May 8, 2012 – The stage is set for the new Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. The new version of the high-performance Roadster impresses on several counts: systematic lightweight construction, a boost in output and driving dynamics, and 30 % lower fuel consumption and emissions. Thanks to an all-aluminium bodyshell, similar to that of the SLS AMG super sports car, the vehicle weight has been reduced by 125 kilograms.

May 8, 2012 – Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) today joined the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) and SunDurance Energy to dedicate the Kearny Landfill Solar Farm, the first solar project on a state-owned landfill. The 3-megawatt (MW) installation is part of PSE&G’s Solar 4 All™ program and was built on a 13-acre capped section of the closed NJMC 1A Landfill.

The project is a joint effort between PSE&G, the NJMC, which manages the landfill, and SunDurance Energy, an Edison-based solar developer, which did the construction. It was funded in part by an $8.5 million New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Program grant awarded to the NJMC.  The installation of more than 12,500 solar panels on the closed landfill illustrates how clean energy projects can breathe new life into otherwise unusable sites, according to PSE&G’s president, Ralph LaRossa.

“This project opens a new chapter in New Jersey lore,” LaRossa said. “These landfills have sat dormant for years, and have been a familiar site to northern New Jersey residents for as long as I can remember. This project updates that story, showing how 21st century technology coupled with public-private partnerships can return even the most unusable space to a productive purpose.”

“With the support of the Christie administration, we hope that this is the first of several landfill solar projects that transform sites all over the state into a source of pride and clean renewable energy,” LaRossa added.

PSE&G owns and operates the solar farm and leases the land from the NJMC, creating a new source of revenue for the commission. The facility began operations in December 2011.

NJBPU President Bob Hanna, who attended the dedication ceremony, also noted: “Today’s dedication of the first solar project developed on a state-owned landfill is a major milestone in the Christie administration’s efforts to support renewable energy projects. “This project is a great example of the policies contained in the 2011 State Energy Master Plan because it supports the development of solar power with the added benefit of making productive an otherwise useless site.”

The NJMC is a regional leader in the production and promotion of renewable energy. In addition to creating the NJMC 1A Landfill Solar Project, the Commission in January unveiled a 120-kilowatt carport solar canopy consisting of 504 photovoltaic panels covering a section of the Commission’s main parking lot in Lyndhurst.

“The Christie administration, the Meadowlands Commission and PSE&G are leading by example in pursuing smart, effective and realistic renewable energy policies that help to improve the environment and boost economic growth,” said Marcia Karrow, executive director of the NJMC. “The Commission is happy to help advance the governor’s energy goals and pleased that the NJMC 1A Landfill Solar Project is now part of PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program.”

The Kearny Landfill Solar Farm joins three other PSE&G Solar 4 All projects (in Linden, Trenton and Edison, NJ) that utilize brownfields. Another brownfield solar farm is in development on PSE&G property in Hackensack. As with all Solar 4 All projects, power from the Kearny Meadowlands Landfill Solar Farm flows directly to the electric grid for the benefit of all PSE&G electric customers

Solar 4 All is a $450 million program to develop 80 MW of solar capacity while creating good jobs, helping New Jersey reach its renewable energy goals and increasing the state’s reputation as a national leader in solar development. More than 64 MW already are in service, with the rest expected to be in service by late 2012 or early 2013.

The program is equally divided into two segments. The first consists of developing more than 20 centralized solar installations and includes the Kearny Landfill Solar Farm. The second consists of installing up to 40 MW of pole-attached solar panels in neighborhoods on utility poles in PSE&G’s service territory.

May 6, 2012 – How do you use solar power at night?  Inc. Magazine reported this month on Halotechnics of Emeryville, California.  They have developed a glass that is stable up 1,200 degrees C [2,192 degrees Fahrenheit] when melted.  Concentrated sunlight will superheat the molten glass during the day and the stored heat can be used to make electricity when the sun isn’t shining. Halotechnics hopes to commercialize the product by 2015 and it has received a $3.3 million grant from the US government.  Hopefully, it won’t end up like Solyndra.  Please leave your comments here.

The following video shows the arrival in Monaco of Turanor PlanetSolar, the largest solar powered ship. Records include: Longest journey by a solar-powered boat (31,484 miles; not including side trips made by Turanor PlanetSolar); first circumnavigation by a solar-powered boat; fastest crossing of South China Sea by solar power; fastest crossing of the Atlantic by solar power; and largest solar-powered boat. The video is in English and French.

May 5, 2012 – Statoil (OSE:STL, NYSE:STO) and Rosneft signed a cooperation agreement. The companies have agreed to jointly explore offshore frontier areas of Russia and Norway and to conduct joint technical studies on two onshore Russian assets.

May 5,  2012 – Yesterday, the US issued a proposed rule governing hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas on public lands that will require disclosure of the chemicals used in the process.

May 1, 2012 – Citigroup analyst Timothy Arcuri raised his rating on Sunpower to Buy from Hold; for Yingli Green Energy from Sell to  Buy.  He maintained his Buy ratings on Trina Solar, MEMC Electronic Materials and Advanced Energy Industries.  Which of the above do you own?  When did you buy them?  Do you plan to hold them or sell shortly?  Please leave  your comments here.

May 1, 2012 – BioSolar, Inc. (OTCBB: BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules,  announced that it is in the final stage of selecting a U.S. manufacturer for the full-scale production of the company’s BioBacksheet for North American customers. The company has received quotes from qualified manufacturers and expects to name its supplier for initial orders soon.

Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s chief technology officer, who is spearheading the selection process, commented, “We have carefully chosen and reviewed a number of major manufacturers, and we will soon select the best fit for BioSolar. All of the candidates being considered have state-of-the-art equipment and the know-how to manufacture BioBacksheet to the extremely high standards demanded by our PV customers. We have entered into contract negotiations and expect to sign an agreement with a supplier for our North American customers within 30 days.”

To drive its costs even lower and seize this unique market opportunity, BioSolar recently revised its strategic plan and entered into additional strategic partnerships with manufacturers capable of producing and delivering BioBacksheet in large volume at low cost. In addition to its North American customers, who are already pursuing panel level UL certification of their solar panels with BioBacksheet, BioSolar is accelerating its selling efforts to Asian solar manufacturers.

Commenting on the company’s growth, Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s chief executive officer, said, “We are making great progress transitioning into a go to market mode. We will be implementing internal quality control and measurement standards, developing logistics for shipping and handling product and building up our marketing and sales infrastructure. This is a challenging endeavor, but I firmly believe we are on track to achieve commercial success.”

Apr 30, 2012 – Toyota is starting to advertise the New Scion iQ car that looks similar to the smartCar from Daimler.  Here’s the copy: i AM THE WORLD’S SMALLEST 4-SEATER: i HAVE UNPARALLED PARKING. i TURN ON A 12.9 ft. DIME.  i AM 5 X 10 FEET. i AM GOING TO BE BIG. THE NEW SCION iQ  iQ THEREFORE i AM.