Solar Power International 2009, North America's largest business-to-business solar energy event broke attendance records for the sixth year in a row last week. This year's vent drew more than 24,000 industry professionals, an increase from 17,500 in the previous year. Attendees came from 99 different countries and and represented all segments of the solar and related industries, including electric utilities, construction and investment banking.

Since solar energy technology is on solid ground and the finance and policy pieces of the puzzle are being addressed through the stimulus plan, all that's left to make solar energy an integral part of the American energy economy is education, according to Rhone Resch of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Highlights: - Support and drive development in the environmental technology and clean energy - sectors; - Fresh perspectives from thought leaders and business heads; - Essential strategy information needed for prospective investors and deal-makers

In a speech at the United Nations and afterward at the G-20 summit meeting in September, President Obama called for elimination of government subsidies for greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting fossil fuels. Said the President "I will work with my colleagues at the G20 to phase out fossil fuel subsidies so that we can better address our climate challenge."

The 2009 New Ideas in Educating a Workforce in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Conference will be responsive to the national transition to a green workforce. There will be three plenary and general sessions; 17 breakout sessions; 52 presentations; and over 70 speakers sharing their experiences and expertise.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) held three marathon hearings this week, featuring more than 50 witnesses discussing the revised draft of the climate legislation introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) and EPW Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

As the Senate environment committee starts to hold hearings on the climate change bill, we think there's one critical question for the senators: Who are you talking to?

To help utilities rise to the challenge of adopting solar power at a large scale, the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) unveiled a new web portal and database last week at Solar Power International.

Washington, DC – The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) commends Florida Power & Light (FPL) and SunPower for the completion of the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Florida. The facility will overtake Nevada's Nellis Solar Power Plant for the title of largest solar photovoltaic facility in North America. Constructed in less than a year, the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center uses over 90,000 photovoltaic panels to turn the sun's rays into electricity to power more than 3,000 homes.

Utility-scale high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) systems manufacturer Amonix Inc. announced this week the expansion of its Seal Beach California facility manufacturing capacity.

SopoFlare is the first commercially available Concentrating Solar Power technology designed specifically for rooftop installations with a unique, easy mounting and fastening system. The technology is more robust than PV or CPV as SopoFlare is used to create steam, solar thermal air conditioning, drying, dehumidification, desalination, hot water. In addition SopoFlare utilizes Sopogy's proprietary integrated tracker and storage solutions and is priced at 30% cheaper than competing rooftop solar technologies. The system easily retrofits into existing facility reducing Natural Gas consumption giving users an estimated 3 year payback on installation.

Anaheim, CA—The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) today announced the results of the 2009 SEPA Solar Business Achievement Awards. In the midst of today's challenging solar market conditions, the SEPA Board of Directors and staff are proud to recognize these utilities and solar companies who are responding to these challenges with action and innovation. Winners were selected in five categories based upon their demonstation of clear vision and imaginative business strategies. Nominees for the awards included one utility CEO, electric utilities, and solar companies from SEPA's 700 plus member companies across the U.S. and the world. Recognition of CEO of the Year winner, Don Brandt of Arizona Public Service, will take place today at 10:30 am in room 202 of the Anaheim Convention Center during the Press Conference. Winners in the remaining categories will be recognized during SEPA's Annual Membership Meeting, tomorrow, October 29, at 12:30 pm in Ballroom C of the Anaheim Convention Center, in conjunction with Solar Power International

As a researcher and writer, one naturally gets to read a few books. However, I was absolutely astonished to find that it was one of my own, A Renewable World, that actually gave me, for the first time as a professional environmentalist, real hope. I read the new book cover to cover, and when I finished it, was left with an overwhelming sense that "we actually can pull this out of the fire!"

A new opinion poll shows that U.S. solar executives expect to see significant growth for their businesses in 2010 and 2011.

Vibrant Solar Inc. has introduced SunCube Mark 9.2 CPV module, which the company said is 31% efficient. The module is licensed by Vibrant's sister company Helios Solar LLC from Green and Gold Energy (GGE) for the southwestern U.S. and Hawaii.

Online solar tools and other resources customized for utility executives, employees and solar industry leaders

Solar Energy Trade Shows LLC Will Produce "Solar Power International", "PV America" and Other B2B Events; Show Proceeds Will Continue to Support the Growth of the U.S. Solar Energy Industry

Keynotes Include U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Ed Begley Jr.; Organizers Expect Record Attendance of 20,000+ People from 90 Countries; Sprawling Solar Energy Expo with 925 Companies Opens Doors to General Public on October 28, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

POWER-GEN Asia, co-located with Renewable Energy World Asia, shattered its past attendance record with nearly 7,000 power professionals attending the most successful event in its 17 year history. Held at IMPACT Exhibition and Conference Centre from 7th to 9th October, POWER-GEN Asia and Renewable Energy Asia saw the region's power industry professionals gather to discuss the latest developments, issues and challenges related to the region's power generation, transmission and distribution and renewable energy sectors.