“Solar is a complex global market with a wide variety of participants — from banks and governments, to manufactures and distributors. As evidenced by the massive increase in size of Intersolar North America 2009, this is an event that brings together the entire solar value chain to connect, develop partnerships and help define the vision for solar’s future,” said Markus Elsaesser, CEO of Solar Promotion International GmbH, organizer of Intersolar North America. “With the massive infusion of public and private capital over the last year, there has never been a bigger opportunity for solar’s growth — despite the economy. Intersolar North America 2009 will help our industry seize every advantage to advance solar as a ubiquitous energy source,” Elsaesser said.

For a diverse global industry including photovoltaics and solar thermal for both residential and commercial markets, the challenge of patchwork of regulations, incentives and quality standards can hinder market success. Intersolar North America’s exhibition will help both domestic and international solar businesses connect with other businesses to strengthen their positions and further the industry. Exhibitors from around the world, such as Solar World (Germany), LDK Solar (China), Nexolon (Korea), Schuco (Germany), Applied Materials (U.S.A.), Canadian Solar (Canada) and Acciona Solar Power (U.S.A.), will be among the 500 companies featured at the 2009 expo, designed to create access for attendees to the entire value chain of companies that make up the $50 billion international solar industry.

Intersolar North America is the premier exposition, attracting the top suppliers, buyers and technologists who are leading the charge toward the greening of America,” said Dan Martin, executive vice president of the SEMI PV Group. “Visitors will gain keen insight into the North American and global solar industries by taking part in the vast array of educational programs and discussions offered to create strong global relationships for those within the industry.”

Intersolar North America 2009’s exhibition programs are also expanding to accommodate the growing needs of the solar industry this year, including the expansion of the Innovation Exchange and the addition of the Job and Career Forum. The Innovation Exchange, which showcases innovative and new products or services in 25 minute presentations, will feature double the amount of planned presentations by exhibitors.

To help the industry fill the potential 5 million green jobs needed by the renewable energy industry over the next 15 years, according to The RAND Corporation, the Job and Career Forum, powered by Solarjobs.com, will host a variety of presentations on available training programs, the solar job market and details on future career opportunities within the solar industry. To connect attendees seeking solar jobs and companies looking to fill positions, the Job and Career Forum will provide free job search computer terminals, and will feature Solarjobsplus - Executive Search and Talent Management, a dedicated program to address the recruitment needs of senior and specialist candidates.

About Intersolar North America

Intersolar North America is the most diverse international business-to-business trade show in the United States for the global solar industry. As the only solar trade show in North America dedicated to recruiting companies across the solar supply chain from around the world, Intersolar helps the industry improve global supply, distribution, training, regulation and business issues in order to accelerate market transformation and advance solar as a significant part of the global energy supply. Intersolar North America 2009 features an expected 500 exhibitors and 15,000 trade visitors in San Francisco’s Moscone Center West on July 14-16. Intersolar North America was created in 2008 as a sister event to Intersolar in Munich, the world’s largest and longest-running solar technology trade show. http://www.intersolar.us/.

SOURCE Intersolar North America

As of the moment the golf cart can be found in a few retirement communities as well as some clubs in Arizona and South Florida. Personally, I wouldn’t mind having one to cruise around town down here in Texas. I mean, it wouldn’t be wise to take this cart on the highway, but at 35 mph. I think it might be fun to cruise down to the post office or maybe the local park and work on that horrid drive of mine.

Source: CNET.News

We all know that this technology isn’t new, but now more than ever more manufacturers are looking into implementing this new plug-in technology. Think about it, automakers are now able to shift focus away from all inclusive technology and focus more on supplemental applications. I mean, consider the cost of a new vehicle including some sort of solar array to power the vehicle. Granted, solar panels on your home will cost some cash, but for the automakers and homeowners it is really a win-win situation. 

With the current financial crisis taking its toll on many businesses, especially the automakers, it is cool to see that they are trying to find innovative ways to move their companies forward. My understanding is that the big three Detroit automakers are utilizing this technology in many new models, but I wouldn’t expect to see solar Ferrari parts anytime in the near future. Then again, if you could afford a Ferrari I suppose you wouldn’t be too concerned about the cost associated with solar anything. Regardless, there are a lot of cool new innovative vehicles moving out of the concept phase and into production. These are exciting new times for those of us interested in solar energy and applications.

Source: AboutMyPlanet.com

"This is a significant step in the development and deployment of renewable solar power," said Michael W. Allman, president and chief executive officer of Sempra Generation in a press release.

The project’s solar modules employ an advanced thin-film semiconductor technology to convert sunlight into electricity without air emissions or water use.  These modules will generally produce more electricity under real-world conditions than conventional solar modules with similar power ratings, according to the release.

Unlike some solar power projects, El Dorado Energy’s solar power plant will not use water or other liquids in the power-generation process.  This water conservation feature makes the project especially suitable to the arid U.S. Southwest.

Sempra operates natural gas fueled electric plants throughout the Pacific Southwest and northern Mexico. The company plans to expand the Nevada plant and is looking to build another near Phoenix.

Sempra sees a ready market in California. That state is requiring utilities to use renewable sources for 20% of the power it sells by 2010.

Nearby residents and employees were affected by the noxious odors. The refinery was looking at a $150,000 cost to run power to the pond and begin upgrading the system.
In December 2004, SolarBee installed two solar powered odor capping machines. One machine is tethered to shore mounted photovoltaic panels. Panels are mounted directly on the other machine. The two machines look like a small boat on the water. Each looks something more like a communication satellite when seen in whole.
The SolarBees circulate the water and eliminate the smell.
The generators and brushes are gone and so is the $150,000 annual cost to operate and maintain them. The SolorBees have had no maintainance issues and work quietly 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Energy savings alone paid for the two SolarBee units in less than a year.

