SEPA Statement on Historic 8-Year Solar Tax Credit Extension

SEPA Statement on Historic 8-Year Solar Tax Credit Extension

Removal of Utility Prohibition to Have Major Impact on Solar Market Development



WASHINGTON, D.C. – The passage of H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, provides critical news for the solar industry at large, but also for regulated electric utilities looking to diversify their energy mix with solar electric generation. In addition to extending the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for 8 years, the legislation includes the removal of a prohibition that previously prevented electric utilities from taking advantage of the credit.



Based on announcements and discussions with utility executives this year, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) predicts that utilities will quickly become the largest and one of the most important customers for the solar industry, expanding solar markets beyond analysts’ expectations. Access to the federal tax credit will expedite the timeframe and scale to which this happens.



“U.S. electric utilities’ engagement with grid-connected solar electricity has increased significantly in 2008, with major photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal project announcements totaling more than 5,000 megawatts,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA executive director. “Without the ability to take direct advantage of the ITC, the only viable financial option was to have these plants be owned and operated by independent power producers who then in turn sell the electricity to the utility. The change to the tax credit facilitates utility ownership as another option, which will result in additional projects and innovations.”



With the policy change, utilities that have a tax appetite and an interest in owning solar generation projects now have an added incentive to diversify and clean their energy supply with the addition of solar power.



“This is a very positive development for the utility industry as it will go a long way to putting solar power within reach of many more Americans,” said Jim Rogers, chairman, president and CEO of Duke Energy, a SEPA member. “It is exactly what we need as we explore investing $100 million to install, operate, maintain and dispatch solar panels on our customers' rooftops in North Carolina as a viable option to build a bridge to a low-carbon future.”



“The extension of the tax credit also significantly increases the likelihood that recently announced solar projects will come to fruition,” says Hamm. For example, the largest planned photovoltaic projects in history – one for 550 MW and the other for 250 MW – announced as long term contracts with private solar companies in August by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, were both contingent upon the extension of the federal investment tax credit.



The full list of the solar investment tax credit provisions in H.R. 1424 include:

· Extension for 8 years of the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations

· Elimination of the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent tax credit (effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2008)

· Elimination of the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit

· Allowance for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and individuals, to take the credit

· Authorization of $800 million for clean energy bonds for renewable energy generating facilities, including solar

Contact: Josephine Mooney

(202) 857-0898 x6

jmooney@solarelectricpower.org

three things that are important to understand regarding investing in the current renewable energy industry

Read todays column on solar stocks -
Solar Stocks Continue Decline

By Peter Lynch
Exclusively for InvestorIdeas.com
October 03, 2008
full article - http://www.investorideas.com/pl/news/100308a.asp

Excerpt-


There are three things that are important to understand regarding investing in the current renewable energy industry:

Just the Beginning of the Renewables Boom — This is "just the beginning" of the birth of the renewable energy industry. The renewable energy industry is at the same stage now as the automobile industry was in 1900. We are seeing the first few companies becoming public and we will see hundreds more over the next decades. It will be an exciting time for investors and there will be ample opportunity for investors to make money and also help the environment, which is a welcome change from the fossil-fuel dominated energy sector of today.
Highly Volatility — At this early stage of development there will be excessive volatility in this sector until it becomes a more mature industry. Investors must carefully select their entry points and be patient. This sector is NOT for the faint of heart. Investors have to be careful only to invest a portion of their portfolio, which they have designated for "higher risk" investments. These will be the stocks that you can make the most money on, but also the ones you could lose the most on. Risk and reward have always been intrinsically linked and this is no exception.
Pending Legislation Key to Short-Term Uncertainly — I expect that we will see some pending solar legislation pass in the congress before year end, perhaps even today, since it has been attached to the bailout bill. If this happens the legislative tide will raise ALL SOLAR STOCKS and well as the entire market. Where it goes from there and how far the stocks rebound is any ones guess. One thing for sure, investors will have to be nimble and be prepared to take some short term profits.
If it does NOT happen this year, there will be a further drop in solar stocks, until 2009, when I am relatively sure some form of legislation will be forthcoming. Once this occurs I think it will light a fire under solar stocks and they will make a strong run up in the beginning of the year. However, next year there will be problems in the solar industry, for example: excess silicon supply, margin compression and PE contraction (which we are currently seeing to a large degree). But in the shorter term, I see solar stocks making another run up as just another step in their eventual movement to a booming industry of the future.

In conclusion, it is important to remember to be patient and not to overreact to this crazy market with its incredible volatility and short term “panic” psychology. I have seen this type of panic many times in the past and it is “usually” seen at or near market bottoms.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the future for the patient, level-headed investor. You need to have your cash reserves ready when the time is right. As I have said a number of times in the past, the best way to make money is not to lose it!

Remember, it is NOT how much money you make when the market goes up, but it is how much money you keep after the market has gone down.

About InvestorIdeas.com:

"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

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Renewable Energy Industry Calls on Congressional Leadership

Renewable Energy Industry Calls on Congressional Leadership
Not to Leave for Election Until Tax Extender Legislation is Completed


IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 29, 2008 Contact:
Christine Real de Azua (202) 383-2508


As the CEOs of the nation’s leading renewable energy trade associations, we respectfully urge House and Senate leaders to remain in Washington until there is a successful resolution of the current impasse between the House and Senate on tax extenders legislation. Since the fate of any new House or Senate-passed extender bill is unclear at best, a hasty departure will put the future of renewable energy in America at risk.

Over the past year, renewable energy has been a major source of economic growth in a troubled economy. Now, as our industries face major challenges related to the financial crisis, prompt Congressional action to extend renewable energy tax credits is more important than ever. With hundreds of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in clean energy investment at risk, we urge Congressional Leaders not to leave for the election recess until a House-Senate agreement is reached on the pending tax extender package.


AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association's membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org.

Venture Capital Expert, John Cavalier of Hudson Clean Energy Partners, Offers His Take on Trends in Green Technology

Venture Capital Expert, John Cavalier of Hudson Clean Energy Partners, Offers His Take on Trends in Green Technology

Green Investor Audio Series - Sectors like wind and solar have had a spectacular growth rate

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., September 24, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides interested investors a recent audio interview with Venture capital expert, John Cavalier of Hudson Clean Energy Partners.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Podcast Summary: Venture Capital Expert Offers His Take on Trends in Green Technology

John Cavalier founded the renewable energy practice at Credit Suisse, and he's been a banker in the energy sector for more than 25 years. Now he's with Hudson Clean Energy Partners, a venture capital fund that invests in late stage renewable energy companies. In this interview, he offers his take on some key trends in the sector.

Mr. Cavalier reports, “What we focus on first and foremost is the management team .The sectors like wind and solar have had a spectacular growth rate. That growth rate can cause as many problems as it does provide opportunities. For example, wind has been growing at 35-50% a year- so now you have very significant turbine shortages. PV has grown at the same pace and you have real shortages in silicon. Silicon has gone from $25 a Kilogram three years ago, to $400 a kilogram.”

What it means is – that those management teams that were not planning and did not access their resources early on are going to be at a very severe cost disadvantage going forward. The growth rates in these companies are difficult to manage to. So the quality of the management is extremely important.

