Study Group: Utilities and Power Generation Experts (US)

GLG News^SM Analyses by this Study Group's Leading Experts(?)

Insuring Solar PV Performance

September 21, 2009

Analysis by:Mark Burger, Principal,

Analysis of:Marsh, Munich RE join forces to offer PV guarantee insurance in Asia, sign NexPower as first client | www.pv-tech.org

Solar photovoltaic panels, if they're made right in the first place, generally have long life spans.  But in the analytical world of financing risk, how does an investor judge the strength behind a new technology or company that hasn't been around as long as the warranty term.  The best way is to get some insurance and reinsurance muscle behind you as these new entrants are doing.

The Parody of Grid Parity

September 4, 2009

Analysis by:Mark Burger, Principal,

Analysis of:Biotricity Corporation: “Would you like green electricity?” | www.yourrenewablenews.com

The concept of using bioenergy byproducts for energy generation has been around for as long as shops have thrown sawdust in the stove for winter warmth.  The challenge in biofuel powered electricity generation is in cost effective gathering, transport and processing the feedstock, even if it's "free" to pick up.  This begs the question though whether this form of electricity generating is compared fairly against other new power plant construction, rather than "grid parity".

US Wind and Solar Markets Become More Statistically Significant

September 3, 2009

Analysis by:Mark Burger, Principal,

Analysis of:Renewable Energy Consumption and Electricity Preliminary Statistics 2008 | www.eia.doe.gov

Getting official statistics from United States based wind and solar power installations has been a challenge, with the Energy Information Agency (EIA) being notoriously slow in reporting emerging technologies.  That has led industry observers to resort to a hodgepodge of state, local or private sources subject to varying degrees of accuracy.  But the growth of wind and solar is starting to make noticeable headway in the latest annual reports coming out of the EIA.

China May Be On The Way To Become Major Photovoltaic Consumer

July 28, 2009

Analysis by:Mark Burger, Principal,

Analysis of:Suntech & China Huadian To Develop 500 MW of Solar Projects, China To Release Solar Subsidies | www.renewableenergyworld.com

China is becoming the world leader in photovoltaic manufacturing, but has lagged considerably in the consumer, installing less than 100 megawatts (MW) a year.  This stands to change as this and other announcements portends China's domestic market to reach over 1,000 MW a year sooner, rather than later.  This can benefit companies like Suntech, JA Solar, LDK and others.

Another Piece Provided in the US Renewable Energy Funding Puzzle

July 12, 2009

Analysis by:Mark Burger, Principal,

Analysis of:U.S. Treasury Issues ITC Grant Guidance, More Stimulus Money to Flow to Renewables | www.renewableenergyworld.com

One more bit of good news for the renewable energy industry in the never ending battle to get projects financed and installed.  The US Treasury has announced the rules and application process to take advantage of the grant option in lieu of the 30% Investment Tax Credit.  It's somewhat cool comfort, as one can't actually submit the application yet, which will likely ice any new solar projects depending on this mechanism for 2009.

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