We all know most of world’s greatest inventions have been made by mistake. A team of researchers from the Penn State, led by Bruce E.Logan, Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering, discovered how to produce methane from water and carbon dioxide. Here’s what he says: “We were studying making hydrogen in microbial electrolysis cells and we kept getting all this methane. We may now understand why.”

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Have you ever noticed how many times we’re offered competing advice and information? Everything from eggs to broccoli to red wine could be interpreted as either good for you - or not. Perhaps the most prudent path is to stick to common sense and moderation, rather than jumping to follow the latest craze. But why [...]

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A group of researchers from Conservation International, based in Washington, D.C., recently unveiled findings from a two month trip last summer to Papua New Guinea. The researchers from the organization worked alongside other American researchers as well as Canadian and local Papua New Guinea scientists.
They collected more than 600 species and have finally been [...]

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Perhaps a staycation is not what you are looking for this year. Perhaps you want to go out and travel to see Canada or the United States. So, how do you see the continent, but keep from creating too much carbon dioxide emissions?
There are several ways for you to travel to see the area around [...]

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In this new era of alternative fuels, oil companies can’t just stand there and watch electricity and hydrogen take the place of their classic beloved petrol consuming machines. The best strategy they found is the most common-sensed one: get involved little by little in the business, adapt to the market’s needs, and perhaps change your image to the public from black oil to green leaves.

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The Rise & Shine is your daily source for all solar-industry news. Brought to you by Sweet Solar Home and the Experts at SunRun.

CALIFORNIA NEWS
Castaic Lake Water Agency Plans Solar Project
The Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) is requesting proposals for producing a feasibility study for the generation of solar power at its Devil’s Den property located in Kings and Kern Counties, CA.

PV Tracking Applications Gather Momentum
Companies claim trackers can increase solar arrays’ efficiency by up to 40 percent in some regions. So as developers chase higher returns on their solar investments, trackers have been gaining popularity.

Renewable Power Solution, State of California to Offer Solar Apprentice Program
Power Solutions Inc., a provider of solar energy installation services, has been awarded the first exclusively solar apprenticeship program by the state of California.

Solyndra Completes Rooftop System in California
Solyndra has completed and begun operation of a 132 kWp system by SPG Solar Inc., on the rooftop of Cinema West’s Livermore Cinemas in Livermore, CA.

Solar Companies, Tax Credits Make it Easier to Reach for the Sun
Whether you want to live off the grid or on, there is an increasing array of options to save money and energy.

NATIONAL NEWS
REC Silicon’s New Polysilicon Plant in Moses Lake Starts Up
REC Silicon’s new polysilicon plant in Moses Lake, Washington (Silicon III) based on fluidized bed technology (”FBR”) started production early last week, as announced early February 2009.

Alteris Renewables Installs PV Array at MathWorks
The project is a 139.08 kW PV array installed by Alteris Renewables and partially funded through the Commonwealth Solar rebate program.

Dow Corning Seeks Government Funds for Solar Research Center
Dow Corning Corp. has announced its plans to create a global solar energy research center at its Bay County, Mich., headquarters, with the provision that the federal and state governments help to provide funding for the proposed facility.

San Antonio Recognized as Solar America City
Through this partnership, San Antonio receives financial and technical assistance to fund solar energy initiatives that are designed to facilitate mainstream adoption of solar energy and will serve as a model for other cities.

Prism Solar Buys 60MW Manufacturing Plant
The Highland facility will ultimately produce 60 megawatts (MW) of solar modules per year for the U.S. market and 1000 MW of HPC film for sale to other solar module manufacturers.

Sunrise Solar Provides Updates on International Solar Project Portfolio
Sunrise anticipates final contracts will be signed within 60 days as final funding approval is provided.

Arizona State University Dedicates Five Solar Installations
Arizona State University today dedicates five new solar installations, which collectively add 1.88 MW of electricity, equivalent to the average power needs of nearly 500 Arizona homes.

Nightfall Comes to Solar Land
A glut of silicon threatens First Solar — and other low-cost panel makers.

Gorbachev Pushes for Solar Energy in San Antonio
Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev is in Texas pushing solar power as the “best hope” of delivering electricity to the poor and helping the environment.

