Posts for Ticker ‘solar power’

Coming Clean With Solar Woes (AMAT, JASO, SPWRA, SOLR, STP, FSLR, TAN)

"Future, Or Fracture?"

"Future, Or Fracture?"

Last year was the year that alternative energy  was  set to take the world over.  High energy prices and election promises made green energy look like it had unlimited growth.  Then came the massive drop in energy prices. Then came the recession. Then came the lack of credit.  Combine all that with lower stock valuations and this is looking like solar companies will get hit with a wave of rolling blackouts.

Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) gave us the impression that what we are setting up for is the third wave of negatives for the sector.  What we saw out of JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: JASO) only adds fuel to that fire.   SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) and GT Solar International Inc. (NASDAQ: SOLR) are both up since their earnings, but these might not be representative of the whole group. Investors’ negative bias toward te will effect  earnings expectations for Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) next week and  First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) the following week.
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Posted on: February 12, 2009 – 12:24 pm in Alternative Energy, Cult Stock, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Solar Power Maker Not So Bright (ENER, SPWRA, FSLR)

solar_panel_pic1Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENER) reported its second quarter earnings before the market opened this morning. The company has  net income of $14.2 million (EPS of $0.33) on revenue of $103.1 million. Analysts had expected EPS of $0.31 on revenue of $101.82.
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Posted on: February 9, 2009 – 10:11 am in Alternative Energy, Earnings, , , , , , ,

Barclays Initiates Solar Power Stocks (YGE, SOLF, CSUN, LDK, SOL, TSL)

solar_panel_picBarclays Capital initiated coverage of several stocks in the solar energy sector this morning.  Most of these ratings are cautious, although there was at least one positive call in the solar sector.

Yingli Green Energy (YGE) was rated overweight.  Solarfun Power (SOLF) was started as underweight.  China Sunergy (CSUN), LDK Solar (LDK), ReneSola (SOL), and Trina Solar (TSL) were all started as equal weight.

Jon C. Ogg

February 9, 2009

Posted on: February 9, 2009 – 8:42 am in Alternative Energy, Analyst Calls, , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (CLNE, GE, YGE, ASYS, GFET, LDK, ACPW, MS)

Today, energy industry sage T. Boone Pickens was opening his new facilities for LNG conversion to fuel in California for his Clean Energy Fuels Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNE).  He came on CNBC and predicted "$100+ oil" and called for higher prices to be the norm from here on.

General Electric (NYSE:GE) announced orders for 20 Jenbacher Gen-Sets, 4 LMS 100 Gas Turbines for Latin American power companies, and 333 wind turbines in two U.S. states.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) priced its offering of US$150,000,000 zero coupon convertible senior notes due 2012 and the pricing of a concurrent offering of 5,600,000 American depositary shares by certain shareholders of the Company.

Amtech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASYS) received a $3.9 million follow-on solar order for diffusion processing systems from an existing solar cell customer based in Taiwan.

Yesterday, Gulf Ethanol (OTC: GFET) signed definitive agreements to acquire its new cellulose feed-stock processing technology for ethanol plants.

Just yesterday, Lazard Capital Markets reiterated its SELL rating on LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK) despite it being up large on a questionable supply order.

Active Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACPW) announced yesterday that the S.E.C. has completed its investigation into the company’s past stock option granting practices and is not recommending any enforcement action.

Yesterday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) invested in a $200 million staged solar project fund in Recurrent Energy to provide financing for $100mm of Recurrent Energy’s solar electric power projects in 2008 and an additional $100mm in 2009.

Jon C. Ogg
December 11, 2007

Jon Ogg can be reached at jonogg@247wallst.com; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.

Posted on: December 11, 2007 – 4:38 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (GE, UPS, LDK, ITRI, BECN, ENER, COMV)

General Electric (NYSE:GE) announced a $750 million order to supply six advanced technology, Frame 9FB gas turbine-generators and associated services to EDF (Électricité de France) for the utility’s electrical power production facilities in France and elsewhere in Europe.

UPS (NYSE:UPS) is adding 306 alternative fuel vehicles to its “green fleet” by placing an order for 167 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) delivery trucks while taking delivery of 139 new propane delivery trucks in North America. Additionally, the company has launched an initiative to use biodiesel fuel in its ground support vehicles at the UPS Worldport® air hub in Louisville.  Maybe BROWN really can be GREEN.

