Tuesday, March 24, 2009

First Solar to Develop 30 Megawatt AC Solar Power Plant for Tri-State

First Solar to Develop 30 Megawatt AC Solar Power Plant for Tri-State


TEMPE, Ariz.---First Solar, Inc., (Nasdaq: FSLR) has entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., a wholesale electric power supplier serving more than 1.4 million consumers through 44 electric cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

"This photovoltaic (PV) power plant is another demonstration of our ability to provide affordable, utility-scale solar solutions," said John Carrington, First Solar executive vice president of marketing and business development. "In addition to being cost-effective, the plant will create 120 to 140 construction jobs, significantly reduce green house gas emissions and provide enough power to serve the equivalent of approximately 9,000 homes."

The agreement, which represents the largest PV contract by an electric cooperative in the U.S., calls for First Solar to engineer, procure and construct (EPC) a 30 megawatt AC (MW) ground-mounted PV power plant in northeastern New Mexico.

“Our partnership with First Solar further diversifies our resource mix and brings value to our member cooperatives across our four-state service territory,” said Ken Anderson, Tri-State executive vice president and general manager. “This project in New Mexico demonstrates how electric cooperatives can effectively bring utility-scale solar projects to the rural areas they serve.”

The project will be the first utility-scale solar power plant in the region and is expected to be complete by the end of 2010. First Solar will provide monitoring and maintenance services for the PV power plant over the course of its lifetime. The Company expects that, upon completion of the PV power plant, it will have transferred all or substantially all of its equity interest in the project.

“This first-of-its-kind initiative is further evidence that New Mexico is a national leader in renewable energy production. I look forward to many more projects like this coming to fruition in New Mexico and across the country as we shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, green energy. I am especially pleased to see the electric coops take this major leap into renewables,” said U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“New Mexico has world-class renewable resources and a ready workforce,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “The announcement of a major new solar power plant in Colfax County is welcome news and demonstrates New Mexico’s commitment to leading the nation in renewable energy development.”

First Solar combines the economic benefits of low-cost technology with superior environmental performance to provide truly sustainable energy solutions.

"Projects like these represent a step toward transforming our energy future; providing solutions for both climate and the environment," said Carl Zichella, western regional director for the Sierra Club.

About First Solar

First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology and provides comprehensive PV solutions that significantly reduce solar electricity costs. By enabling clean, renewable electricity at competitive prices, First Solar provides an economic and environmentally responsible alternative to existing peaking fossil-fuel electric generation. First Solar PV power plants operate with no water, air emissions or waste stream. First Solar set the benchmark for environmentally responsible product life cycle management by introducing the industry's first comprehensive collection and recycling program for solar modules. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating cost-effective renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com, or www.firstsolar.com/media to download photos.

For First Solar Investors

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



Contacts First Solar, Inc.Lisa Morse602-414-9361media@firstsolar.com





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Monday, March 23, 2009

Investor Ideas Announces Launch of ‘The Solar Innovation Series’, with Solar Expert J. Peter Lynch

Investor Ideas Announces Launch of ‘The Solar Innovation Series’, with Solar Expert J. Peter Lynch

Point Roberts, South Salem, New York- March 23, 2009- Investorideas.com announces the launch of a new series for the renewable energy sector in addition to the Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch. The Innovation Series will cover emerging private companies with new technology and innovation in the solar industry.

The Innovation Series

I have been saying for years that the future of the solar industry is very bright and that we all have nothing to look forward too except a bright sunny future. Nothing that has occurred to date has changed my mind the least bit. As I have said numerous times, the solar industry is still in its infancy and as a result, has its best days ahead of it.

One thing that has always driven industries from their beginnings through their various stages of growth has been INNOVATION. This is what America is best known for and has always been a primary driver of progress in all industries. It is innovation that breaks away from the “old” and brings on the new technologies, new applications and new products that we will need in the future to confront and overcome our looming energy crisis.

In this periodic column I will highlight new companies, people and concepts with innovative technology and/or ideas that may turn out to be one of the key contributing factors that will enable the next breakthrough in the solar industry and help to light our way to a sustainable energy future.

Mr. Lynch has worked, for 32 years as a Wall Street security analyst, an independent security analyst and private investor in small emerging technology companies. He has been actively involved in following developments in the renewable energy sector since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in this field. He was the contributing editor for 17 years to the Photovoltaic Insider Report, the leading publication in PV that was directed at industrial subscribers, such as major energy companies, utilities and governments around the world. He is currently a private investor and has from time to time been a financial/technology consultant to a number of companies. He can be reached via e-mail at: SOLARJPL@aol.com. Please visit his website for the promotion of solar energy – www.sunseries.net

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Investorideas.com New Showcase Water Stock, Wescorp Energy Inc. (OTC BB: WSCE) Provides Solutions for ‘Produced Water’ in Oil and Gas Industry

Investorideas.com New Showcase Water Stock, Wescorp Energy Inc. (OTC BB: WSCE) Provides Solutions for ‘Produced Water’ in Oil and Gas Industry


Point Roberts, WA, Delta, BC - March 23, 2009 - www.InvestorIdeas.com, a leading global investor and industry research portal covering water, environment and oil and gas sectors, announces a new featured showcase company, Wescorp Energy Inc.(OTCBB:WSCE ),a company providing technology based solutions for the treatment of contaminated ‘produced water’ for the oil and gas industry.

Oil and gas production worldwide generates a tremendous amount unwanted waste water - water that has been contaminated with hydrocarbons, sand, drill cuttings, organic and inorganic salts. The produced water is contaminated naturally from the formation and artificially through oil and gas processing. The handling, treatment and disposal of the produced water are some of the most controversial and environmentally challenging issues oil and gas producers face today. Produced water from hydrocarbon operations creates massive volumes of waste that requires remediation.

Headlines in a March 2009 article in Oilweek.com, “Water—its use, reuse and conservation—has become almost as important to Alberta’s economic future as oil”, forecast the importance of finding solutions within the industry.
http://www.oilweek.com/articles.asp?ID=638

Wescorp Energy Inc. is an oil and gas solutions provider that specializes in water remediation and environmental technologies for the global oil and gas industry. One of the company’s primary technologies, H2Omaxx, is a commercially scalable water remediation unit that uses patented aeration technology to consistently provide safe, effective and economical separation of oil from produced water. Final independent verification testing was completed in November 2008. Analytical results proved the H20maxx unit increased the recovery of oil and reduced the amount of hydrocarbons in the treated produced water to less than 0.001% or 10 parts per million.

According to the company, “Virtually anywhere in the world that oil is produced, contaminated produced water becomes an unwanted byproduct. Water becomes contaminated naturally through associated formation water in conventional oil and gas production. Unconventional oil production including Oil Sands development in Alberta, Canada contaminates huge amounts of fresh potable water during the production and processing of the oil.”

According to Industry Canada, “Strict Canadian environmental regulations have demanded that Canadian engineers and scientists develop innovative remedial technologies to clean-up a broad spectrum of contaminants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.”
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ogt-ipg.nsf/eng/dk00095.html

Wescorp’s H20maxx technology is not going unnoticed. In December 2008, Wescorp announced that Weatherford International Ltd., (NYSE: WFT) executed a letter of intent for the testing of Wescorp's wholly-owned water remediation technology, H2Omaxx, in two projects in South America. Wescorp and Weatherford are currently in negotiations for a possible exclusive long-term global cooperative agreement. H2Omaxx units provide oil and gas operators an opportunity to increase their profits, and reduce their operational costs by reducing, reusing, and recycling water without the use of flocculants.