In solar you have some great CEO’s at the helm of SunPower Corporation (SPWR), Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd. (STP) and First Solar, Inc. (FSLR).”

To hear the full Audio file: click here:
http://static.investorideas.com.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/2008/gi092308.mp3

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Hudson Clean Energy Partners:
http://www.hudsoncep.com/
Hudson Clean Energy Partners is a private equity firm investing in renewable power, alternative fuels, energy efficiency and storage.
The Hudson investment team has more than 50 years of combined industry experience, led by Neil Auerbach, Managing Partner. Neil is a former Goldman Sachs partner who cofounded the US renewable energy investment effort at Goldman and led many of their most successful clean energy transactions.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
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The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/. Companies and accredited investors are invited to register.

Green Investor Sponsors:

Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX (OTCBB: XSNX): Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/
Featured Showcase Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV) Mantra, through its group of sustainable energy, carbon reduction and consumer product subsidiaries, is active in the green technology marketplace with an innovative, multi-faceted approach focused on profitability through sustainability. By aggressively seeking out new technologies and innovating solutions for a cleaner earth for everyone, Mantra intends to provide a highly profitable and environmentally responsible investment for its shareholders. More info can be found on the Investorideas.com at the company showcase http://www.investorideas.com/CO/MVTG/ or at the company website http://www.mantraenergy.com/
Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com. For disclaimer and disclosure visit: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

American Wind Energy Association Statement on Senate Renewable Energy Tax Proposal

American Wind Energy Association Statement on Senate Renewable Energy Tax Proposal

As the Senate prepared to vote today on a bipartisan proposal to extend expiring tax credits for renewable energy production, Gregory Wetstone, Senior Director of Governmental & Public Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), issued the following statement:

“On behalf of America’s wind energy industry and the millions of Americans who favor clean, domestic wind power, I applaud this critically important effort to move forward on renewable energy tax incentives before Congress leaves town at the end of the month. We are grateful to Senate leaders from both parties who put aside their differences to come together around this bipartisan package. Clean energy tax incentives are a vital part of the solution to our nation’s economic, energy security, and environmental challenges. With more than 100,000 jobs and billions of dollars in clean energy investment at risk, we urge all members of the Senate to vote yes on the Baucus-Grassley Amendment to H.R. 6049 and on final passage of this important legislation. We hope the Senate’s approval of this measure today will add to the momentum for swift action in the House of Representatives.”


AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with a membership that includes global leaders in wind power development, wind turbine manufacturing, and energy, as well as a broad range of component and service suppliers. More information on wind energy is available at the
AWEA Web site: www.awea.org.

Senate Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits

Senate Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2008


Senate Reaches Bipartisan Agreement to Extend, Improve Solar Tax Credits
Senate-passed bill would extend federal solar tax credits for 8 years, eliminate $2,000 cap on residential projects, and remove exemptions for utilities and AMT filers
Solar Energy Industries Association president Rhone Resch released the following statement after the Senate voted on bipartisan legislation to extend federal solar tax credits by 8 years. The amendment to H.R. 6049, the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, to extend renewable energy tax credits passed by a vote of 93 to 2. SEIA expects the Senate will complete votes on other amendments and pass H.R. 6049 later today.

"The Senate took an important step today to put America back to work with clean, reliable and job-creating solar power. With major instability in our financial markets, solar energy is a guaranteed way to provide the stability we need in our economy right now.

"I applaud the Senate for reaching a bipartisan consensus to extend the solar tax credits, which are critical to the growth of the solar market in the U.S. I especially want to thank Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell, Senate Finance Chairman Baucus and ranking member Grassley, and Senators Cantwell and Ensign for their leadership in brokering this agreement.

"Extension of the solar investment tax credit has been more than two years in the making and is a major victory for the solar industry and for consumers facing higher energy prices in the U.S. Under the Senate bill, the solar tax credits will be extended for 8 years, for both commercial and residential consumers. The bill also makes several major improvements that puts solar energy within reach for all Americans. This includes a complete elimination of the $2,000 cap for residential systems and an allowance for utilities to make use of the commercial credit. Also, the bill allows those taxpayers that trigger AMT (alternative minimum tax) to take the solar tax credit.

"With a long term ITC in place, the solar industry will grow exponentially in the coming years. A study released by Navigant Consulting, Inc. just this week showed that more than 1.2 million employment opportunties, including 440,000 permanent jobs, and $232 billion in investment would be supported by 2016 with an 8-year extension of the ITC. And perhaps most important, the solar industry will create jobs in all 50 states. Today, the Senate brought these promising projections closer to reality.

"All eyes are now on the House that is in a position to swiftly pass the Senate legislation before members leave next week and get the bill to the President’s desk."

# # #

About SEIA:
Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of 700 solar energy manufacturers, project developers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and financiers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar. Learn more at www.seia.org.
Contacts
Monique Hanis, 202.682.0556 Ext. 4, mhanis@seia.org
Jared Blanton, 202.682.0556 Ext. 96, jblanton@seia.org
Mark Sokolove, 703.302.8382, mark@tigercomm.us

Background Materials
Today’s Senate bill extends the 30 percent solar investment tax credit for 8 years for both commercial and residential installations. The bill also makes several substantive changes to the credits, including complete elimination of the $2,000 cap for residential systems and allowing utilities to make use of the commercial tax credit. Also, the bill allows those taxpayers that trigger AMT (alternative minimum tax) to take the solar tax credit. The 30 percent solar investment tax credits first became effective in January, 2006, a result of the 2005 Energy Bill.

Green Energy Investing: Still in the Early Days

Green Energy Investing: Still in the Early Days

Green Investor Audio Series; Interview with Ira Ehrenpreis of Technology Partners, Investing in Energy Technology, Water Technology and Materials Science Opportunities

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., September 19, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides interested investors a recent audio interview with Ira Ehrenpreis of Technology Partners (http://www.technologypartners.com).

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Green Energy Investing: Still in the Early Days

Well-known financial columnist Michael Brush continues his renewable energy audio series for Renewableenergystocks.com with a recent interview with Ira Ehrenpreis of Technology Partners http://www.technologypartners.com/.

Ira has been with Technology Partners since 1996. Ira leads the firm's Cleantech investment practice, investing in Energy Technology, Water Technology, and Materials Science opportunities.

Ira is a recognized leader in both the venture capital industry and the Cleantech sector, and in 2007, was named one of the"Top 50 Most Influential Men Under 45"by Details Magazine

Podcast Summary:
If you think you missed out on the hot green energy stocks, relax. We’re still just in the early innings for green tech investing, says venture capital fund manager Ira Ehrenpreis of Technology Partners. He offers some perspective on key trends you won’t want to miss.

To hear the full Audio file: click here:
http://static.investorideas.com.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/2008/gi091808.mp3

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/.