We’ll also be doing some unrelated coverage of ASW, a marketing convention that kicks off on the evening of the 11th and ends on the 13th.

Last year the number of solar products at CES was a little disappointing, but that was before oil hit $142 per barrel. It will be very interesting to see how many CE solar products or solar home products are at the show.

Currently, the Glow Brick is about $19.99. I’m not too sure about any practical applications for this gadget other than ambient light while camping or perhaps a night-light for the kids (or nerdy adult “kids”). I’m also not terribly certain as to whether or not this product would really lessen your monthly utility costs due to the miniscule item (night-light) that it would be replacing. I suppose I am reading a bit too deeply into this one. This product is meant to be fun for folks interested in solar energy and creepy glowing green things.

Source: Coolest-Gadgets.com

The science behind it all isn’t new. Thin solar film was coined several years ago in Europe and has led to many other solar gadgets and applications, but hasn’t been implemented on any ambitious/large-scale projects that I am aware of. Honestly, I don’t think they have used this technology on anything larger than a pair of Nikon binoculars. I suppose only time will tell if this project will function at capacity and yield the results that so many i the community are hoping for. I for one, am excited to see that there are so many different people working together to find a solution to one of our times greatest crisis.

Requirements
• Degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
• Experienced engineering manager or construction manager for commercial /industrial construction projects;
• Highly organized and detail oriented. Able to prioritize and multitask effectively;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to convey technical concepts in a concise manner to customers, sub contractors, co workers and executive management;
• Strong understanding of the NEC and UBC and other related codes and standards;
• Fluent in ACAD, MSWord, Excel and MS Project;
• Confident, assured and easy going style and able to manage to both timeline and profitability requirements;
• Ability to translate company vision into actionable plans that result increased capacity for the company to efficiently respond to and secure commercial projects;
• Experienced in large commercial photovoltaic power systems preferred but not mandatory. Training will be provided if candidate has no previous solar electric design experience;
• Able to foresee the human resources required for growth and effectively hire, mentor and build a world class team that is able to parallel our fast- moving commercial sales team.

Company
Now is the time to consider REC Solar. Our vision is to make solar electricity part of the mainstream energy supply. By commercializing energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, we can contribute to a more secure and sustainable world.

This is a multidisciplinary management position based in San Luis Obispo, CA linking sales, engineering, construction and project management. This position would not only allow you the chance to impact the careers of a team of bright and passionate engineers, but improve the planet in the process.

Location:
San Luis Obispo

Compensation:
BOE

As the listing says, this job can give you an opportunity to ‘improve the planet in the process’.  If you are on the West Coast considering this option, you might even consider a spring trip to the Outer Banks and spend some time in Outer Banks rentals to soak up the warm ocean water and the plush surroundings to get your head straight and build your motivation levels even higher.

The Product Design Manager will be responsible for the entire product portfolio as it relates to photovoltaics. The main focus of this position will be to ensure that the products (up to now designed in Europe) clearly reflect the requirements for the North American markets. This person will act as a liaison between the company’s R&D/Engineering department and the regional solar markets in North America and serve as the company’s ‘eyes and ears’ for market trends and developments. He/she will communicate frequently with customers (e.g. solar dealers, distributors, installers, utilities), sales managers and other market players to determine product requirements and make sure that this market-driven feedback is incorporated into the already very successful product line. Another key deliverable will be to research, recruit and develop relationships with US-based suppliers to increase significantly the local content of the PV product line.

This position offers ample room for career progression.

Requirements

• -Minimum 3+ years experience in a technical capacity in the solar industry (e.g. Product Manager/ Developer, PV systems Designer, Applications Engineer, etc).
• - A BA/BS in a related technical or business field is required. An advanced degree such as an MBA is a plus.
• - Strong technical aptitude. A background in mechanical or electrical engineering would be of great value.
• - Strong research and analytical abilities combined with strategic vision and business acumen. Able to develop a deep knowledge of the workings of the US solar energy market and a solid understanding of the technical side of solar products.
• - Strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow for effective interaction with internal teams and with the company’s customer and supplier base. Able to develop and convey persuasive ideas regarding the strategic development and successful market positioning of the PV products.
• - Proven ability to work and excel in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial environment.
• - Experience working for an international organization strongly preferred.
  The ideal candidate should be a go-getter with a strong can-do and hands-on attitude. He/she should combine self-confidence, team-orientation and a high energy level with ethics, integrity and finesse.

Company
We are an international executive search firm specializing in the renewable energies and high-tech industries. We serve clients ranging from early stage start-ups to Fortune 500 companies with a thorough, analytical and fair approach.

Our client company is one of the global leaders in the alternative energy and building industry. The company provides a full range of photovoltaic and solar thermal products and is expanding its market offerings of heat pumps, solar cooling and other cutting edge technologies. The company currently serves the dealer and installer channels and the commercial market and will soon enter the utility market as well.

Relocation:
Negotiable

Location:
Bay Area

Compensation:
Negotiable

At this point, many companies are finally starting to prepare to staff up for the infusion of investment capital that is expected from the Federal Government post inauguration. That said, budgets can not be cooked based on pre-inauguration expectations any more than an employee on Wall Street can count on a gift baskets from Lehman Brothers.  It definitely looks and feels like a case of chicken & egg, but at the end of the day, the chicken and egg will exist.