Weatherford (NYSE: WFT) is one of the largest global providers of innovative mechanical solutions, technology and services for the drilling and production sectors of the oil and gas industry.

Wescorp Energy Inc Showcase Profile Page: http://www.water-stocks.com/CO/WSCE/Default.asp

Wescorp Energy Inc Company Website: http://www.wescorpenergy.com/

Wescorp Energy Inc Featured Portals: www.-water-stocks.com, www.environmentstocks.com, www.oilandgasstocknews.com

www.Water-Stocks.com, a portal within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, offers investors research tools, news, Blogs, online conferences, Podcasts, interviews and a directory of public companies within the water sector.Water stocks directory: http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp

About InvestorIdeas.com: Investorideas.com creates a meeting place for investing ideas to take form and come to life in an entrepreneurial environment, servicing the needs of small investors and start- up companies to large conglomerates! We cover multiple industry sectors but specialize in environmental and water.

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 Investorideas.com. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, including WSCE, news submissions and online advertising. www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp
Disclosure, compensation: http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp
$3500 month plus fifteen thousand shares, three months contract with third party.

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

Source – Wescorp Energy Inc, Investorideas.com
Contact Wescorp directly for investor relations questions.
1.877.247.1975







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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Water Stocks Sector Close – Up and Commentary; Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) Discusses Investing in Water

Water Stocks Sector Close – Up and Commentary; Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) Discusses Investing in Water

World Water Day Reminds Investors of the Needs and Opportunities

POINT ROBERTS, WA and DELTA, BC –March 22, 2009 www.Water-Stocks.com, an investor and industry portal for the water sector within Investorideas.com, presents investing in water, the first in a series of commentary and insight with Neil Berlant, Fund Manager of the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX).

With World Water Day held March 22, 2009 http://www.worldwaterday.org/ , drawing global attention to water issues, Water-stocks.com reminds investors of the needs and opportunities within the sector.

As recently noted in a report from Ceres.Org, “Water Scarcity & Climate Change: Growing Risks for Businesses & Investors”, water is an area that needs more attention. http://www.ceres.org/Document.Doc?id=406
Investorideas.com and Water-stocks.com has turned to well- known industry expert, Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund, who has dedicated his life-long career to the sector, to provide insight and ideas on the global theme of investing water.

Q&A: Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com, Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund

Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com
Neil, the recent media from Ceres.org warning investors and business they are not paying attention to water would not be news to you, as you have been a long- time believer in the sector. But in that line of thinking, for investors just getting into the water space - what are some of the key trends they should they be looking at?

A- Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund
The forces driving growth in the water sector can be narrowed down to three principal areas: Economics, quality, and infrastructure. On the economics side, water has historically been underpriced, that is, not reflecting its real cost. The real cost for water is what it costs to find water, treat water, and then to distribute it. We have never really factored in those costs to arrive at the price that we charge for water. That is in the process of changing, but change is coming on very slowly. As for quality, this is a major issue. Not that water quality for drinking water purposes is inadequate or not being addressed, but rather that the quality of the water we require for most applications is growing more demanding. For most applications today, and in the future, we require very highly purified water. For example, to manufacture semiconductors, we require “ultra-purified” water. The same is true for generating electricity and manufacturing. In addition, health care and food processing require highly purified water. These areas were previously not as demanding. Last, but not least, the issue of the water infrastructure throughout the US is growing in importance. It is well-documented that we are facing what may be as much as a $1 trillion deficit in capital to improve the aging US infrastructure. That means an enormous bounty of business in pipe replacement, filtration, and purification equipment over the next twenty years.

Q- Dawn Van Zant at Water-stocks.com
With your fund, The PFW Water Fund how would you define your short term and long term strategy? And how can investors participate in the fund?
A- Neil Berlant of the PFW Water Fund
The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) expressly addresses the opportunities outlined above. The Fund broadly focuses on the water industry, and more specifically on the companies that comprise the broad definition of the water industry as all of the things that influence the quality or availability of water. The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is invested in companies in purification, infrastructure, desalination, and all things related to water. As the portfolio manager, I have focused exclusively on the water industry since the mid-1980s, with portfolios that have consistently beaten the broad stock market. The PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is uniquely positioned to participate in the explosion of activity we anticipate over the next couple of decades. The growth we forecast is expected to last for some twenty years and therefore, the PFW Water Fund (PFWAX) is investing in the long-term growth of owning businesses, rather than short-term speculation. We are in front of wave of activity that is somewhat unique to the water industry and thus offers the prospect of wealth-building that is difficult to find elsewhere.

To hear previous audios from Neil Berlant and other water experts: http://www.investorideas.com/ws/
Investing in Water Podcast RSS Feed: http://www.investorideas.com/Podcasts/water.xml


About Neil Berlant:
Fund Manager of the PFW Water Fund - PFW Water A (PFWAX)
Since 1968, Neil has been continuously involved in the investment banking industry, either as a principal, officer, or founder of several firms. He has supervised and initiated the publication of numerous investment research reports on the water industry and conducted conferences directed towards top corporate management, the investment community, and venture capitalists. He has been a speaker at conferences on topics ranging from financing, to business and investment opportunities in the water industry. In addition, he has consulted to Fortune 500 companies and participated in negotiations concerning mergers, acquisitions, and venture capital investments. He is quoted frequently in newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Investor's Business Daily, and is a frequent water expert on CNBC.

Water Stocks Directory: Research global water stocks:
http://www.investorideas.com/Water-Stocks/Stock_List.asp

Marketplace water opportunities for business and investors:
Sign up here: http://www.investorideas.com/marketplace/signup.asp

In 2009, the focus of World Water Day on March 22 will be on transboundary waters: sharing water, sharing opportunities
http://www.worldwaterday.org/
http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/

About InvestorIdeas.com:
Investorideas.com creates a meeting place for investing ideas to take form and come to life in an entrepreneurial environment, servicing the needs of small investors and start- up companies to large conglomerates! We cover multiple industry sectors but specialize in environmental and water.

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: Neil Berlant and PFW do not currently compensate Investorideas.com but provides content for the Investorideas.com and Water –stocks.com portals
www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp

For More Information Contact:
Water-stocks.com
Dawn Van Zant 800-665-0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com
Web Site: www.InvestorIdeas.com www.water-stocks.com
PFW Water Fund
Neil Berlant - nberlant@pfwwaterfund.com

Source: Water-Stocks.com, Investorideas.com , PFW Water Fund





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Thursday, March 19, 2009

D & D Securities Company Provides Overview on “Disruptive” Thin Film Photovoltaic Technologies

D & D Securities Company Provides Overview on “Disruptive” Thin Film Photovoltaic Technologies

Concludes that best value for investors in the solar industry will be in peripheral devices that make solar PVsystems operate more efficiently and with lower input costs

Cites Sustainable Energy’s “parallel” operating system as most attractive and lowest cost operating system forthin film PV in rooftop and BIPV market segments

Calgary, Alberta – March 19, 2009 – On March 17, 2009, D & D Securities Company a Toronto based investmentdealer (www.dndsecurities.ca) published a report entitled “ Thin Film Photovoltaic – Through the Fog” providing anoverview of the rapidly changing industry dynamics.

The report concludes that thin film PV is a “disruptive” technology that will transform the PV solar market with afundamentally lower cost structure, enabling it to take significant market share from the incumbent PV modulemanufacturers.