Green Investor Sponsors:

Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX (OTCBB: XSNX): Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/
Featured Showcase Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV)Mantra, through its group of sustainable energy, carbon reduction and consumer product subsidiaries, is active in the green technology marketplace with an innovative, multi-faceted approach focused on profitability through sustainability. By aggressively seeking out new technologies and innovating solutions for a cleaner earth for everyone, Mantra intends to provide a highly profitable and environmentally responsible investment for its shareholders. More info can be found on the Investorideas.com at the company showcase http://www.investorideas.com/CO/MVTG/ or at the company website http://www.mantraenergy.com/
Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com. For disclaimer and disclosure visit: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

Solar Integrators Deliver Growth

Solar Integrators Deliver Growth

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—September 18, 2008
Green Investor at Investorideas.com
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/
Column by Paulo Nery Exclusively for Investorideas.com

Solar Integrators Deliver Growth

While the whole market seemed to be slipping downhill on September 15th, there was one bold company that actually listed publicly that day and seemed to roar straight out of the gates. That company was Premier Power Renewable Energy Inc (OTCBB: PPRW) which launched on the Over the Counter (OTC) bulletin board via a reverse merger rather than a standard IPO.

Premier Power (www.premierpower.com) is one of several solar integration companies who make it their business to design and build solar power installations on a medium to large scale. They install systems for commercial, municipal and agricultural as well as residential customers. One of their core markets is wineries and vineyards. Premier operates in Spain, California, Nevada, New York and New Jersey. Plus they are now said to be looking for business in France and Italy.

According to the company’s press release it closed a $7 million private placement of 3.5 million shares at $2 each. Their market capitalization comes in at $151.8 million. They claim customers such as KB Home, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Princeton University, Shafer Vineyards, Silverado Wineries, ATT, and Jay Leno among others.

Premier Power says they posted sales of $16.7 million in 2007 with a net income of $843,865 for the year. They also report that they have contracted $48 million in sales for 2008. At face value, that’s almost 300% growth. However they’ve posted slightly under $18 million on their income statement for the first six months of 2008.

These are some very good and encouraging numbers for Premier. However, I’m cautious about new listings and it will take time to learn about this company. On a macro, level their business may be growing rapidly but for the time being supplies of solar panels could hold them back. Solar panel supplies have been tight for the past three years because silicon supply has been limited. Two of the biggest manufacturers BP Solar and Kyocera say they’re sold out for this year and so do many others. On the other hand, solar manufacturing capacity is ramping up quickly, so next year and beyond could be different.

Premier’s rapid growth in 2008 sales is impressive, but it could be partly due to clients rushing to get systems installed ahead of the expiration of the Federal tax credits at the end of this year. Several other solar installers and integrators have reported this happening among their clients too. Though the existing scheme of tax credits is widely expected to be extended or even made slightly better.

And while the business is obviously growing, solar power is not really economically viable yet at the true cost of solar photovoltaic panels. The entire solar industry is underpinned by government subsidy and incentives at the moment. That’s a place where nothing is really for certain, and seems slightly uncomfortable to me. It’s fairly clear that if Senator Obama wins the presidential election he’ll be pushing for more solar incentives which will help companies like Premier. But Senator McCain’s position is somewhat less clear.

Longer term, there are positive factors for solar integrators and installers. Firstly, silicon prices are falling. Then there are alternative solar technologies emerging like thin film which hold out the promise of much lower cost. Companies like XsunX (OTCBB:XSNX) are working to complete the assembly of their multi-megawatt thin film manufacturing operations and begin delivering thin film solar modules to a growing market that is clamouring for more supplies and lower prices solutions. In addition to thin film technologies offering lower costs today experts expect that costs may continue to go lower still making thin film solutions such as those offered by XsunX highly attractive. Thin film is generally seen as a utility scale solution because of its lower efficiency and therefore greater area needed to generate the same power. But as its cost drops and efficiency increases it will make increasing sense for small commercial and residential applications. That could easily spark new demand and at the same time improve margins for the installers and integration companies.

Premier is by no means the only big solar installer/integrator play out there. Another to consider is Akeena Solar (AKNS) which with a market cap of $108 million, is a similar company to PPRW in size and in their operating regions. Akeena Solar (www.akeena.net) focuses on markets in California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. But Akeena is also more focused on residential and small commercial market which according to SolarBuzz, a research and consulting firm, represent approximately 65 percent of the U.S. market, and will continue to do so through 2010.

One of the things that sets Akeena apart is their patented installation methods and products. They have identified that mounting arrays on rooftops is a time consuming and hazardous undertaking. So they came up with a way to cut some of the steps out of the process. Ordinarily installers put brackets on the roof, then the racking system, then mount and wire the panels. Akeena’s new Andalay technology cuts out 50% of the rooftop labor and uses 70% fewer parts. They build the racks directly onto the panels and pre-wire the array so that the individual panels snap together easily on the roof. The result is also sleeker looking with the individual panels closer together and the whole array lying lower to the roof so less obtrusive.

Akeena is not yet profitable, but say they expect to be by 2010. For 2007 they reported losses of $11 million against sales of $32 million. Their stated goal for 2008 is to double revenues from 2007. They are clearly positioning themselves for the residential and small commercial market which they believe will be significantly more lucrative next year if the current cap of $2000 on the 35% Federal tax credit is increased or removed.

Apart from these two there are hundreds of smaller private companies in the integration and installation space operating more locally. They’ll offer competition and some may emerge in time as public companies too. And there are companies like BP who design and install systems as well as manufacturing panels. But being an integrated energy company, they are more levered to oil and can not be regarded as an investment play on solar.

While wind has grown more quickly in the past few years with massive installations going up, solar is now gaining fast. A huge number of rooftops that could be collecting power across the country so the potential is truly enormous. And if the tax incentives are improved with higher or no caps then the growth in the residential market could be explosive.

Disclosure: Paulo Nery does not currently own shares of any of the companies named above.

Disclaimer: Nothing in the above article in no way constitutes a recommendation to buy or invest in these or any other stocks. You should always seek professional financial advice when planning your investments or trading in the stock markets.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.


Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX: (OTCBB: XSNX)
Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/ .


About InvestorIdeas.com:

"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.


Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: XsunX compensate the website $5000 per month. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com

The Global Green Marketplace

The Global Green Marketplace

The Marketplace is a meeting place created for connecting global companies in leading sectors, seeking strategic partnerships, funding, mergers and acquisitions, licensing or branding. Investorideas.com is building a growing a global network of green and renewable energy companies both seeking funding, partners or management as well as funds, small public companies and Fortune 500 companies seeking investment opportunities.

http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace

To register and sign up as an accredited investor or business: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/signup.asp

he marketplace fastest growing segments include cleantech, renewable and organics sector. Sector: Sector: Cleantech & Renewable Energy Seeking: Funding/Partners

We currently have green companies for review to accredited investors: small wind turbine, carbon capture, PV installer service company, green building and housing , agri-waste to marketable bi-product, waste to energy, China Fiber fuel- Jatropha, green automotive engine, environmental technology safely removes mercury from light bulbs and other green companies added regularly.

Investorideas.com was one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy and water – with its Renewableenergystocks.com portal and Water-stocks.com portal.









About Our Green Investor Portals:

www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.



Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series:

http://www.investorideas.com/gi/



Investorideas.com Green Investor Awareness:

Green and Renewable Companies can gain exposure in the sector by becoming a featured green showcase company or submitting news to the Investorideas.com hub.



