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We’re proud that GM is making this clean energy pledge at their Baltimore County plant, demonstrating their commitment as responsible corporate citizens to the long-term future of the environment we share as Marylanders.”

GM currently has two of the largest solar power installations in the United States on the roofs of its Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana, California parts warehouses. Upon completion later this year, GM also will have the world’s largest rooftop solar power installation at its Zaragoza, Spain car assembly plant.

“GM is making significant progress in reducing the impact our facilities have on the environment,” said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “Our expanding commitment to renewable energy sources, like solar power, is part of our coordinated global effort to reduce energy use, water consumption, waste and CO2 emissions.”

Additionally, GM is one of the largest corporate users of landfill gas in the U.S. Landfill gas is the natural by-product of the decomposition of solid waste in landfills. GM is one of the largest users of renewable energy as well. Last August General Motors received the Corporate Energy Management of the Year Award from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The award recognizes the company’s worldwide leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The GM Powertrain Baltimore transmission plant builds the Allison A1000 six-speed automatic transmissions which are featured in the award-winning Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The plant built 189,000 of Allison A1000 six-speed transmissions in 2007. It also builds the Hybrid 2 mode transmission currently used in the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Progress Energy Carolinas And SunEdison Ink Deal For 1.2 MW Solar PV Plant

WILMINGTON, N.C., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Progress Energy Carolinas (NYSE: PGN) and SunEdison have signed an agreement under which SunEdison will build, own and operate a 1.2-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the site of the Progress Energy L.V. Sutton Plant near Wilmington and sell the energy produced to the utility for distribution to customers.

SunEdison will build the solar PV array on about 10 acres at the existing power plant site, located off Highway 421. Progress Energy will lease the land to SunEdison for 20 years, the term of the power-purchase agreement.

The plant is the second megawatt-sized solar project announced this summer. In June, software company SAS announced it will build a 1-MW solar PV array at its Cary, N.C., campus and sell the output under a long-term contract to Progress Energy Carolinas.

Both announced projects are expected to be producing electricity by late this year. Meanwhile, the company is evaluating additional renewable energy projects, as well as potential pportunities related to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other energy technologies.

"Solar power is an important part of our balanced energy strategy for meeting the region's needs," said Lloyd Yates, CEO and president of Progress Energy Carolinas. "We are continuing to pursue cost-effective solar and other renewable opportunities aggressively, and we expect to announce additional renewable energy investments soon. Meanwhile, we're promoting increased energy efficiency and working to ensure that we have state-of-the-art power plants and infrastructure. We will continue to look for new, innovative ways to help meet our customers' needs reliably, affordably and in an environmentally sound manner."

SunEdison proposed the latest solar PV project in response to Progress Energy's request for renewable energy proposals, issued in November. The open-ended request is part of Progress Energy's plan to meet the requirements of North Carolina's energy law, passed in 2007.

The law established a renewable and energy-efficiency portfolio standard, which requires utilities to provide a portion of their energy sales using renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. For Progress Energy, that portion grows from 3 percent of total energy sales in 2012 to 12.5 percent in 2021. For solar-generated energy, the requirement begins in 2010. Under the two existing PV contracts, Progress Energy expects to begin purchasing solar-generated electricity this year.

A PV array is a collection of solar cells, each consisting of two thin layers of semi-conducting material (silicon) that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.

The Sutton Plant is an integral part of Progress Energy's system for meeting the needs of its customers throughout eastern North Carolina. The solar PV generation will add to Progress Energy's mix of resources, which includes nuclear plants as well as generation fueled by coal, oil and natural gas, and hydroelectric plants.

Lagunitas School District To Host Solar Facility

The Lagunitas School District will unveil a new solar facility this August, showing how sustainable energy in California schools can become a reality. Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP(TM)) a Mill Valley, California-based renewable energy company, developed the solar facility that will be hosted at the Lagunitas School District and that will provide an estimated 65% of the school's annual power needs. The school district entered into a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with SPP who developed, and will own and operate the solar power system. The Lagunitas School District and Solar Power Partners signed the PPA in April 2008 and, fewer than four months later, the system will go live in August 2008.

The 58.52 kilowatt (kW DC) system at the Lagunitas School District will generate 86,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) in its first year of production. The annual carbon dioxide offset of about 70 metric tons achieved through the use of the solar power system is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 7,600 gallons of gasoline consumed, according to carbon statistics calculated via the US Environment Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

Borrego Solar, www.borregosolar.com, SPP's system integration partner for the project, utilized US-manufactured photovoltaic modules from Evergreen Solar which features the smallest carbon footprint of any PV manufacturer.