The report also offered the following observations:• Lower panel prices are expected to spur demand by the second half of 2009 with the industry resuming annualgrowth of 30% and driving innovation to reduce cost improve system efficiencies and provide more systemdesign flexibility.• With over capacity and lower prices, choosing winners and losers among existing producers and newcomers onthe module side will be a challenge. The best value for investors may not be in the PV systems, but in theperipheral devices needed to make the system operate more efficiently with lower input costs.• Rooftop and building integrated PV systems will become an integral part of thin film growth strategy as indicatedby Ontario’s proposed $0.802 / kWh for roof top and the evidence is mounting that rooftops will adopt the moreflexible and suitable “parallel” architecture.• Sustainable Energy has the most attractive and lowest cost “parallel” operating system (patented) to make thinfilm more competitive in rooftop and building integrated market segments.The report can be viewed at the following link http://www.dndsecurities.ca/news/pdf/Thin_Film-Through_the_Fog.pdf. or by contacting Elizabeth Muchal Singh at 416.369.3302 or esingh@dominick.caAbout Sustainable EnergyBased in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Sustainable Energy Technologies Ltd (“Sustainable Energy” or the “Company”)(www.sustainableenergy.com) designs and manufactures advanced power inverters for the solar power industry.Advanced power inverters are a critical enabler of all modern solar PV power systems converting the direct current(“DC”) power output of the solar PV modules into the high quality alternating current (“AC”) power required by thepower grid. Advanced power inverters also optimize the performance of the solar PV modules and maintain theintegrity and safety of the interconnection with the power grid.
Sustainable Energy has developed and patented an inverter design which is a breakthrough in inverter technology.The Company’s products enable solar PV systems to be designed and installed using a “parallel” architecture so thateach PV panel operates at it optimum power point independently from the other panels in the string withoutcompromising electrical conversion efficiencies. The technologies also enables an inverter platform which theCompany believes will have one of the lowest costs/watt in the industry. Nine (9) patents are issued by the US andCanadian patent office with respect to the Company’s core concepts and software with other patents pending.

Forward Looking InformationThe views of D&D Securities Company concerning the matters discussed in the referenced report are its own, and the Companyexpresses no opinion concerning the information contained in the report, but is only making readers aware of the report and some of the highlights. The reader is advised that some of the information herein and in the referenced report may constitute forwardlooking statements within the meaning assigned by National Instruments 51-102 and other relevant securities legislation.Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties.

Manyfactors could cause the future events or developments, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of publication.
The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information please contact:Michael CartenPresident & CEOPhone: 403.508.7177 #111Michael. Carten @SustainableEnergy.com



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Q-Cells SE confirms figures for fiscal year 2008 andpublishes its Annual Report

Q-Cells SE confirms figures for fiscal year 2008 andpublishes its Annual Report

Bitterfeld-Wolfen, 19 March 2009 – Today, Thursday, 19 March 2009, Q-Cells SE (QCE; ISINDE0005558662) presents its Annual Report for 2008 at the press conference in Frankfurt/Main.

Thecompany therewith confirms its preliminary figures of 24 February 2009.
With a production volume of 570.4 MWp in its core business, Q-Cells SE was again the world’s largestmanufacturer of solar cells last year. Sales rose by 46 % to € 1,251.3 million (previous year:€ 858.9 million). EBIT, which was depressed to a much greater degree in the previous fiscal year bythe start-up costs of new technologies and the new production facility in Malaysia, grew by 4 % to€ 205.1 million (2007: € 197.0 million). Net income for the year totalled € 190.6 million, which isan increase of 28 % on the figure for the previous year of € 148.3 million.

Excluding the contributionfrom the investment in Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) net income for the year stood at€ 140.3 million (€ 127.2 million). Q-Cells has therefore successfully continued its expansionarycourse in the past year.

In addition to commissioning the final section of Line V in the first half of the year, the sixthproduction line was commissioned at the Bitterfeld-Wolfen site in the fourth quarter of 2008 allowingtotal cell capacity to be increased to 760 MWp. The new fab in Malaysia, on which constructionstarted in the second quarter of 2008, will launch the making of its first solar cells in Q2 this year. Inaddition to expansions in the core business, two of the thin-film subsidiaries or investments startedmass-production last year. Both Sontor GmbH and Solibro GmbH continued their ramp-up successfullyin the fourth quarter of 2008. Work also began on expanding capacity at Solibro to a total of 135 MWp(currently 30 MWp) in the fourth quarter. Across the Group, Q-Cells created a total of 861 new jobsthrough its expansion, which means that the company employed 2,568 individuals in total at the endof last year.


The Annual Report 2008 and an up-to-date presentation of the Company are available for downloadingin the Investor Relations section of Q-Cells SE’s website (www.q-cells.com).Contact information:Q-Cells SEOT ThalheimSonnenallee 17 - 2106766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germanywww.q-cells.comInvestor Relations:Stefan LissnerPhone: +49-(0)3494-6699 10101investor@q-cells.comPublic Relations:Stefan DietrichPhone: +49-(0)3494-6699 10111presse@q-cells.com



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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Protonex Awarded $3.3 Million Contract to Develop a Deployable Fuel Cell Power System for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Protonex Awarded $3.3 Million Contract to Develop a Deployable Fuel Cell Power System for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.----Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: AIM: PTX and PTXU), a leading provider of advanced fuel cell power systems for portable, remote and mobile applications, today announces that it will develop a robust, deployable pre-production fuel cell power system, designed for powering a small, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will be capable of extended flight duration and mission endurance. This work will be completed under an awarded $3.3M contract ($2.2M base award with a $1.1M option) from the Department of Defense (DoD) and will draw on continuing developments by Protonex of its unmanned power systems and UAV technologies.

Under the terms of this contract, which was expected by management, Protonex will customize one of its fuel cell power platforms and will integrate it into development partner, AeroVironment’s (NASDAQ: AVAV) “Puma-AE” UAV. The resulting UAV, powered by the Protonex fuel cell power system, is expected to enable new long-duration missions, not previously feasible with hand-launched UAVs powered by advanced batteries.

Protonex has already demonstrated its fuel cell power systems for small UAVs through programs with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and AeroVironment. Most recently, AeroVironment’s Puma UAV, utilizing a highly advanced fuel cell system from Protonex, broke its previous flight records and flew continuously for over nine hours—three to four times the endurance capability of its current rechargeable batteries.

Until recently, extended flight endurance capabilities were only achievable with larger scale, more costly UAV platforms. With the introduction of cutting-edge fuel cell propulsion systems from Protonex, new missions such as persistent surveillance, search and rescue, chemical-biological monitoring, and other long-endurance specialty missions can be achieved by smaller, more flexible, and cost-effective UAV platforms.

“This contract represents yet another significant milestone on our path towards the full commercialization of our power systems for UAVs and is a culmination of our development and demonstration efforts to date,” stated Dr. Paul Osenar, Chief Technology Officer, Protonex. “We look forward to continuing this progress to extend the reach of this UAV technology to other military and commercial markets.”

Notes to Editors

About Protonex Technology Corporation

www.protonex.com

Protonex Technology Corporation develops and manufactures compact, lightweight and high- performance fuel cell systems for portable power applications in the 100 to 1000-watt range. The Company’s fuel cell systems are designed to meet the needs of military, commercial and consumer customers for off-grid applications underserved by existing technologies by providing customizable, stand-alone portable power solutions and systems that may be hybridized with existing power technologies. The Company is headquartered in Southborough, Massachusetts.

About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)

www.avinc.com

Building on a history of technological innovation, AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Commercial and government entities use AV’s clean transportation solutions such as electric vehicle test systems and electric vehicle fast charge systems, as well as its clean power solutions.