MARKETS & MARKET RESEARCH
Is It a Solar Bottom? Analysts Say No
Are solar stocks turning a long-awaited corner, or was the rally that lasted much of the last month before reversing course on Monday as part of a broad market sell-off just another dead-cat bounce?

Getting Serious About Clean Energy Stimulus
According to Clean Edge’s just-released Clean Energy Trends 2009 report, the three major clean-energy sectors — solar photovoltaics (PV), wind power and biofuels — kept up a blistering growth rate, increasing 53 percent from $75.8 billion in 2007 to $115.9 billion in revenues in 2008.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Renewable Energy Industry Looks to Capitalize on Momentum in Washington
Following the political and monetary victories for the renewable energy industry that were contained in the U.S. stimulus package, which passed earlier this year, the industry is hoping to use the momentum it has gained to push through more changes to federal policy that will grow not only renewable energy production, but the economy.

Cathy Zoi Nominated as DOE Reneable Energy & Energy Efficiency Assistant
President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate Cathy Zoi for Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE).

TECHNOLOGY
Trends & Opportunities in Thin Film Silicon PV Materials
The firm projects that $1.3 billion in revenues for a-Si based photovoltaics this year that will grow to $4.1 billion in the year 2014.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
REC Appoints New President and CEO
Board in REC and President and CEO Erik Thorsen have agreed that Thorsen is leaving the company.

DEGERenergie Toptraker Systems Now CSA/UL Certified
DEGERenergie, a Germany-based provider of tracking systems for solar units, says that its uniaxial TOPtraker systems are now CSA/UL certified - representing a significant step in the company’s U.S. market activities.

RPT-Bharat Electronics in Solar JV With BHEL
Bharat Electronics Ltd said on Monday it has signed an agreement with Bharat Heavy Electricals to jointly set up a company for solar photo voltaic cell business.

Hoku, Solarfun Amend Supply Agreement
Pricing, volume and other material terms of the agreement were unchanged.

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JUNO BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Florida Power & Light Company will install cutting-edge solar power arrays at six schools in its service territory to help teach future generations about the benefits of renewable energy.

Each school receiving a ‘Next Generation Solar Education Station’ will be able to generate emissions-free electricity and provide students with a hands-on tool to learn how solar power works.

The recipients of the Next Generation Solar Education Stations are:

* Mandarin Lakes Academy K-8 Center, Homestead (Miami-Dade County)
* Deerfield Beach Middle School (Broward County)
* SunCoast Community High School, Riviera Beach (Palm Beach County)
* J.D. Parker Elementary School, Stuart (Martin County)
* Hinson Middle School, Daytona Beach (Volusia County)
* L.A. Ainger Middle School, Rotunda West (Charlotte County)

“The next generation of Floridians will live in a world where renewable energy is a central part of the economy and our way of life. The Next Generation Solar Education Stations we are building will give students a head start on understanding the critical role solar power will play in that future,” said FPL President and CEO Armando J. Olivera.

When each FPL Next Generation Solar Education Station is complete, it will provide 5 kilowatts of solar electricity. The solar installation will save the schools about $800 each year in electricity costs while giving teachers a way to focus science education on essential energy technologies of the future.

Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, which will help power the school’s lighting and air-conditioning systems, particularly on hot days when demand for electricity is at its highest. Any excess power will be fed into the electrical grid to offset electric costs. The FPL Group Foundation is paying for the installation of the six solar arrays this year as part of a pilot program. The Foundation is partnering on this initiative with SunPower Corp., a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, and the company that designed and is building FPL’s commercial-scale photovoltaic solar sites in DeSoto and Brevard counties.

“We congratulate FPL on its on-going leadership in the development of renewable energy,” said Howard Wenger, president, global business units for SunPower. “SunPower is proud to partner with FPL on this initiative. It is our hope that these systems in Florida’s schools inspire new generations of informed energy consumers to be advocates for our environment and clean, renewable solar power.”

Unlike most small-scale photovoltaic solar arrays, which are mounted on rooftops, FPL’s Next Generation Solar Education Stations will be mounted on the ground to maximize their effectiveness as a teaching tool. The FPL Group Foundation also will provide teacher training and curriculum materials to help create age-appropriate renewable energy lessons for students. All materials will be housed on FPL’s Web site.

