The economy clouds solar’s skies

The economy clouds solar’s skies

For a while, it seemed that the solar power sector would weather the downturn fairly unscathed — but it hasn’t been so lucky, at least in the short run. Not only has venture capital dried up for experimental technology startups, but fewer and fewer homeowners… Continue Reading

Ausra lowers sights on solar plants, cuts staff

Ausra lowers sights on solar plants, cuts staff

Solar energy company Ausra announced that it no longer plans to build massive solar thermal plants across the southwest and California desert due to poor economic conditions, shifting its focus to smaller-scale power generation plants. To weather the downturn, the Palo Alto, Calif. firm is… Continue Reading

Banks show confidence in solar — SunRun secures $105M financing

Banks show confidence in solar — SunRun secures $105M financing

We may be in the depths of a credit crunch, but some banks still seem willing to give loans to renewable energy projects. This morning, solar services firm SunRun is announcing a $105 million commitment by U.S. Bancorp (USB) to buy about 2,000 of the… Continue Reading

SunEdison raises $161 million for solar services and installing

SunEdison raises $161 million for solar services and installing

SunEdison, a solar services company based in Beltsville, Md., has taken $131 million in venture funding and $30 million in debt to finance its rapid expansion and ongoing projects, including some of the largest solar installations in the United States.

In the booming market for solar… Continue Reading