This announcement includes statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, those regarding Protonex’ financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to Protonex’ products and services) are forward-looking statements. By their nature, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Protonex to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to those described in the Admission Document issued in connection with the Company’s admission to AIM.

Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement speak only as at the date of this announcement and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relation to Protonex’ operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.

Contacts Protonex Technology CorporationScott Pearson, +1 508-490-9960Chief Executive Officer




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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Stock Market in General and Solar Stocks in Particular; Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives - J. Peter Lynch

The Stock Market in General and Solar Stocks in Particular; Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch

March 17, 2009- Investorideas.com
Renewable and Solar Energy Perspectives with J. Peter Lynch
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The Stock Market in General and Solar Stocks in Particular

As I have said many times over the years solar stocks have a bright future, a very bright future. But investors have to understand a number of things about the current stock market and solar stocks in particular in order to fully take advantage of this long-term trend.

Markets go up and markets go down and these moves usually occur when it is least expected. At the present time solar stocks, the energy industry and the market in general have been in a very serious decline. The Dow Jones is breaking records everyday and the press is full of bearish articles about the market and about the questionable future of the solar industry.

If we take the time, look a little deeper and put aside the general media. I think we will see a very different picture and one that would suggest the very BEGINNING of “light at the end of the tunnel” and of the potential for investor’s to be a little more optimist at this time.

The General Market

The Dow Jones Industrial Index recently recorded a twelve year low and the media was FULL of doom and gloom. This terrible news was all over the financial press, accompanied by scenarios of more of the same to come. In fact, the recent survey from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) had fallen to the most bearish level in history – 70% of those surveyed felt that the direction of the market would be DOWN over the next 6 months.

There are four interesting items below to take note of from an historical perspective. Remember the bottom of a market is ALWAYS, by definition, the period of greatest fear. I have been a student of the market since 1975 and I can assure you that there is plenty of FEAR out there now.

1. The last two times the stock market hit a 12 years low was in 1974 and 1932. BOTH of these times proved to be once in a life time buying opportunities.

2. The previous record of FEAR by the AAII survey (67% bearish) was October of 1990 the very beginning of the great bull market of the 1990’s.

3. Remember corporate earnings and unemployment ALWAYS lag behind the stock market. So well after the market has turned around we will continue to see poor earnings and higher unemployment.

4. The current market is EXTREMELY technically “oversold” (i.e. beneath its 200 day moving average). In fact, it is more technically oversold than any time since 1930, JUST BEFORE the market moved up 48% in the 1930 bear market rally

Nothing is 100% for sure, as we all know. But I think we are either at a significant bottom or very close to it. Everything is so “oversold” at this time, that I think the worst case is that we get a significant rally in what could still be a bear market.

Two other items I think are worthy of note. Last week there were a number of indications that two very significant negatives could be turned to the positive very shortly.

1. The mark to market accounting rule will be modified to reflect “reality”. This will positively impact balance sheets significantly and should positively impact financial institutions especially.

2. The up-tick rule will be re-instated. This will stop short sellers from pushing stocks lower and fanning the flames of panic and fear. Ever since the rule was withdrawn (October 2007) it is OBVIOUS the effect it has had on the market.


Keep in mind that ALL the bad news out there is in media now. We already know all the bad news. Remember that the stock market IS actually a discounting mechanism which looks out 6 to 9 months into the future. We do not need GOOD NEWS to turn the market around, only LESS bad news.

The Solar Stock Market Sector

Solar stocks have also been doing terribly since the second quarter of 2007. Just like the general market, we need to look a little deeper, past the media hype, and see what is actually happening with solar stocks in the market. One of the measures (tools) that I utilize when looking at individual stocks is their 50 day moving average and whether the current price is above (bullish) the 50 day average or below (bearish) the average. It is not the only way to look at stocks and may not be the “best”, but it always seems to give me an idea of which way a stock is heading in the short to medium term and when looking at a specific market sector, what sort of condition that sector is in.

At the current time, 3 of the 35 solar stocks I follow are ABOVE (Bullish) their 50 day moving average. On the other hand 92% of the stocks (32 of 35) are BELOW (Bearish) their 50 day moving average. This clearly tells me to exercise caution in the solar sector and that the sector still needs some time to sort out the recent general market decline and a number of industry specific problems.

To put it a different way, I do not think ALL the bad news regarding the solar sector is out yet and that there will be future negative surprises, such as earnings disappointments (ENER earlier this week for example), inventory write-offs, and possibly even bankruptcies. The solar sector will probably get carried UP when the general market rallies, but since they will have to work out some additional problems; I do not think their rally will be sustainable.

However, if the current project financing “roadblock” suddenly opens up a much more sustainable rally would be possible, especially in the wind sector (i.e. the ETF “FAN” may be a conservative way to play this potential), and the stronger stocks would take the lead.

Numerous opportunities will come, but investor patience will be required to wait out this tough period and for sector volatility to “settle” down. This is still an embryonic industry and it is going through a painful retracement and consolidation phase.



Wall Street Wisdom – A few general lessons I have learned over the years

Assuming the above analysis is reasonably correct, what wisdom and benefits can be gained from this current situation?

1. Markets and stocks ALWAYS get ahead of themselves (in the short term) and subsequently go to extremes in both the up and down directions. I think we are at an unsustainable extreme (down) at this time and that we will get at least a significant rally shortly.

2. When an investor is researching potential investments they must understand that a company needs to be looked at in two ways:

a. As a company with a business and;
b. As a stock, separate from the business of the company

What I mean is that you can have a good company and a bad stock and you cannot “fall in love” with the company, you have to look at both. A perfect example of this is one of the greatest and most respected companies in the world – General Electric. I think it is still a “great” company, but the stock has gone from $42.00 in early 2008 to a low of approximately $6.00 last week – certainly NOT a great stock.

Has General Electric become an unsuccessful company that is going out of business and has no future? I seriously doubt it, but it is an almost perfect example of a good company (with temporary problems) and a stock that is reflecting those problems.

3. The solar industry has a very bright future, for decades to come. However, you have to keep in mind that we are only at the VERY BEGINNING of the industry’s growth. As a result, in addition to enormous opportunities that lie ahead, we will also most likely see above average volatility and more technical failures than successes. This is the way ALL new industries start up, grow and finally emerge. Investors have to be aware of this level of risk (and opportunity) and act appropriately according to their own financial tolerance for risk.

4. Any correction in solar stocks or the market in general can also be turned around and provide an advantage for the patient investor. When a sector or market corrects it generally takes ALL stocks (good and bad) down with it. However, once the correction has run its course the stronger stocks (i.e. those stocks with the highest “relative strength” compared to the general market and to their peer group) will ALWAYS come back to life faster. This is an excellent way for an investor to pick out the stronger companies in the sector and get involved before they have fully recovered.

Rewards come to those investors who are patient and do not follow the crowd

Aspiring investors need to acquire and nurture patience. Historical data clearly shows that more money is made MISSING the downside than catching the upside. As I read my e-mails from readers, I get the feeling that people really want to buy solar stocks and ride them into a bright future. Many times I get the sense that they are afraid, that if they delay, they will miss the chance to profit from the solar industries bright future. This is NOT true. There will be plenty of time and many advances and declines in the future. Be patient, look for the strongest stocks and try not to get swept up in the crowd, because the crowd is always wrong.