"We chose Solar Power Partners because of their expertise and ability to assess our needs quickly," said Lawrence H. Enos, Superintendent of the Lagunitas School District. "They have established a dependable renewable energy system that would not only cost zero out of pocket today, but would help protect the school district against increasing electricity prices. Beyond providing a solution that our school district could never afford on its own, SPP is helping us teach our students how innovation, finance, government, and good will can all come together for the benefit of generations to come."

Savings could be nearly a half million dollars

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) enable financing of solar installations by leveraging tax credits and by delivering power at highly competitive and predictable energy rates. The 15-year SPP Power Purchase Agreement is expected to provide a cumulative savings to the Lagunitas School District of $110,000. If the school district utilizes its extension options, cumulative savings could be greater than $420,000 over its lifetime.

"We have developed a flexible solution that is designed to fit the stringent requirements of school administrators," said Alexander V. Welczeck, president of SPP. "It should never come down to a question of whether a school can purchase a book or help save the planet. We're glad we could set a practical example of affordable sustainable energy for both the public and private sector."

The North Face Announces Plans to Host a 1MW Solar Energy System

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EI Solutions, a leader in smart solar solutions, today announced their partnership with The North Face ®, the world’s premier supplier of authentic, innovative and technically advanced outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear, to design, build and install a 1MW solar electricity system at its West Coast distribution center located in Visalia, Calif. Scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, the system will be financed, owned and operated by San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy, the pioneer in Solar as a ServiceSM. 100% of the electricity will be sold to The North Face under a Power Purchase Agreement.

EI Solutions’ innovative design calls for construction of the new system over a storm water retention area located on the property, allowing for its dual use and providing a buffer to adjacent properties. By protecting the retention function of the area, the design negates the need for a new draining system while at the same time providing a clean, noise-free use of the land. Another key feature in the system’s design is the use of RayTracker™ GC single-axis solar trackers, on which 5,445 Suntech photovoltaic (PV) panels will be mounted. By tracking the sun as it moves across the sky, RayTracker will keep the mounted PV panels focused on the sun’s rays, thereby maximizing the amount of energy produced by each panel and increasing the system’s return on investment. The new ground-mounted system will be located adjacent to VF Corporations’ (The North Face’s parent company) 800,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art distribution center.

“We are deeply committed to exploring new and creative solutions for energy reduction,” said Steve Rendle, President, The North Face. “Through our partnership with El Solutions and Recurrent Energy, we have achieved a tremendously innovative design that will yield above-average energy production, emission reduction, and financial savings.”

“The North Face is a company that, along with its commitment to social responsibility and the environment, is well known for its innovative use of technology in its products,” said Andrew Beebe, president or EI Solutions. “We’re excited to work with them, along with Recurrent Energy, to design and build a system that’s not only economical, but also one that incorporates the latest technology and land-use techniques, thus enabling higher efficiency and having a greater overall impact.”

According to national metric data provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, the solar system - owned and operated by Recurrent Energy - is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 1,300 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to removing close to 250 automobiles from operation for one year or preserving over 11 acres of forest.

Opel Energy To Provide Solar To Connecticut Schools

SHELTON, CONNECTICUT and TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 18, 2008) - OPEL International (TSX VENTURE:OPL) ("OPEL" or "the Company"), a leading global developer and supplier of concentrating photovoltaic panels (CPVs), today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Town of Plainville, CT, under which OPEL will install solar power panels on the roof of Linden Street School.

Under this innovative 20-year program, OPEL will own and operate the installation and sell clean electricity to the Town at rates below those currently being paid, with no capital costs incurred by the Town.

"Plainville is thrilled to be a leading town in Connecticut introducing a solar power program for its schools," said Robert Lee, Plainville Town Manager. "Not only are we reducing our electricity costs, we're making a meaningful contribution to environmentally responsible energy consumption. We look forward to broadening our use of this innovative program and technology."

"This agreement is the result of a concerted effort by Plainville's leadership to incorporate clean solar power in our jurisdiction," said Jason Rupaka, a member of Plainville's town council. "I look forward to bringing this program to other schools and municipal buildings in our community."

"We're very excited about this initial installation, which represents a very attractive way for municipalities to reduce electricity costs in an environmentally responsible manner," said Bob Malton, Manager of Business Development for OPEL. "We believe this is a template for a potential large scale program of similar installations that present a great win-win solution for both OPEL and municipalities across Connecticut and elsewhere."

The solar panels, which OPEL sources under an agreement with Solarfun Power Holding Co. Ltd., are listed with both UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) and California's Energy Commission, making them eligible to participate in the solar incentive programs of various states in the US. OPEL integrates the panels with its product line of solar trackers, resulting in an increase of up to 40% in the power output of the panels when compared with fixed mounted installations. This combination results in a faster payback and lower kilowatt-hour costs.