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Your news is featured on Investorideas.com Newswire, Renewable RSS Feeds, Environment Stocks.com, and Greentechinvestor.com & Renewablenergystocks.com

In addition – our Investorideas.com news feeds and Renewable News feeds are distributed on multiple business and industry sites! Submit News



About InvestorIdeas.com:

"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Winners and Losers: Shareholders of Big Polluters Face Hazards in Carbon Tax

Winners and Losers: Shareholders of Big Polluters Face Hazards in Carbon Tax

Investorideas.com Green Investor Podcast Series Continues to Inform Cleantech Industry

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., September 11, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides interested investors a recent audio interview/Podcast with C. Baird Brown of the law firm Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Winners and Losers: Shareholders of Big Polluters Face Hazards in Carbon Tax

Well-known financial columnist Michael Brush continues his renewable energy audio series for Renewableenergystocks.com with C. Baird Brown of the law firm Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll.

Podcast Summary:
Watch out if you own the stocks of companies that produce a lot of carbon. “When the carbon cap and trade system comes to the U.S., there could be problems”, says C. Baird Brown of the law firm Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll.

Listen to Podcast :
http://static.investorideas.com.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/2008/gi090208b.mp3


Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

Submit green, cleantech and renewable energy news & press releases
News is featured on Investorideas.com Newswire, Renewable RSS Feeds,Greentechinvestor.com & Renewablenergystocks.com - click here
http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/NewsUploader/Default.aspx

The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/.

Green Investor Sponsors: Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com. For disclaimer and disclosure visit:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp


About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

InvestorIdeas.com Global Green Marketplace Update-: Connecting Business and Investors in Cleantech, Renewable and Organics

InvestorIdeas.com Global Green Marketplace Update-: Connecting Business and Investors in Cleantech, Renewable and Organics

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., September 9, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, a leading online global investor resource, updates the Investor Ideas Global Green Marketplace connecting business and investors. The marketplace fastest growing segments include cleantech, renewable and organics sector.

Investorideas.com was one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy and water – with its Renewableenergystocks.com portal and Water-stocks.com portal.

Global Green Marketplace
Sector: Sector: Cleantech & Renewable Energy Seeking: Funding/Partners
We currently have green companies for review to accredited investors: small wind turbine, carbon capture, PV installer service company, green building and housing , agri-waste to marketable bi-product, waste to energy, China Fiber fuel- Jatropha, green automotive engine, environmental technology safely removes mercury from light bulbs and other green companies added regularly.

The Marketplace is a meeting place created for connecting global companies in leading sectors, seeking strategic partnerships, funding, mergers and acquisitions, licensing or branding. Investorideas.com is building a growing a global network of green and renewable energy companies both seeking funding, partners or management as well as funds, small public companies and Fortune 500 companies seeking investment opportunities.
http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace

To register and sign up as an accredited investor or business: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/signup.asp

Investorideas.com Green Investor Awareness: Green Company Showcase
Green and Renewable Companies can gain exposure in the sector by becoming a featured green showcase company. http://www.investorideas.com/About/company_showcase.asp
About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News at Investorideas.com http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml
About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
For more information contact:
Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Benefits of Brazilian Sugarcane Based Ethanol Chemicals and Fuels

Controversy, Benefits of Brazilian Sugarcane Based Ethanol Chemicals and Fuels

“US import tariff on Brazilian ethanol exports compromises the country’s capacity to diversify its fuels supplier base”


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC September 9, 2008-www.Renewableenergystocks.com,
a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, reports on the controversy and benefits of importing of Brazilian Sugarcane based ethanol.

As the Brazilian ethanol industry plans to boost ethanol demand abroad and expand markets,
industry participants Cosan, SA (CSAN3.SA) (CZZ), Industrial Biotechnology Corporation (OTCPK: IBOT), the EPA, Tom McCain and The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association comment on the benefits of sugarcane ethanol.

Brazil is expanding its production and will harvest 12% more cane than last year, with plans to increase ethanol exports 25%. Brazil is currently the second largest producer of ethanol in the world, after the US. According to the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, in 2007 Brazil produced an estimated 487 million metric tons of sugarcane, which yielded 30.6 million tons of sugar and 22 billion liters of ethanol.

Louis Dreyfus Commodities, one of the top three sugar merchandisers and traders in the world, managing more than 2.5 million tons of sugar annually recently announced it $433 million investment to open a new mill in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state.

In a recent Green Investor Podcast, Industrial Biotechnology Corporation (OTCPK: IBOT) CEO Mr. Badolato, discusses plans for its operating subsidiary, Renewable Fuels of America Inc., to import and distribute Brazilian sugarcane ethanol into US and coastal markets . http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/081408c.mp3

Mr. Badolato reports, “We are maximizing and leveraging the existing distributors in US and coastal areas that are logistically and economically favorable for a port entry supply. He also comments on the environmental benefits and cost efficiencies related to sugarcane ethanol.”

He also goes on to say, “We are serving the niche of the independent providers with the targeted coastal and port areas and storage facilities.”

Industrial Biotechnology Corporation currently has a joint ventures project and ethanol supply agreement and relationship in place with Cosan, SA.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/081408c.mp3

According to Antonio Henrique Prado, manager for International Business Development of Cosan (CSAN3.SA), a Brazil-based company active in the production of sugar and ethanol, “Currently 10% of Cosan’s revenues are related to ethanol exports. Even though exports are growing, the robust domestic demand for hydrous ethanol (due to the increasing Brazilian flex-fuel fleet) will likely keep exports importance within COSAN’s revenues mix stable in the near term. Over the medium and long-term, exports importance tends to increase. “

He notes Sugarcane ethanol provides several advantages over other feedstocks.

He also goes on to say, “The challenge for the Brazilian ethanol industry is to boost ethanol demand abroad, which can be achieved by clarifying the benefits related to sugarcane ethanol adoption and developing alternative suppliers.

“It is our opinion that the current US import tariff on Brazilian ethanol exports compromises the country’s capacity to diversify its fuels supplier base and ultimately drains resources from American taxpayers.”

Presidential candidate John McCain recently quoted in an interview with a Brazilian newspaper stated, “We made a series of mistakes by not adopting a sustainable energy policy, one of which is the subsidies for corn ethanol, which I warned in Iowa were going to destroy the market, and contribute to inflation. Besides, it is wrong, to tax Brazilian-made sugarcane ethanol, “which is much more efficient than corn ethanol.”

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson recently announced the decision to deny a request submitted by the State of Texas to reduce the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). As a result, the required total volume of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, mandated by law to be blended into the fuel supply will remain at 9 billion gallons in 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons in 2009.

“After reviewing the facts, it was clear this request did not meet the criteria in the law,” said Stephen L. Johnson. “The RFS remains an important tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions and lessen our dependence on foreign oil, in aggressive yet practical ways.”

Following EPA news, The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association representative in Washington, Joel Velasco, recently commented, "The next step -- and one that Congress has yet to take -- is to reduce the distortive tariff on imported ethanol. This one-of-a-kind tax on a clean energy alternative serves only to punish American drivers by artificially inflating the price of gasoline at the pump.”

www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.