J. Peter Lynch

Mr. Lynch has worked, for 32 years as a Wall Street security analyst, an independent security analyst and private investor in small emerging technology companies. He has been actively involved in following developments in the renewable energy sector since 1977 and is regarded as an expert in this field. He was the contributing editor for 17 years to the Photovoltaic Insider Report, the leading publication in PV that was directed at industrial subscribers, such as major energy companies, utilities and governments around the world. He is currently a private investor and has from time to time been a financial/technology consultant to a number of companies. He can be reached via e-mail at: SOLARJPL@aol.com. Please visit his website for the promotion of solar energy – www.sunseries.net

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OREGON-BASED PLASTICS RECYCLER FIRST IN NATION TO RECLAIM SYNTHETIC CRUDE OIL FROM UNWANTED PLASTIC

OREGON-BASED PLASTICS RECYCLER FIRST IN NATION TO RECLAIM SYNTHETIC CRUDE OIL FROM UNWANTED PLASTIC

Agri-Plas ships first batches of crude oil to refinery

BROOKS, Ore. (March 17, 2009) ― In the latest showing of Oregon’s entrepreneurial and environmental prowess, Agri-Plas, an Oregon-based plastics recycler, is the first company in the nation to convert unwanted and typically unrecyclable agricultural plastics into crude oil and ship it to a refinery for commercial processing.

“The fact that Agri-Plas has been able to take plastic that would otherwise go directly into the waste stream and convert it into a commercial product that can eventually be pumped into a gas tank is truly groundbreaking,” said Tim McCabe, director of the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department.

Agri-Plas is now taking discarded and unwanted plastic that chokes landfills or is abandoned, burned or buried on Northwest farms and nurseries and is converting it back into synthetic crude oil. Plastic products include dirty agricultural film, greenhouse cover, mixed nursery and jug material, prepackaged food containers and lids, and other low- or zero-value plastics too dirty to economically bring to a higher value through normal recycling efforts. The company recently delivered its first full tanker (8,200 gallons) of oil to a refinery in Tacoma, Wash., which translates to a final delivery of 196 barrels of oil.

“The state of Oregon has been a key player in helping us bring this process to market,” said Mary Sue Gilliland, vice president operations and business development for Agri-Plas. “We hope that with financial assistance from the Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) we will be able to jumpstart construction of a new facility that will allow the company to increase crude oil production.”

The state of Oregon has made it a top priority to recruit and foster the growth of sustainability oriented businesses through a variety of financial mechanisms such as BETC, which covers up to 50 percent of a qualifying project’s applicable costs.

Agri-Plas is gearing up to deliver its second shipment of crude oil this month. The company is currently testing technology developed by Plas2Fuel, a Kelso, Washington alternative energy company, that created the unique process of converting plastic into high-value, synthetic crude oil. Agri-Plas is planning to expand its operations within the next several months. Within the next year, Agri-Plas hopes to create up to 58 new green-collar jobs at its headquarters in Brooks, Ore.

The synthetic crude oil that Agri-Plas is reclaiming from unwanted plastic can be refined for a variety of uses. The oil can be refined and used in literally thousands of high-end products ranging from makeup to food items, as well as gasoline, diesel, lubricants and other petroleum-based products.

Today, Agri-Plas is operating one plastic-to-oil converting unit. The company soon expects to add three more units, which will create one full system and will operate this venture under the name of Agri-Plas2Crude. In April of 2009, Agri-Plas2Crude plans to break ground on a new facility, which will eventually house a total of five, four-unit Plas2Fuel reclamation systems. In total, the 20 units will create enough reclaimed crude oil to deliver a full tanker for refining every single day. Oregon will once again lead the nation in recycling efforts and solutions for the agriculture community.


About Brooks, Oregon

Brooks is conveniently located just 10 miles south of Salem, the capital of Oregon, and 40 miles south of Portland, with easy access to the state’s main transportation route, Interstate 5. Brooks falls within Marion County, which has a population of 311,304 and boasts a wide array of businesses from world-class wineries to high-technology manufacturers.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Green Investor at Investorideas.com; How Will Solar PV Businesses Benefit From The New Incentives?

Green Investor at Investorideas.com; How Will Solar PV Businesses Benefit From The New Incentives?

Potential Impact on Solar Stocks First Solar (FSLR), Sunpower (SPWRA), Evergreen Solar (ESLR), Spire (SPIR), SunTech (STP) and XsunX (OTCBB: XSNX)


March 12, 2009, Point Roberts, WA -Green Investor at Investorideas.com reports on how Solar PV businesses may benefit from the new incentives.

Green Investor at Investorideas.com
http://www.investorideas.com/gi/ Paulo J. Nery

Solar stocks have taken a major beating in the past few months. The Claymore MAC Global Solar Energy Index ETF (TAN) has fallen 78% in the past six months. Most listed solar companies have fallen from 50% to 87% over that period. Since all renewable energy stocks are intrinsically tied to oil prices I am tempted to lay the blame on the oil markets which have fallen hard. The US Oil Index (USO) is down a mere 67% in the same period, though, only a few weeks ago it hit a low of 22.80, and that was 72% down from the same baseline. So perhaps they’re in the same ballpark.

Price declines for solar stocks over the past 6 months:
· First Solar (FSLR) down 51%
· Sunpower (SPWRA) down 73%
· Evergreen Solar (ESLR) down 86%
· Spire (SPIR) down 53%
· SunTech (STP) down 87%

At the same time, prices of solar modules have fallen which could hurt some manufacturer margins. One of the causes of this fall was Spain’s reduction of its solar subsidies. But this could be good news for buyers of solar modules who can now start picking up some bargains, possibly lifting demand again. As the market adage goes, “there’s no cure for low prices like low prices.”

A bright spark however, is the newly passed economic stimulus bill which should start boosting demand once again. With the extension of the Federal 30% tax credit and the removal of the $2000 cap, home owners will see the price of solar PV get much more affordable. For instance, last year a homeowner buying a 3 kilowatt system costing $28,500 might have paid $19,000 after the tax incentives, but this year it will cost about $13,000 based on California’s incentives and the newly uncapped Federal tax credit. Of course the incentive requires you to have a tax liability to offset, and rising unemployment may well diminish the residential market.

And, for commercial developers of solar facilities the new bill has provisions that would allow them to take the 30% tax credit as a grant instead.

The President’s “New Energy For America” plan calls for 10% of US electricity to come from renewable sources by 2012, then 25 per cent by 2025. That’s a doubling in just three years. The President has pledged to spend $15 billion per year over the next 10 years to stimulate private clean energy investments in solar power, wind power, biofuels and more efficient vehicles.

The new plans also call for:
* $30 billion for improving energy efficiency, which includes smart grid and battery technology
* $29 billion for modernizing roads and bridges
* $18 billion for clean water, flood control, and environmental restoration investments
* $8.4 billion for investments in transit, and $8 billion for investment in high-speed rail
* $7 billion for extending broadband services to underserved communities across the country

Another factor slowing down solar project development is tight credit. The economic downturn has certainly put pressure on clean energy funding, like everything else. But according to a recent survey conducted by New Energy Finance, out of the 106 institutional investors that took part in the study, about 50 percent plan to increase their exposure to the clean energy sector. These institutional investors like pension, banking and insurance funds hold $1 trillion in managed assets. One leading Swiss private bank, Bank Sarasin, told Reuters last week that they saw renewed opportunity in the US. Matthias Fawer, vice president of sustainable investment at the bank said, "Now with the stimulus package and the slowdown in Europe, especially in the Spanish solar market, we are moving to U.S. stocks." Yet another investor, Mitsubishi Corp. said on March 5th, that it plans to invest more in renewable energy, particularly solar power projects. It will invest in solar panels, solar parks and stocks.

So could this represent a bottom for the sector? And if so how should one pick the right companies to invest in?