LDK Solar’s (NYSE:LDK) woes in China over its reporting on inventories continues…..down another 25% today. Lazard Capital Markets’ Sanjay Shrestha lowered his price target on Energy Conversion Devices (NASDAQ:ENER) from $44.00 down to $40.00 (current was $26.50); and increased his Buy rating target on Otron (NASDAQ:ITRI) from $95 to $115, and reiterated the Buy rating and $37 target on Comverge (NASDAQ:COMV).

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Posted on: October 8, 2007 – 2:43 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (SRP, SATC, ETLY, BP, CSIQ, AMAT, FSLR)

Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE:SRP) announced today that its two Nevada-based utility subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, have issued a Request for Proposals for renewable energy resources: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and other resources eligible for portfolio energy credits under the Nevada renewable portfolio standard.

SatCon Technology Corporation® (NASDAQ: SATC) announced that it has been awarded a $2 million contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop the complete electric power conversion package for a hybrid electric vehicle for special operations applications.

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Posted on: October 2, 2007 – 1:36 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (KSS, MAG, FPL, BZH, PRRY, CPNLQ, DELL, ING)

Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE:KSS) is activating a solar rollout to its 63 California locations.

Magnetek, Inc. (NYSE:MAG) has received orders from United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) for PCS-2C and -2D fuel cell power inverters totaling 2.4 megawatts in a contract valued at approximately $1.3 million scheduled for delivery over the coming 8 months.

FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE:FPL), the Florida Power & Lighting parent, announced today a $2.4 billion investment program aimed at increasing U.S. solar thermal energy output and reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming: up to $1.5 billion in new solar thermal generating facilities; Investment of up to $500 million by FPL to create a smart network that will provide its 4.5 million customers with enhanced energy management capabilities; and a new consumer education program and new products that could increase renewable energy resources by at least $400 million over the first five years of the program.

Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) becomes a principal sponsor for Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon 2007.  For some reason, it seems they’ll still have bad home sales.

Planet Resource Recovery, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: PRRY) announced today that it has delivered its first shipment of PetroLuxus™ 600 for the treatment of biodiesel that will streamline the production of biodiesel in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.

Calpine Corporation (Pink Sheets: CPNLQ) received final approval today from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to construct the 600-megawatt Russell City Energy Center in Hayward, Calif.

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) today said it will become the first computer maker to neutralize its greenhouse gas emissions. CEO Michael Dell announced a series of measures to shrink the company’s carbon footprint and offset  its greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.

ING (NYSE:ING) announced today the next phase of its worldwide sustainability commitment by agreeing to
purchase clean, emission-free wind energy credits for its U.S. operations.

Jon C. Ogg
September 26, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or"Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.Green business has become big business, and this affects many publiccompanies today.

Posted on: September 26, 2007 – 4:44 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (AEP, ARSC, SPLS, AKNS, JNPR, PWER, MCEL, YGE)

We noted ourselves today how some of these ethanol stocks are trading at new 52-week lows again.  Some of these are hitting new stock lows each day.  Some Ethanol Names Drowning In Their Own Tanks (USBE, PEIX, VSE, AVR)

American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) subsidiary Appalachian Power Co. has signed a long-term power purchase agreement for renewable wind energy with Camp Grove Wind Farm LLC, a wind project majority owned by Orion Energy Group LLC.

American Security Resources Corporation (OTCBB:ARSC) subsidiary, American Hydrogen Corporation (“AHC”), has shipped samples of its proprietary ammonia catalytic electrolyzer (ACE) to a European company specializing in catalysts for the fuel cell industry.

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Posted on: September 24, 2007 – 12:43 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (EEE, AECOX, GE, VOLV, SOLF, FTEK, AW, PCG, PGN)

Evergreen Energy Inc (NYSE:EEE) has signed an “Agreement to Proceed” with specifications and design work that lead to the construction of a K-Fuel® lignite coal refinery in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The agreement was signed yesterday with a subsidiary of China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), one of the five state-owned power generation companies in China.

Our friends at TheStreet.com have a great article "A Green Fund for Global-Warming Skeptics."  As we have noted ourselves over and over, whether you believe in "global warming" or "climate change" doesn’t really matter.  Green business is becoming big business.   Allianz RCM Global EcoTrends Fund (AECOX) is a $131 million fund has appeared in the top 10% of stock funds for several months this year.

Thursday, September 20, 2007
Plutonic Power Corporation (TSX:PCC) and GE Energy Financial Services, part of GE (NYSE:GE), executed a fixed-price construction contract with Peter Kiewit Sons Co. for the construction of the 196 MW Toba Montrose run-of-river hydroelectric project.  The signing of the approximately $500 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract allows Kiewit to move ahead to the next stages after the initial rejuvenation and construction of forestry roads and bridges to the powerhouse site that had begun in July 2007.