About Industrial Biotechnology Corporation (OTCPK: IBOT): Industrial Biotechnology Corporation provides products, services and technologies using renewable resources as an alternative to petroleum. IBC utilizes sugarcane based ethanol which is considered the leading cost efficient, energy balanced and environmentally sustainable feedstock source, when compared to petroleum and other alternative fuels. IBC will provide these cost competitive, environmentally responsible solutions via its operating subsidiaries Renewable Chemicals Corporation (RCC) and Renewable Fuels of America Corporation (RFAC).

For more information on Industrial Biotechnology Corporation visit : http://www.investorideas.com/CO/IBOT/Default.asp or http://www.industrialbiotechnology.com

Sources:
http://www.volkskrant.nl/achtergrond/buitenland/amerikaanse_presidentsverkiezin/article1058072.ece/OBAMA_CAMPAIGN_HAS_TIES_TO_ETHANOL_INTERESTS
www.sugarcaneethanolfacts.com
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: Industrial Biotechnology Corporation: $5000 per month for green investor showcase program #1. Additional compensation - 150,000 144 shares over 12 month period issued quarterly.
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

Investor Info and Regulation for Pinks Sheets: http://www.pinksheets.com/pink/otcguide/investors_protection.jsp

Investorideas Contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com, Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, Industrial Biotechnology Corporation, Cosan, SA

Coming Soon: Ten Green Companies the Size of Exxon Mobil

Coming Soon: Ten Green Companies the Size of Exxon Mobil

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series; Interview with Nancy Floyd, Founder and Managing Director of Nth Power

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., September 5, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides interested investors a recent audio interview with Nancy Floyd, Founder and Managing Director of Nth Power, a venture capital firm based in San Francisco. Nth Power was one of the first venture firms specializing in the cleantech sector.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Coming Soon: Ten Green Companies the Size of Exxon Mobil

“Nancy Floyd, of the venture capital fund Nth Power, sees big things ahead for green energy investors”

Well-known financial columnist Michael Brush continues his renewable energy audio series for Renewableenergystocks.com with a recent interview with Nancy Floyd, Founder and Managing Director of Nth Power. Ms. Floyd has led Nth Power’s investments in Silicon Energy (NASDAQ: ITRI), Northern Power (NASDAQ: DESC), Smartsynch, Serveron, SpectraSensors and Propel Biofuels.

To hear the full Audio file: click here:
http://static.investorideas.com.s3.amazonaws.com/podcasts/2008/gi090208a.mp3

About Nth Power
Nth Power is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco and is the first and most experienced venture capital firm funding promising startup companies in the growing sector of energy technology, materials and other related businesses. With $420 million under management in four funds and an investment record that begins in 1997, Nth Power is widely known and well regarded as the driving force behind many of the most successful energy technology companies.
http://www.nthpower.com/

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/.

Green Investor Sponsors: Carbon Capture and Green Portfolio Stock: (OTCBB:MVTG),Geothermal Stock:(OTCBB:ESIV),Green Automotive Stock: (OTCBB:ZAAP),Green Automotive Stock:(OTCBB:ROTB),Solar Stock:(OTCBB:XSNX)
Solar Stock :( OTCBB: CSKH), Renewable Sugarcane Fuels (OTCPK: IBOT) Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com. For disclaimer and disclosure visit:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp


About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

All Charged Up - Battery power plays worth exploring

All Charged Up - Battery power plays worth exploring

September 4, 2008 , Delta BC- Green Investor at Investorideas.com
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/
By Paulo Nery

Batteries are becoming increasingly important to our lives. Not only to sustain our rapidly expanding wireless technology requirements, but also to support our need to travel about. With hybrids, plug in hybrids and fully electric vehicles beginning to provide us with more cost effective transport, we’re bound to depend more and more on batteries. And at a larger scale, as we integrate more renewable sources of energy into our electricity grid, we’ll need to manage supplies with more uncertainty. So, there is likely to be an increased need for energy storage solutions to help temper the ups and downs of power supply irregularity.

Lithium Ion batteries seem to get a lot press for their higher storage capacity per pound, but the more traditional lead-acid batteries are likely to be with us for a long time to come, particularly in the many industrial applications the use them.

The biggest maker of industrial lead acid batteries is Enersys (ENS). They make batteries for forklifts and for back up power systems, over 60% of which is overseas. They’re selling into markets like global logistics, telecoms companies and the military.

Enersys has a proprietary technology that means their batteries last longer and are smaller than the average lead-acid battery. They call it "thin pure plate lead" or TPPL. According to their last conference call, demand for these batteries is more than they can keep up with. So they’re expanding the plant that makes them.

But Enersys is not just about old battery technology. They also have a lithium-ion battery technology which they sell primarily to military, telecoms and specialty industries. So this steady tech company is well positioned for near term as well as longer term growth. (www.enersys.com)

Another large maker of lead acid batteries is Exide (XIDE) who make batteries for cars, bikes, boats, agricultural equipment, construction vehicles etc. They also sell specialized batteries for forklifts and other industrial equipment including the military. Like EDS, over half of their sales come from overseas.

Only yesterday I had to put a new battery in my wife’s car. And where do you think the old one went? Yep, Exide, who happen to be the largest recycler of lead batteries in the U.S. That means they’re getting better value than buying lead on the open market, and saving a bundle in the process of being green.

Their market cap, at $837 million, is about 25% less than Enersys. But their sales are considerably higher and their p/e ratio is slightly lower, so I’m inclined to like them a bit more. (www.exide.com)

Axion Power International (AXPW) is developing a proprietary technology they call PbC – perhaps because it’s a hybrid of lead-acid and carbon. See their website for more details on how it’s made (www.axionpower.com). Axion aims to sell the batteries made with PbC as an upgrade to conventional lead-acid batteries in industrial applications. This is an enormous broad-based potential market that will likely respond to more efficient batteries.
They’ve been focused for over two years on refining their manufacturing methods as well as continuing with performance testing on the pre-production prototypes. These tests have shown that their PbC batteries have considerably longer cycle-lives, faster recharge rates and more power than conventional lead acid batteries. But then, a lot can change between pre-production and real world production.
If you’re in the mood for more speculative plays, Ener1 (HEV) is a good start. They don’t have significant sales yet, but are developing Lithium-Ion batteries that have been delivered as prototypes and successfully tested in a Th!nk EV (electric vehicle). They’ve already built a manufacturing and testing facility and expect to begin manufacturing by the end of this year. So they might actually be the first to offer a production Litium-Ion battery to the auto industry.

For the long term, Ener1 is developing nano-materials for better battery storage. That’s very intriguing with oil prices high, but not something to hold your breath for.