First, the company's liquidity position and balance sheet need to be strong enough to carry it through this downturn. Look at sales growth and cash less any short-term debt for a measure of how much a company has to operate for the coming year. Today any companies that show growth can be considered strong. Also look for market leaders and companies with unique value propositions to set them apart.

Some of the companies best positioned to ride out the challenges of this year are the big market leading companies with adequate cash in hand. US manufacturer First Solar (FSLR) is one of these companies. Notice how their stock price collapse is far less than any of the other solar companies. First Solar also benefits because its panels are made from cheaper cadmium telluride rather than silicon. Also look at the other second generation solar companies I mentioned in my article of Jan 6, 2009. But even First Solar said last week that it would begin reducing prices on some of its panels to keep its competitive edge when it enters new markets.

Other well positioned companies include SunPower Corp, (SPWRA) because its highly-efficient modules command a price premium. Now that SunPower also installs the systems they have the maneuverability to adjust their margins between the different parts of the business.

Also look at Energy Conversion Devices (ENER), makers of Uni-Solar amorphous silicone panels. They were the innovators of lightweight flexible roll out modules that can be directly adhered to roof tops, also known as building integrated PV.

Suntech (STP) too has bought into the installation and finance business since its acquisition last October of El Solutions, and its joint venture with MMA Renewable Ventures called Gemini Solar Development. Gemini plans to finance, develop and operate solar power plants of 10 megawatts or more.

XsunX (OTCBB: XSNX) is another thin film innovator using amorphous silicon who, while at an earlier stage, shows promise. The company’s dual layer amorphous thin film design is cheaper to make and out performs other technologies in most climates. In a recent comparative study the company’s module design was shown to deliver the lowest levelized cost of all solar photovoltaic cell technologies. They have so far gained sales contracts for 19 MW deliverable through 2010. And they recently announced a prudent decision to reduce the capacity of their planned manufacturing facility in Oregon to approximately 13 MW which closely matches their commitments and saves the company roughly 25 million.

Despite the general weakness of the solar power sector, many analysts are saying there is great growth potential - just not very soon given the overcapacity, weak economy and difficulty in gaining funding. However, I’m looking for the escalating grass roots demand to lower greenhouse gas emissions and shift away from foreign fossil fuels to drive solar stocks along with other clean tech stocks higher once more. And the bounce could be very strong when it comes.

Paulo J. Nery

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.

Featured Showcase Solar Stock:

XsunX Inc. : (OTCBB: XSNX) 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/

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Disclaimer: 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.

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. XSNX is a featured company. Compensation disclosure for XSNX:
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Source: Investorideas.com, XsunX


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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

SCHOTT Solar AG confirms figures for fiscal 2008 and continues its expansion

SCHOTT Solar AG confirms figures for fiscal 2008 and continues its expansion

• Anniversary year closed with record result
• Production capacity expanded significantly in both divisions
• Business remains stable in first quarter of current fiscal year


March 10, 2009 (Mainz, Germany) – SCHOTT Solar AG closed the fiscal year 2007/08 with the best result in the company’s history. During its 50th anniversary year, the company clearly improved all relevant financial figures and significantly expanded the production capacity in the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) segment and the Photovoltaics (PV) segment. For the first quarter of the current fiscal year, SCHOTT Solar AG has reported stable business and the start-up of additional production lines.

"We are highly satisfied with the past fiscal year, as we have reached important milestones of our ambitious expansion plans in both segments, while at the same time achieving a sustainable increase in profitability," said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Martin Heming.

In the fiscal year 2007/2008 (1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008), SCHOTT Solar AG reported an impressive 70% increase in sales to EUR 482 million (previous year: EUR 283 million*). At the same time, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) improved noticeably to EUR 52 million (previous year: EUR 9 million*). The production capacity of both segments was expanded as planned in the past fiscal year. The capacity of the Photovoltaics segment increased to 205 MW for modules (previous year: 93 MW), while the capacity of the Concentrated Solar Power segment was expanded to 400 MWel (previous year: 200 MWel). The company invested EUR 141 million in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (previous year: EUR 88 million). As at 30 September 2008, the company employed 1,650 people worldwide (previous year: 1,037 people).
SCHOTT Solar AG envisages to boost production capacity further through the start-up and ramp up of additional production lines in both segments by the end of the fiscal year. The capacity of the Photovoltaics segment is scheduled to reach a total of 360 MW, with 1 GWel planned for the Concentrated Solar Power segment.
Based on the first-quarter results, SCHOTT Solar AG projects strong sales and earnings growth for fiscal 2008/2009. In the past weeks, however, the industry environment has become increasingly challenging and it is difficult to project the overall performance of the solar industry in 2009 not least due to the financial and economic crisis.
* The comparative FY 2006/2007 figures reflect a restatement of SCHOTT Solar AG’s profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement to the effect that SCHOTT Solar CSP GmbH is shown as a SCHOTT Solar AG subsidiary already as from the beginning of FY 2006/2007 instead of the actual economic effect from 1 October 2007. The Concentrated Solar Power division operated through SCHOTT Solar CSP GmbH and its Spanish subsidiary became part of SCHOTT Solar only in the FY 2007/2008, namely with economic effect from 1 October 2007.
* * * *
Number of characters: 2,487 incl. spaces
More information on the Internet under www.schottsolar.de
Press pictures can be downloaded at www.schott-pictures.net

SCHOTT Solar’s high quality products exploit the virtually inexhaustible potential of the sun as a renewable source of energy. For this purpose SCHOTT Solar produces important components for photovoltaic applications and solar energy plants with parabolic trough technology. In the photovoltaic industry, the company is one of the few integrated manufacturers of crystalline silicon wafers, solar cells and photovoltaic modules. Wafer production is mainly carried out through a WACKER SCHOTT Solar joint venture, which ensures the supply of silicon necessary for long-term growth. Thanks to over 20 years of experience in thin-film technology, SCHOTT Solar also regards itself as one of the industry’s cutting-edge companies. In receiver production for solar power plants with parabolic trough technology, SCHOTT Solar considers itself to be the market and technology leader. The receivers are key components in large-scale power plants that generate electricity from solar energy centrally on the basis of parabolic trough technology and can supply entire cities with power. SCHOTT Solar has production facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA and Spain. SCHOTT Solar’s innovative power and technological expertise date back to the late 1950s. SCHOTT Solar AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of the international SCHOTT technology group. SCHOTT develops special materials, components and systems for the household appliance, pharmaceutical, solar energy, electronics, optical and automotive industries. With around 17,300 employees, the SCHOTT Group generated a worldwide turnover of EUR 2.2 billion in fiscal year 2007/2008.
Contact:
SCHOTT Solar AG SCHOTT Solar AG
Lars Waldmann Burkhard Söhngen
Press and Public Relations Investor Relations
Tel: +49 (0)6023 - 91 1811 Tel: +49 (0)6023 – 91 1819
Fax: +49 (0)6023 - 91 1700 Fax: +49 (0)6023 - 91 1700
lars.waldmann@schottsolar.com burkhard.soehngen@schottsolar.com
www.schottsolar.de www.schottsolar.de






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Monday, March 09, 2009

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Awards $21M Contract to ICF International ICF to Support U.S. EPA’s Health Risk Assessment Efforts

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Awards $21M Contract to ICF International ICF to Support U.S. EPA’s Health Risk Assessment Efforts

FAIRFAX, Va.--Marsch 9 2009 --ICF Incorporated, LLC, a subsidiary of ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI), announced today that it won a new contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA). The five-year agreement, which started in February 2009, is valued at up to $21.0 million.