In addition to these six Next Generation Solar Education Stations, FPL also is the first company to bring commercial-scale solar power to Florida. The company will build three solar sites around the state totaling 110 megawatts of emissions-free energy. When complete, these projects will make Florida the No. 2 producer of solar energy in the nation and strengthen FPL Group’s position as the nation’s clean energy leader.

Among the company’s other clean-energy achievements:

* FPL Group is the nation’s No. 1 producer of renewable energy from wind. The company has 65 projects in 16 states with a capacity of nearly 6,400 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 1.5 million homes and businesses with zero carbon emissions.
* FPL Group is the nation’s No. 1 producer of renewable energy from solar. The company operates the largest solar thermal plant in the world in California’s Mojave Desert, the 310-megawatt Solar Electric Generating System.
* FPL is the nation’s No. 1 utility for energy conservation, according to U.S. Department of Energy data. FPL’s conservation programs have helped the company avoid the need to build 12 medium-size power plants since 1980, more than any other utility.

Florida Power & Light Company

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is the largest electric utility in Florida and one of the largest rate-regulated utilities in the United States. FPL serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is a leading employer in the state with nearly 11,000 employees. The company consistently outperforms national averages for service reliability while customer bills are well below the national average. A clean energy leader, FPL has one of the lowest emissions profiles and the No. 1 energy efficiency program among utilities nationwide. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based FPL Group (NYSE:FPL). For more information, visit http://www.fpl.com.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In an oral decision issued today, the European Patent Office (EPO) revoked European Patent No. EP 0 871 979 issued to the University of Neuchatel (the Neuchatel patent), which pertains to solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The Neuchatel patent is the subject of a lawsuit filed in Germany by OC Oerlikon Balzers AG, Liechtenstein alleging patent infringement against an Applied Materials thin film solar customer.

Following oral proceedings held on March 31 in Berlin, Germany, the EPO panel ruled that the Neuchatel patent is invalid in its entirety and accordingly revoked the patent. The University of Neuchatel may appeal this decision to an EPO Board of Appeal.

Applied Materials’ product offering for manufacturing thin film solar PV modules – the Applied SunFab™ line – is a fully integrated production line that delivers leading-edge manufacturing capability using advanced engineering, process equipment, diagnostics, automation and emissions abatement systems. Adapted from production-proven processes including Applied’s market-leading PECVD system, the SunFab line is the only production line for manufacturing ultra-large 5.7 m2 thin film solar PV modules. Each line can be configured with single or tandem junction technology and is optimized to lower customers’ manufacturing costs.

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 panel displays, 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.

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BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iTi Solar, a manufacturer dedicated to advancing the economics of clean, renewable energy through the use of industrial inkjet technologies, today announced it has been selected by Solarcoating Machinery GmbH (ScM) of Germany, a supplier of turnkey production line solutions for flexible solar cell fabrication, to provide the first digital inkjet system for its integrated roll-to-roll solar cell manufacturing production line. iTi Solar will provide ScM with precision digital industrial inkjet systems that improve production efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs.

iTi Solar’s proven, industrial single-pass inkjet printing technology will be integrated into ScM’s flexible, roll-to-roll manufacturing line process allowing manufacturers to print on photovoltaic solar cells at a fraction of the cost of traditional analog deposition technologies. ScM provides solutions from pilot line to full production for solar cell manufacturers, including the equipment for making flexible solar cells, packaging them into flexible modules and bonding them to other flexible substrates, such as fabrics.

“Solar cell manufacturers around the world want to produce quality, high-efficiency solar cells that enable solar energy to cost-effectively compete with traditional energy sources,” said Thomas Kolbusch, managing director, ScM GmbH. “We believe inkjet technologies represent a powerful tool in reducing manufacturing costs and improving efficiency. iTi Solar’s substantial knowledge, expertise and proven leadership in industrial inkjet technologies and their focus on applying these technologies to solar cell manufacturing systems made them our clear choice. iTi Solar’s digital inkjet process workstations will be instrumental to our goal of providing low cost, fully integrated solar cell manufacturing systems.”

Inkjet technology is emerging as an adaptable, precise printing method that advances solar cell manufacturing processes while reducing costs by minimizing materials usage and waste through the use of non-contact, digitally controlled, additive materials deposition. Inkjet is applicable to both rigid silicon-based and flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells.