And, you have to like the fact that they’ve shifted from the OTC market to the AMEX, which makes the company seem that much more credible. (www.ener1.com)

If you’re a fan of Lithium-Ion batteries you could do worse than to look at Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) the Chilean mining company that produces potassium nitrate, iodine and lithium carbonate other specialty products. They just happen to also be the world’s biggest producer of Lithium, a business that was 15% of their revenues last year but is expanding fast and expected to approach 40% by the end of this year. Clearly, they will be a big benefactor of any significant increase in demand for Lithium from whichever battery maker, or makers, succeed in launching real-world products. (www.sqm.com)

Some other battery technology companies to keep an eye out for include:
Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (MXWL) - supercapacitors (www.maxwell.com)
Energy Conversion Devices (ENER) - nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology (www.ovonic.com)
Advanced Battery Technologies, Inc (ABAT) - polymer Lithium-Ion (www.advancedbatterytech.com)

While the Lithium-Ion batteries seem to get most of the star attention, the advantages, mainly smaller size, relative to the cost only pay off for mobile devices right now. So the old-fashioned lead-acid battery is likely to continue to hold on to a big piece of the market for a long time yet. But the lead-carbon hybrid concept offers bankable advantages like faster charge, longer life and higher power. So it may find a significant market once production begins in earnest.
Disclaimer: Nothing in the above article in no way constitutes a recommendation to buy or invest in these or any other stocks. You should always seek professional financial advice when planning your investments or trading in the stock markets. Paulo Nery is an independent columnist for Green Investor at Investorideas.com Paulo J. Nery writes about green business, green investing and green lifestyle. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. InvestorIdeas is not affiliated or compensated by the companies mentioned in this article.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News at Investorideas.com
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

About InvestorIdeas.com:

"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series; “Renewable Energy- The Perfect Storm,

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series; “Renewable Energy- The Perfect Storm,
A Transformation of the World’s Energy Infrastructure “

Michael Brush Audio with Michael Liebreich, head of the London-based clean energy research firm, New Energy Finance, Discussing Major Trends in Renewable Energy


POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., August 27, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, provides interested investors a recent audio interview with Michael Liebreich, head of the London-based clean energy research firm New Energy Finance. Mr. Liebreich discusses the industry trends coming together all at once that have created a perfect storm in renewable energy for investors.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Well-known financial columnist Michael Brush continues his renewable energy audio series for Renewableenergystocks.com with a recent interview with Michael Liebreich, head of the London-based clean energy research firm New Energy Finance.

Renewable Energy: “The Perfect Storm”

Michael Liebreich, head of the London-based clean energy research firm New Energy Finance, www.newenergyfinance.com offers an overview of what’s to come for the sector.

Mr. Liebreich commenting on trends and opportunities notes,” It’s really a perfect storm .It’s not just one or two small trends; it’s a transformation of the world’s energy infrastructure. The industry is going from high -carbon to low- carbon. “

“The drivers include climate change, oil depletion, energy security, deregulation, new technologies like nanomaterial , Biotech and information technologies which allow you to manage distributed energy resources in a way we couldn’t 15 years ago. All these trends coming together at once create an enormously powerful transformation and opportunities to invest.”

To hear the full Audio file: click here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/gi082708.mp3

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

Green Investor Sponsors: Carbon Capture and Green Portfolio Stock: (OTCBB:MVTG),Geothermal Stock:(OTCBB:ESIV),Green Automotive Stock: (OTCBB:ZAAP),Green Automotive Stock:(OTCBB:ROTB),Solar Stock:(OTCBB:XSNX)
Solar Stock :( OTCBB: CSKH), Renewable Sugarcane Fuels (OTCPK: IBOT) Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com. For disclaimer and disclosure visit:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

The Global Green Marketplace at Investorideas.com – a meeting place for investors and business in cleantech: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/.

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

Green Investor Audio with Professor Colin Oloman, Inventor of the ERC carbon capture technology, on behalf of Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG )

Renewable Energy Stocks Green Investor Audio with Professor Colin Oloman, Inventor of the ERC carbon capture technology, on behalf of Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG )

“ERC Carbon Capture Technology Represents Alternative or Add- on to Carbon Sequestration”


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC –August 21, 2008 Investorideas.com and www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com, a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, present an audio interview with Professor Colin Oloman, inventor of the ERC (Electro Reduction of Carbon Dioxide) carbon capture technology, on behalf of Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG ).

Professor Colin Oloman describes the scope and potential and applications for the technology.” The process turns carbon dioxide into useful products instead of burying it underground. It is an alternative or add- on to carbon sequestration. The applications include the production of industrial chemicals and liquid fuels such as formic acid.”

“Liquid fuels such as formic acid can potentially be used as carbon neutral regenerated fuel systems with fuel cells that are driven by non- fossil sources. These carbon neutral systems could be a key to tackling the problem of global warming.”

He also outlines the next phases of development for the technology from Mantra’s lab in Richmond B.C., to a much bigger stage of building a plant in the future.

To hear audio: http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/081308a.mp3

The Mantra ERC technology was also recently featured in North American Clean Energy Magazine http://www.nacleanenergy.com/
Previous Mantra audio available: Larry Kristof Elaborates on Green Incubator Model of Carbon Capture, Cellulosic Ethanol and Recent China Venture. CEO Larry Kristof is joined by Mr. Fred Enga of Northwind Ethanol, Mantra’s joint venture partner for the development and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol. To hear the full audio interview click here: http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/081208a.mp3
About Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTCBB: MVTG-FSE: EDV 5MV)
Mantra, through its group of sustainable energy, carbon reduction and consumer product subsidiaries, is active in the green technology marketplace with an innovative, multi-faceted approach focused on profitability through sustainability. By aggressively seeking out new technologies and innovating solutions for a cleaner earth for everyone, Mantra intends to provide a highly profitable and environmentally responsible investment for its shareholders.
For a list of company projects: http://www.mantraenergy.com/projects/index.php
More info can be found on the Investorideas.com at the company showcase http://www.investorideas.com/CO/MVTG/ or at the company website http://www.mantraenergy.com/
About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences, Blogs, and a directory of stocks.

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. Disclosure: Mantra Venture is a featured showcase company (program#2) for $2000 month and 150,000 restricted shares over 12 months.
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For more information contact:
Investorideas.com
Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com,

To contact Mantra
Terry Johnston
Phone: (604) 267-3022
Email: tjohnston@mantraenergy.com

Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, Mantra Venture Group Ltd

Ethanol: Is it coming or going?

Ethanol: Is it coming or going?

August 20, 2008- Investorideas.com

Green Investor at Investorideas.com
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/
Column by Paulo Nery Exclusively for Investorideas.com


I’ve been an ethanol skeptic for quite some time now. The basic problem lies in the use of corn as the principal feedstock. Converting a large proportion of our food supplies into driving fuel tends to pressure the commodity market and increases the price. With corn being ubiquitous in processed foods (corn starch, dextrose, fructose, the list goes on) it increases costs across the board. But with the recent performance of Verasun Energy, perhaps I need to modify my view, or at least re-examine it.

Verasun (VSE) reported its quarterly numbers on August 12th and came in at 16 cents per share, well above analysts’ expectations of 2 cents. Its profits grew an impressive 58% due to higher production volumes and the higher prices they could charge in line with higher oil prices. While their raw material costs increased more than the prices they could charge for ethanol, they more than made up for that in increased volume of business.

According to Verasun’s CEO, Don Edres, part of what’s driving increased business for ethanol producers is the great economics of ethanol for marketers. The fact that they can earn margins of around 25 cents for ethanol-blended gasoline, compared to less than 10 cents per gallon for unleaded gasoline is a real incentive for marketers and blenders. Part of that difference is made up of a 51 cent blender’s credit and part from the higher per gallon margins on ethanol, which are around 70 cents now.