As EPA’s resource center for human health and ecological risk assessment, NCEA serves to bridge the agency’s research and regulatory functions. Under the contract, ICF will support NCEA’s efforts to conduct risk assessments on chemicals, chemical mixtures, microorganisms, and other environmental stressors. As part of that support, ICF will assist NCEA in developing state-of-the-art methods, models, databases, and guidance documents for human health risk assessment. Specific tasks include analyzing toxicological data; evaluating human exposures; conducting statistical analyses and modeling; conducting risk assessment studies; reviewing research and developing documentation to assess EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards; and developing software and documentation for risk assessment databases and computer tools.

“The ICF Team offers the ideal combination of internationally recognized experts, proven management practices, and a large staff of credentialed scientists, all of which provide NCEA with ready access to a wide variety of risk assessment capabilities,” stated John Cowdery, senior vice president for Environment, Planning, & Infrastructure. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to extend our long-term relationship of providing risk assessment support to EPA and look forward to bringing new energy and perspectives to help NCEA accomplish its mission.”

About ICF International

ICF International (NASDAQ:ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions in the energy, climate change, environment, transportation, social programs, health, defense, and emergency management markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from analysis and design through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 3,000 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF’s Web site is www.icfi.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-looking Statements

This document may contain “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995—that is, statements related to future—not past—events, plans, and prospects. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “guidance,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our future expectations, contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial position, or state other forward-looking information, and are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. For ICF, particular uncertainties that could adversely or positively affect the Company’s future results include but are not limited to: risks related to the government contracting industry, including the timely approval of government budgets, changes in client spending priorities, and the results of government audits and investigations; risks related to our business, including our dependence on contracts with U.S. Federal Government agencies and departments and the State of Louisiana; continued good relations with these and other customers; success in competitive bidding on recompete and new contracts; performance by ICF and its subcontractors under our contract with the State of Louisiana, Office of Community Development, including but not limited to the risks of failure to achieve certain levels of program activities, termination, or material modification of the contract, and political uncertainties relating to The Road Home program; uncertainties as to whether revenues corresponding to the Company’s contract backlog will actually be received; the future of the energy and air transportation sectors of the global economy; our ability to attract and retain management and staff; strategic actions, including attempts to expand our service offerings and client base, the ability to make acquisitions, and the performance and future integration of acquired businesses; risks associated with operations outside the United States, including but not limited to international, regional, and national economic conditions, including the effects of terrorist activities, war, and currency fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These uncertainties may cause ICF’s actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. ICF does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.



Contacts ICF InternationalLindsey Litton, +1.571.265.1472llitton@icfi.com



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Saturday, March 07, 2009

Government of Canada Investing in Green, Clean Economy Sustainable Development Technology Canada Funds 16 New Projects

Government of Canada Investing in Green, Clean Economy Sustainable Development Technology Canada Funds 16 New Projects
March. 6, 2009
The Canadian economy became cleaner today as 16 new projects that develop and demonstrate emerging clean technologies were awarded $53 million. The announcement, confirming the decision of the Board of Directors of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), was made today by the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources and Vicky Sharpe, SDTC's President and CEO.
"It's especially important now for this government to support clean technologies such as these that provide opportunities for economic growth while offering innovative solutions to help tackle climate change," said the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. "Our government is working to accelerate key investments in Canada's infrastructure in order to create jobs and help stimulate our economy."
"The investments of federal funding that we are announcing today also demonstrate the Government of Canada's action to help protect the jobs of today while readying our economy to create the jobs of tomorrow," added the Honourable Minister Prentice, Minister of the Environment. "Federal funding for Sustainable Development Technology Canada also demonstrates our commitment to the development of science and technology applications that offer the potential to improve environmental quality, human health and economic growth."
The promising Canadian clean technology projects included in this funding round offer technological solutions to the challenges Canada is currently facing in strengthening the economy while responding to environmental issues. These innovations can be used in multiple major economic sectors ranging from power generation to agriculture and waste management.
"The projects we are adding to our portfolio this round have great potential and they can really make a difference to the lives of Canadians," said SDTC Chairman Juergen Puetter. "SDTC's financial support will help them get through the development and demonstration stages, paving their path to commercialization so that the environmental and economic benefits they bring can be enjoyed by all."
The breadth of technologies and the cross-country representation of this funding round addresses multiple sectors of the Canadian economy. For example:
Clean energy production using a process that will facilitate the complex production of lignocellulosic ethanol while reducing the amount of energy required. This process will be integrated into an existing ethanol facility on a pre-commercial, pilot scale using corn cobs - the non-food residuals from harvesting corn - as the feedstock.
There are several advanced technology projects applicable to the forestry, wood products, and pulp and paper product industries coming from BC and Ontario. One converts forest waste into a more usable bio-carbon for energy production while the other uses sophisticated processes to create a biolatex binder for paperboard manufacturing which is potentially superior to the petrochemical alternative.
The agricultural community needs ways to reduce costs and environmental impacts which, in this example, can be achieved using a disruption nano-technology platform for delivery of agricultural chemicals in food production.
An energy-efficient building technology that has the potential to cut home heating costs by 10% while simultaneously improving indoor air quality.
These new investments bring SDTC's total portfolio value to over $1.3 billion. SDTC's SD Tech Fund(TM) has completed thirteen funding rounds, committing $376 million to 154 clean technology projects, and leveraging $905 million from project consortia members. These figures include adjustments made to the portfolio.
"Clean technologies provide us the necessary tools to green our economy," said SDTC President and CEO Vicky Sharpe. "Increasing the amount of clean technologies that are developed, demonstrated and ultimately commercialized here in Canada is the key to a vibrant and sustainable Canadian economy."
The newly funded projects are representative of the investment priorities established in the SD Business Cases(TM), a series of five reports published by SDTC and which provide strategic insights into specific economic sectors, including clean conventional fuels, biofuels and commercial buildings.
SDTC launched its latest call for Statements of Interest (SOI) for the SD Tech Fund on February 25, 2009. Applicants with projects that bring technological solutions which fall under the investment priorities established in the SD Business Cases(TM) (available in the Knowledge Centre section of the SDTC website at www.sdtc.ca) or that address climate change, clean air, clean water and clean soil issues are encouraged to apply. Solutions that address more than one focus area are of greatest interest.
About SDTC
SDTC is an arm's-length foundation which has received $1.05 billion from the Government of Canada as part of its commitment to create a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all Canadians.
SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions. The $550 million SD Tech Fund(TM) supports projects that address climate change, air quality, clean water, and clean soil. The $500 million NextGen Biofuels Fund(TM) supports the establishment of first-of-kind large demonstration-scale facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels.
SDTC operates as a not-for-profit corporation and has been working with the public and private sector including industry, academia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the financial community and all levels of government to achieve this mandate.
Detailed information on the 16 projects, including their descriptions, can be found at www.sdtc.ca .
Round 13 Funded Projects:
1. Lead organization: Alterna Energy Inc., Prince George, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Forestry, Wood Products and Pulp & Paper Products
2. Lead organization: A.U.G. Signals Ltd., Toronto, Ontario
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
3. Lead Organization: dPoint Technologies Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
4. Lead organization: ECOSYNTHETIX Inc., Milton, Ontario
Economic Sector: Forestry, Wood Products and Pulp & Paper Products
5. Lead organization: General Fusion Inc., Burnaby, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Power Generation
6. Lead organization: Greenfield Ethanol Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Economic Sector: Energy Exploration and Production
7. Lead organization: Innovente inc., St-Ferreol-les-Neiges, Quebec
Economic Sector: Waste Management
8. Lead organization: Integran Technologies Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
9. Lead organization: Nexterra Energy Corp., Vancouver, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Power Generation
10. Lead organization: Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting Inc., Edmonton Alberta
Economic Sector: Agriculture
11. Lead organization: Performance Plants Inc., Kingston, Ontario
Economic Sector: Agriculture
12. Lead Organization: REGEN Energy Inc., Toronto, Ontario
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
13. Lead organization: SunCentral Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
14. Lead organization: SyncWave Systems Inc., Pemberton, British Columbia
Economic Sector: Power Generation
15. Lead organization: TROPE DesignResearch Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
16. Lead organization: Vive Nano, Toronto, Ontario
Economic Sector: Energy Utilization
Contacts:Media Relations:SDTCPatrice BretonDirector, Communications613-234-6313 x295p.breton@sdtc.ca
Natural Resources Canada - OttawaOffice of the MinisterJasmine MacDonnellPress Secretary613-996-2007
Application Process:SDTCSebastien Prince-RichardManager, Applications613-234-6313 x232applications@sdtc.ca