With higher than $80.00 per barrel oil, alternative energy is all forms is highly important.  Many of these initiatives started back in the 1990’s and 2000 when oil was cheaper than water.  T. Boone Pickens is still bullish on oil prices and he’s bullish on his natural gas for autos initiative.  Earlier this week Goldman Sachs unveiled their "Super-Spike" in oil prices with the high-end of that band moving from $100 to $135 per barrel and up to $4.50 per gallon of gas at the pump.

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Posted on: September 21, 2007 – 10:27 am in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day In Global Warming (ASTI, NHY, AES, CLNE, EFOI, WMT, AMSC, BSRC)

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI) and Hydro Building Systems, a division of Norsk Hydro (NYSE: NHY), today announced plans for the development of a new Brise Soleil product line incorporating thin film flexible solar modules manufactured by Ascent Solar.

Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal that an increased number of alternative fuel automobiles were sold in the second quarter of 2007. Between April and June of this year, nearly 490,000 AFA’s were sold nationwide, an increase of 27 percent over the same period last year, bringing the total number of AFAs to nearly 11.5 million on American roads.  For more information about Alternative Fuel Automobiles, visit www.DiscoverAlternatives.com.

AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) today announced plans to begin construction of Buffalo Gap 3, a 170 MW expansion of its Buffalo Gap wind farm near Abilene, Texas. Once completed, the project will increase capacity at Buffalo Gap to 524 MW, making it one of the largest operating wind farms in the United States. Commercial operations are expected to begin mid-2008.

Clean Energy (Nasdaq:CLNE) has entered a five-year agreement to supply the Metropolitan Transit District in Santa Cruz, California with clean-burning liquefied natural gas fuel for its growing fleet of natural gas powered buses. Santa Cruz Metro plans, by mid-2008, to operate 63 CNG buses, including 10 currently in service and by replacing 53 older diesel-fueled buses with new or re-powered natural gas models.

Energy Focus, Inc. (NASDAQ: EFOI),formerly Fiberstars, Inc., a player in energy-efficient lighting technologies has received orders from Wal-Mart for installations of Energy Focus’s EFO(R) downlight system in a Wal-Mart Super Center and a Sam’s Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

American Superconductor Corp. (NASDAQ: AMSC) announced at the HUSUMwind 2007 trade show in Germany that it has received a follow-on order for approximately $20 million in wind turbine electrical systems from Beijing-based Sinovel Wind Corporation Limited. The order follows a $70 million order received from Sinovel Wind in July 2007.

BioSolar Inc. (OTCBB: BSRC) has been rated “Speculative Buy” with a target price of $.84 by Beacon Equity Research Analyst, Victor Sula, PhD.  The full report is available at http://www.BeaconEquityResearch.com, but be advised that reports of this sort often not exactly what they seem.

Jon C. Ogg
September 18, 2007 

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Posted on: September 18, 2007 – 3:45 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Business Day in Global Warming (SWY, BRK-A,TM, SPWR)

Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY) has announced a new environmental project to power 23 California stores with renewable solar energy. The company installed solar panels atop a newly renovated Safeway Lifestyle store in Dublin, California and plans to extend the program to nearly two dozen stores.  Congressman Jerry McNerney joined on a tour of the store’s rooftop solar panel array. The unit is currently generating electricity to power the 55,000-square-foot retail facility. 

NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A), unveiled details of a multifaceted initiative to address the environmental impact of the company’s flights and other operations and strengthen its response to climate change and other environmental challenges.  The company retained the services of Esty Environmental Partners, a leader in corporate environmental strategy.

Chicago Tribune reported that The City of Chicago has signed an $8.7 million contract to buy up to 300 hybrid vehicles made by Toyota (NYSE:TM): 100 Prius sedans, 100 Camry models and 100 Highlander SUVs from Northside Toyota in the next three years.

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based solar manufacturer, today announced a new partnership with GRID Alternatives, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization, to bring the power of solar energy to low-income families in need.

This is from earlier in the week, but worth a read.  The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan today announced that many companies who voluntarily participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s program to report reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tend to have increased emissions but report reductions.

With oil hitting $80 a barrel, alternative energy is going to stay front and center regardless of any political issues around the topic.

 

Jon C. Ogg
September 13, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.

Posted on: September 13, 2007 – 6:33 pm in Alternative Energy, , , , , , , , , , ,