Another big player in ethanol is Aventine (AVR) reported its quarterly earnings on July 31st. While they experienced record sales, profits fell to a loss of 5 cents per share compared to a year ago figure of 30 cents profit per share. Discounting for its one-time loss connected with auction rate securities, the company would have earned 16 cents per share, which beat the expectations of 12 cents. They also cited higher corn costs as a factor in the lowered profits.

A third player in the market, Pacific Ethanol (PEIX) reported its quarterly earnings on August 11th and missed with a 23 cent per share loss compared to a 3 cent per share profit a year ago. The loss came in spite of a 74% increase in revenues and a 52% increase in sales volume versus the previous year. As with Aventine, higher corn costs were a factor. Pacific Ethanol had paid 67% more this quarter for their corn than the previous year. Their business model however places plants in locations like Colorado, Oregon and California which, while close to the end market, adds transport cost to the raw material.

All of this news and activity makes me wonder again about the longer-term viability of ethanol. It has many critics, but it has many strident supporters too. Once production can switch to non-food sources as raw material then the main problems evaporate. Hence, cellulosic ethanol looks like the story to follow. The potential of converting huge quantities of low value bio waste into fuel is simply fantastic. What’s more green than getting value out of rubbish and displacing something more toxic at the same time?

The Earth Policy Institute, which is a frequent critic of corn based ethanol, calculated in June 2005 that just one third of agricultural residues like stalks and straw would yield 14.5 billion gallons per year – more than twice current production.

Already a handful of companies are building cellulosic ethanol plants.

Range Fuels announced in March this year that they had completed $100 million in series B financing to complete the construction of a cellulosic plant in Soperton, Georgia. Plans are for the plant to be completed in 2009.

Poet LLC, announced recently that they will have a 20,000 gallon per year pilot plant operational by the end of the year. This will help them perfect their processes for the commercial plant they expect to be operational in Emmetsburg, Iowa by 2011.

Verenium (VRNM) has just agreed a venture with BP who will invest $90 million to develop technologies and refineries to produce cellulosic ethanol. Verenium had opened a $70 million demonstration plant in May which can produce 1.4 million gallons per year from switchgrass, wood products and other bio-mass. They’re now setting up a pilot plant and expect production to start in the fourth quarter of this year. They too plan for a commercially viable plant in operation by 2011 which should be capable of producing 30 million gallons per year.

Coskata, say they are building a 40,000 gallon demonstration facility near Pittsburgh. The company claims they will be able to produce cellulosic ethanol for less than $1 per gallon. They recently raised $19.5 million in a second round of funding for the project which is expected to begin delivering product in early 2009.

The Alternative Energy Technology Center, (AETE) has matched Coskata’s claim saying they too can market cellulosic ethanol for less than $1 per gallon – half the cost of corn ethanol. They announced in March that they are in the "completion phase" of designing and building a biorefining system that will make 20-100 tons of ethanol, gasoline, diesel and other products per day. That’s roughly 50,000-250,000 gallons per year.

Finally, BlueFire Ethanol (BFRE), having been granted permits in July, will soon begin construction on its first commercial plant next to a Southern California landfill. They expect to be delivering up to 3.2 million gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol, starting in June next year.

One of the big challenges with cellulosic ethanol is collecting and sorting the feedstock. In the case of agricultural waste like stalks, it’s typically left on the field. New systems and processes need to be developed to capture these materials for processing. Some of the easiest material to obtain now are corn cobs, which several companies are using to start up operations. BlueFire’s approach is to site next to landfill sites that already separate out bio-mass waste.

Many of the companies mentioned here are privately held. And those that are listed are Over-The-Counter listings that trade thinly. The safer investments in the ethanol space remain the larger players, most of whom have yet to say much at all about cellulosic ethanol.


Paulo J. Nery
Bio: http://www.investorideas.com/GI/pn.asp

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
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http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/RES.xml

Disclaimer: Nothing in the above article in no way constitutes a recommendation to buy or invest in these or any other stocks. You should always seek professional financial advice when planning your investments or trading in the stock markets.
Investorideas.com disclaimer: Mr. Nery is an independent columnist for this web site.

Global Policy and Investing Trends in Green Energy

Global Policy and Investing Trends in Green Energy

Investorideas.com Ongoing Green Investor Audio Series with Michael Brush Gives Insight into Sector with Leading Renewable Energy Experts


POINT ROBERTS, Wash., Delta B.C., August 20, 2008 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, one of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water, is pleased to provide interested investors a recent audio interview with Eric Martinot of the Institute for Sustainable Energy in Tokyo.

Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

Global Policy and Investing Trends in Green Energy

Well-known financial columnist Michael Brush continues his renewable energy audio series for Renewableenergystocks.com with a recent interview with Eric Martinot of the Institute for Sustainable Energy in Tokyo.

Before joining the Institute for Sustainable Energy in Tokyo, Eric Martinot worked on renewable energy issues at the World Bank for six years. In this interview, he offers an outlook on trends in government policies towards green energy around the globe, and financing and technology trends in the sector.

To hear the full interview Audio file: click here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/gi081908.mp3

Michael Brush writes a weekly market column for MSN Money. Mr. Brush has also covered business and investing for the New York Times, Money magazine and the Economist Group.
Michael also writes the Insiders Corner Exclusively for Investorideas.com.

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.
Renewable Energy and GreenTech Business and Stock News RSS Feed:
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Green Investor Sponsors: Carbon Capture and Green Portfolio Stock: (OTCBB:MVTG),Geothermal Stock:(OTCBB:ESIV),Green Automotive Stock: (OTCBB:ZAAP),Green Automotive Stock:(OTCBB:ROTB),Solar Stock:(OTCBB:XSNX)
Solar Stock :( OTCBB: CSKH) Sugarcane Ethanol Stock (OTCPK: IBOT) Featured Green Companies are showcased on: www.Renewableenergystocks.com

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
For disclaimer and disclosure visit:
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

For Additional Information:

Dawn Van Zant: 800-665-0411 - dvanzant@investorideas.com

Source – Investorideas.com

Renewable Energy Stocks Green Investor Audio Interview with

Renewable Energy Stocks Green Investor Audio Interview with
Tom Djokovich, CEO of Thin Film Solar Company, XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX)

“We’ve designed our solar modules specifically for the electrical utilities scale market”


POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC—August 19, 2008 -- www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com,
a leading investor news and research portal for the renewable energy sector within Investorideas.com, presents a green investor audio interview with Tom Djokovich, CEO of XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX). XsunX, Inc is a solar technology Company engaged in the build-out of its multi-megawatt thin film photovoltaic solar manufacturing facilities.

In the interview, Tom Djokovich, CEO of XsunX discusses the company’s business model, the thin film solar technology, recent progress, market drivers and current bids and proposals in the pipeline.