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Friday, March 06, 2009

Ernst & Young and New Energy Finance Form Relationship to Strengthen Their Offering in the Clean Energy and Clean Technology Markets

Ernst & Young and New Energy Finance Form Relationship to Strengthen Their Offering in the Clean Energy and Clean Technology Markets

Data and sponsorship deal announced at second annual New Energy Finance Summit

LONDON March -Ernst & Young and New Energy Finance announced that they have formed a new business relationship that will strengthen their offering to the clean energy and clean technology markets. New Energy Finance is the leading provider of clean energy industry information and analysis to investors, corporations and governments relating to renewable energy and low carbon technologies. The two organizations will work together with the common goal of providing fresh and valuable content that will support and advance the global clean energy and clean technology markets.


Gil Forer, Ernst & Young’s Global Director of Cleantech, IPO and Venture Capital Initiatives, comments: “Reaching the next stage of cleantech industry development, especially in current economic conditions, will depend on an unprecedented level of collaboration between companies, investors, governments and professional groups. By joining forces, Ernst & Young and New Energy Finance will broaden and deepen the range of data, insights and industry strategic events available to support the cleantech community as it moves to the next level.
“This relationship supports Ernst & Young’s wider commitment to helping corporations make the transformational changes needed to mitigate and adapt to the adverse affects of climate change through our range of climate change and sustainability services. We are also committed to helping innovative cleantech companies on their journey from emerging to global market leaders.”

Ernst & Young’s business relationship with New Energy Finance consists of data, sponsorship and knowledge sharing components. Benefits to the clean energy and clean technology markets include:
Broader data. By regularly sharing market insights both parties will be able to broaden and deepen the range of data and insights available to the clean energy and clean technology markets. Insights will focus on clean energy as it relates to venture capital, private equity, corporate investments and project finance. Easier access to data and viewpoints. New Energy Finance data will be disseminated via established Ernst & Young publications, news releases and webcasts. Ernst & Young’s news releases and publications will also be available at www.newenergyfinance.com. Wider range of industry convening events. Ernst & Young will support New Energy Finance’s series of strategic events as the Professional Services Partner of the New Energy Finance Summit (London, March 4-6) and their Food For Thought program (FFT) which includes 15 issue-based roundtable discussions across the world. New Energy Finance will support Ernst & Young’s various strategic clean energy events including the insight-based Ignition roundtable discussions. "This partnership brings together two world-class organizations with complementary resources and a shared commitment to clean energy industry excellence. Particularly in this economy, New Energy Finance’s approach is to work with the best global partners to assist our respective clients in accessing a wider pool of resource,” noted Michael Liebreich, New Energy Finance Chairman and CEO.


About New Energy Finance
New Energy Finance’s goal is to help clients create value through their activities in clean energy and the carbon markets. To this end it delivers a range of services including news and newsletters, investment data, subscription-based research, advisory services and events. The sectors it covers include all areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen and fuel cells, nuclear power, carbon capture and sequestration, water, the carbon markets and associated services.

Founded in 2004, the company has 125 staff, based in its London headquarters and 10 offices around Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. It has four offices in the US: New York leads on US carbon market research and is the North American head office; Washington leads on energy research; Palo Alto leads on technology; San Francisco is the West Coast commercial hub. Cape Town, South Africa, is the company’s off-shore data centre. Other major offices include São Paulo, Beijing, Hyderabad, Perth and Tel Aviv.


Ernst & Young’s Cleantech global initiative
Ernst & Young works with companies, large and small, new and established, and in any industry as they transform their businesses in response to the challenges of climate change. We also work around the globe with the emerging cleantech market leaders, from alternative and renewable energy companies to energy efficiency and water solutions companies. Ernst & Young is also committed to fostering dialogue among large corporations, innovative emerging cleantech growth companies, investors and other stakeholders. We hope to make a difference by being a proactive player in the common effort to overcome the climate change challenges we face.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. For more information, please visit www.ey.com.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.
Contacts Ernst & Young Global PRFerne Hudson, +44 20 7980 0848ferne.hudson@uk.ey.com


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Thursday, March 05, 2009

DOE Announces Investment of up to $84 Million in Geothermal Energy

DOE Announces Investment of up to $84 Million in Geothermal Energy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the release of two Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) for up to $84 million to support the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Geothermal energy technologies use energy from the earth to heat buildings and generate electricity. Enhanced Geothermal Systems offer the potential to extend geothermal resources to larger areas of the western United States, as well as into new geographic areas of the entire country. These projects will help support the Administration’s efforts to invest in clean energy technologies, create millions of new jobs, end our addiction to foreign oil, and address climate change.

“President Obama has laid out an ambitious agenda to put millions of people to work by investing in clean energy technology like geothermal energy,” said Secretary Chu. “The Administration is committed to funding important research like this to transform the way we use and produce energy and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”

Conventional geothermal energy systems must be located near easily-accessible geothermal water resources, limiting its nationwide use. EGS technology would allow power generation in a broad variety of geographic locations. EGS makes use of available geothermal resources to heat engineered reservoirs, which can then be tapped to produce electricity.

The FOAs will explore two specific areas: component research and development/analysis; and support for EGS demonstration projects.

The first FOA seeks advanced technology to address important aspects of engineered geothermal reservoir creation, management, and utilization. DOE anticipates making 20 to 30 awards for a total value of up to $35 million under this FOA, based on annual appropriations. Proposals will be evaluated based on their applicability to the program’s multi-year research, development, and demonstration plan; level of technical innovation; and ability to introduce new technologies into the marketplace. Research teams comprised of academia, industry, or both are expected to apply. The FOA can be found on Grants.gov.

In addition, DOE will continue its partnership with the geothermal community to support field demonstrations of EGS technologies. The second FOA seeks domestic projects in a variety of geologic formations that will quantitatively demonstrate and validate reservoir creation techniques that sustain sufficient fluid flow and heat extraction rates for 5-7 years and that produce at least 5 MWe per year per project. DOE anticipates making 5 to 10 awards under this announcement for up to $49 million, based on annual appropriations. Applicants eligible to apply include institutions of higher education, non-profit entities, for-profit private entities, State/Local Governments, and Indian tribes. The FOA can be found also be found on Grants.gov.

For each of the Financial Opportunity Announcements, DOE and non-DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), National Laboratories, and federal agencies will be allowed as subcontractors only with any of the previously mentioned entities.

Learn more information about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program.

Media contact(s):(202) 586-4940





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