“Combining inkjet processes in a roll-to-roll or rigid substrate production environment provides many advantages for solar cell manufacturers,” said Dr. Ross Mills, chairman, founder and chief technology officer, iTi Corporation. “Inkjet is ideal for use with a roll-to-roll process used for flexible substrates. With the addition of iTi Solar, ScM has added another leading-edge technology to its family of pilot line and full production solutions.”

ScM will also incorporate the iTi Solar inkjet system as an optional module for its Click&Coat™ coating system, a flexible approach that gives customers maximum flexibility for manufacturing line system configurations. The Click&Coat™ system is applicable for both flexible substrates such as thin plastics and rigid substrates such as glass and silicon. The single-pass technology is installed in multiple locations around the world supporting many types of applications and manufacturing processes.

Inkjet printing represents a potent economic tool for accurate deposition of liquids and has enormous potential for the direct writing of electronic devices, including solar cells. Current methods are expensive because they require the sequential deposition, patterning, and etching of selected semiconducting, conducting, and insulating materials, involving multiple photolithography, screen and vacuum-deposition processes. Inkjet processes have the potential to greatly simplify the fabrication of solar panels by:

* Reducing the number of manufacturing steps
* Making more efficient use of expensive materials, and
* Eliminating much of the vacuum equipment that often requires a clean room environment.

iTi Solar and ScM work closely with a network of research and development companies to advance the new energy economics of renewable energy, including Risoe, Cetemsa, Holst Centre, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Printed Electronics and the University of New South Wales.

“In today’s emerging new energy economy, international cooperation and partnership are essential to the advancement of innovative technology breakthroughs,” added Mills. “iTi Solar and ScM are a prime example of market leaders from around the world working closely to deliver next generation technologies that are scalable, economical and practical.”

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SAN ANTONIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mayor Phil Hardberger announced today that the city of San Antonio has been designated as a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar America City. Through this partnership, San Antonio receives financial and technical assistance to fund innovative solar energy initiatives that are designed to facilitate mainstream adoption of solar energy and will serve as a model for other cities.

The announcement will formally be made at the DOE’s second annual Solar America Cities meeting being hosted in San Antonio March 31 through April 2, where local governments and national solar industry leaders are discussing ways to promote solar energy in today’s economic and policy environment. Mayor Hardberger will kick off a mayors’ roundtable discussion beginning at 2:30 p.m. today. The Solar America Cities annual meeting includes approximately 150 invited participants representing city teams from each of the 25 Solar America Cities.

“The Department of Energy’s investment in the city of San Antonio is welcome support for our commitment to implementing solar energy technologies and programs,” said Mayor Hardberger. “I am proud that our city is being recognized for our leadership in the planning and implementation of clean and renewable solar technology at the local level. Our partnership with the Department of Energy will provide a platform for us to continue our commitment while sharing our successes with other communities.”

San Antonio has the largest currently installed solar energy project in the state of Texas at the historic Pearl Brewery. The $1.35 million project includes the installation of a 200-kilowatt PV array on a 67,000-square-foot facility used for office, retail and residential use. In addition, municipally-owned CPS Energy has demonstrated its commitment to solar with a 100-megawatt RFP.

“The Department of Energy recognizes the important role cities play as champions of progressive renewable energy efforts, and we are especially excited to see San Antonio making this commitment,” said Tom Kimbis, the DOE’s director of the Solar America Cities program. “Solar is a key component of our national energy strategy, and through our Solar America Cities program we are working to improve the nation’s energy security and combat global climate change. Spotlighting progressive cities like San Antonio is helping us do just that.”

The Solar America Cities program was created to accelerate solar energy adoption in the nation’s electricity load centers. The 25 Solar America Cities, including San Antonio, are deploying innovative solar technologies and programs such as mapping tools and creative public-private solar financing arrangements. They are also integrating solar energy into city planning and emergency preparedness plans and conducting workshops for building code officials, solar installers and the public.

In addition to providing financial assistance, the DOE offers hands-on assistance from technical experts to help integrate solar technologies into energy planning, zoning and facilities. The process is meant to streamline local regulations and practices that affect solar adoption by residents and businesses.

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