“A year ago we designed a solar module and a manufacturing system to produce it. In January we began building a manufacturing facility near Portland Oregon. To start, we will build about 25 megawatts of production capacity, which represents approximately 200,000 marketable solar panels per year, and then grow that capacity to 35 megawatts by improving our system performance and adding work shifts. We then plan to begin efforts to scale to 100 megawatts of manufacturing capacity by some time in 2010”, Tom Djokovich summarizes in describing his business model.

According to Mr. Djokovich, “Our modules are designed for the electrical utilities scale market where thousands of solar modules are used in each power field. We have started bidding projects for utilities and government agencies to install our modules. The second part of our target market is the conventional installer and integrator where we have received significant requests for purchases of our modules in 2009 and later.”

In addressing the opportunity, Mr. Djokovich notes “The electrical market is enormous. To keep up with demand, the utilities are reaching out for new power production methods that are clean and safe. Long term, these power fields are great investments that can provide a 5 year payback on the average installation and then you have 15 years of cash flow with low operating costs. We see this trend picking up significantly and have positioned ourselves to take advantage of this opportunity.”

To hear full audio interview click here:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.investorideas.com/podcasts/2008/081508a.mp3

Featured Showcase Solar Company XsunX (OTCBB: XSNX): Based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XsunX is developing amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic (TFPV) solar cell manufacturing processes to produce TFPV solar modules. To deliver its products the Company has begun to build a multi- megawatt TFPV solar module production facility in the United States to meet the growing demand for solar cell products used in large scale commercial projects, utility power fields, and other on-grid applications. Employing a phased roll out of production capacity, it plans to grow manufacturing capacities to over 100 megawatts by 2010. More info on XsunX, Inc. can be found on our media profile at: http://www.investorideas.com/co/xsnx/default.asp or http://www.xsunx.com/

About Our Green Investor Portals:
www.RenewableEnergyStocks.com® is one of several green investor portals within Investorideas.com and provides investors with stock news, exclusive articles and financial columnists, audio interviews, investor conferences and a directory of stocks within the renewable energy sector.

Hear more audio interviews at the Investorideas.com Green Investor Audio Series:
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/

About InvestorIdeas.com:
"One of the first online investor resources providing in-depth information on renewable energy, greentech and water sectors." InvestorIdeas.com is a leading global investor and industry research resource portal specialized in sector investing covering over thirty industry sectors and global markets including China, India, Middle East and Australia.

Disclaimer: Our sites do not make recommendations. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising. XsunX compensate the website $5000 per month.
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp
* All interview content is based on previously disclosed public information in SEC filings and press releases.


For more information contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com,Source: RenewableEnergyStocks.com, XsunX

Leaf Completes a $10 Million Investment in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.

Leaf Completes a $10 Million Investment in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug 18, 2008 -- Leaf Clean Energy Company ("Leaf") (AIM: LEAF: ), an AIM listed company incorporated for the purpose of investing in clean energy companies and projects in North America, is pleased to announce the completion of a $10 million Series A preferred stock financing in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. ("MaxWest").
MaxWest seeks to deploy proprietary waste-to-energy gasification technology using a variety of waste streams including municipal solid sludge, agricultural waste and other biomass-based material. The MaxWest gasification system represents a low cost, environmentally friendly solution that is an alternative to traditional waste disposal and provides a source of clean renewable energy. Within the wastewater treatment market, MaxWest believes it is first to market with a comprehensive, onsite, commercial-grade waste disposal system utilizing biosolids streams to produce renewable energy.
The MaxWest system is uniquely modular and scalable and has been proven commercially at five different sites throughout North America. The Company will enter into long term contracts to build, own and operate these facilities under waste disposal and/or energy supply contracts with its customers. Peter Tom, Chairman of Leaf, said: "This investment in MaxWest further balances Leaf's portfolio with unique waste-to-energy technologies and capital project opportunities. Now, with Leaf's other investments, the Leaf portfolio includes investments across a spectrum of clean energy, including waste-to-energy, biomass energy, alternative fuels, solar energy and hydroelectric."

Simon Shaw, Director of Energy & Climate Advisors, said: "With environmental concerns high on the political agenda, Leaf is enthused to be backing a company such as MaxWest that offers a real solution to how we best deal with society's waste and energy predicaments."

Dan Shapiro, Director of Energy & Climate Advisors, said: "MaxWest represents a unique entry into the emerging waste-to-energy market and provides customers with an option to lower energy costs while reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional waste disposal methods."
Richard Heien, President of MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc., said: "MaxWest is extremely pleased to have a company the caliber of Leaf Clean Energy as a strategic investor. Leaf's commitment to MaxWest provides further confirmation of our gasification technology and its application in the biomass waste markets. This investment will allow the Company to accelerate the integration of its technology into these markets and advance the Company's mission of turning today's waste problems into tomorrow's green, renewable energy."

SOURCE: MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. For MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc., HoustonThe Environmental PR GroupKelly Diedring, 813-948-6400Kelly@eprgroup.com

Leaf Completes a $10 Million Investment in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.

Leaf Completes a $10 Million Investment in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.

HOUSTON, Aug 18, 2008 -- Leaf Clean Energy Company ("Leaf") (AIM: LEAF: ), an AIM listed company incorporated for the purpose of investing in clean energy companies and projects in North America, is pleased to announce the completion of a $10 million Series A preferred stock financing in MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. ("MaxWest").
MaxWest seeks to deploy proprietary waste-to-energy gasification technology using a variety of waste streams including municipal solid sludge, agricultural waste and other biomass-based material. The MaxWest gasification system represents a low cost, environmentally friendly solution that is an alternative to traditional waste disposal and provides a source of clean renewable energy. Within the wastewater treatment market, MaxWest believes it is first to market with a comprehensive, onsite, commercial-grade waste disposal system utilizing biosolids streams to produce renewable energy.
The MaxWest system is uniquely modular and scalable and has been proven commercially at five different sites throughout North America. The Company will enter into long term contracts to build, own and operate these facilities under waste disposal and/or energy supply contracts with its customers. Peter Tom, Chairman of Leaf, said: "This investment in MaxWest further balances Leaf's portfolio with unique waste-to-energy technologies and capital project opportunities. Now, with Leaf's other investments, the Leaf portfolio includes investments across a spectrum of clean energy, including waste-to-energy, biomass energy, alternative fuels, solar energy and hydroelectric."

Simon Shaw, Director of Energy & Climate Advisors, said: "With environmental concerns high on the political agenda, Leaf is enthused to be backing a company such as MaxWest that offers a real solution to how we best deal with society's waste and energy predicaments."

Dan Shapiro, Director of Energy & Climate Advisors, said: "MaxWest represents a unique entry into the emerging waste-to-energy market and provides customers with an option to lower energy costs while reducing environmental impacts associated with traditional waste disposal methods."
Richard Heien, President of MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc., said: "MaxWest is extremely pleased to have a company the caliber of Leaf Clean Energy as a strategic investor. Leaf's commitment to MaxWest provides further confirmation of our gasification technology and its application in the biomass waste markets. This investment will allow the Company to accelerate the integration of its technology into these markets and advance the Company's mission of turning today's waste problems into tomorrow's green, renewable energy."

SOURCE: MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc. For MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc., HoustonThe Environmental PR GroupKelly Diedring, 813-948-6400Kelly@eprgroup.com