manufacturing

The evolution of the American transportation industry took another step forward today when the Obama administration finalized historic fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks.  Starting in 2025, the minimum fuel efficiency for all new models will be 54.5 miles per gallon.

There was a clever headline in the satirical newspaper The Onion last week that wouldn’t be so humorous if it wasn’t true.  “300 Million Without Electricity In India After Restoration Of Power Grid,” the headline read.

As governments roll out public policy directing increased biofuel production for all sectors of the transportation industry, serious questions around environmental sustainability still remain.

Electricity rates in Germany drop by up to 40% during the hours in which solar power or wind power are active -- and this is what Merit Order ranking is all about, using the cheapest available electricity source first - and then filling in the gaps with more expensive coal-fired electrical power generation.

Despite all the political rhetoric, the bottom line hasn't changed:  carbon emissions are increasing in every corner of the planet.  This is largely due to the fact that the global economy is so unequivocally tied to fossil fuel consumption.

First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR), the world's largest maker of thin-film solar panels has seen its value fall to an all-time low today.  At 4:00 PM EST, the company's shares were down 6.78%, trading at $19.25 on the Nasdaq.

The first solar panels ever installed, were photo-voltaic solar panels mounted on military satellites and blasted into space from Cape Kennedy, Florida during the 'Space Race' of the 1960's.

In attempt to stabilize itself, next generation automaker Fisker Automotive has removed Henrik Fisker as CEO and replaced him with Tom LaSorda, the former CEO of Chrysler Group.

Battery developer Aquion Energy will build its first full-scale manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania the company has announced.

For the solar energy industry, it seems like the bad news just keeps on coming.