Saturday, August 30, 2008

SunEdison Appoints Martin T. Hart to the Board of Directors

BELTSVILLE, Md.--SunEdison, North America’s largest solar energy services provider, today named Martin T. Hart as non-executive, independent board member and chairman of the audit committee. Hart brings more than 30 years of independent board and executive management experience to SunEdison. He has served on the boards of many companies, including restaurant chains such as Pizza Hut, financial institutions such as Pacific National Bank Financial Group, and various companies within the technology, construction and internet industries. Hart currently serves on the boards of five public companies namely: Mass Mutual Corporate Investors, MassMutual Participation Investors, ValueClick, Spectranetics, and Texas Roadhouse. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Link.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Xunlight Receives $11 Million Additional Financing

Toledo, Ohio –– Xunlight Corporation, a leader in the development of low-cost and flexible thin-film silicon solar modules, today announced it has received $11 million of additional financing from institutional investors. The investment was led by Rabo Ventures, a division of Rabobank, a top 25 global financial institution based in the Netherlands. Existing investors Trident Capital and Emerald Technology Ventures also participated in the financing. Link.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

MIOX Scores $19 Million Investment

Albuquerque, NM -- MIOX Corporation, a provider of advanced water treatment systems, announced that DCM, a leading international venture capital firm, has led a series C investment round totaling $19 million with participation from existing investors Sierra Ventures and Flywheel Ventures. Over the past year, MIOX has experienced strong growth in the U.S. municipal drinking water disinfection market and is leveraging this success to pursue opportunities in institutional and industrial markets. MIOX has successfully developed and brought to market technology for a variety of other applications in market segments including personalized handheld water purification, cooling towers, food and beverage and aquatics. Link.

Nanosolar Ups Funding To $500 Million

San Jose, CA -- As part of a strategic $300 million equity financing, Nanosolar has added new capital and brought its total amount of funding to date to just below half a billion U.S. dollars. Last December, the Company introduced the Nanosolar Utility Panel(TM) to enable solar utility power — i.e. giving utility-scale power producers the solar panel technology to build and operate cost efficient solar power plants. The Company has received strategic backing by partners ideally suited to accelerate the implementation of this business — in the form of product supply agreements, strategic collaboration, and equity investments. Link.

AVA Solar Completes $104 Million Equity Financing

Fort Collins, Colorado –– AVA Solar, an advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer located in Fort Collins, Colorado, announced today it has completed its second institutional equity round of financing. This $104 million funding was led by DCM and included new investors Technology Partners, GLG Partners and Bohemian Companies, LLC as well as prior investors, including Invus, LP. The funds will be used to complete AVA Solar’s first production facility in Longmont, Colorado, which will have the capacity to produce 200 megawatts of PV modules annually. Link.

Nexterra Completes Fourth Round Equity Financing of $3.8 Million

Vancouver, BC –– Nexterra Energy Corp. (www.nexterra.ca) announced today that it has completed a $3.8 million fourth round of equity financing. The financing was led by ARC Financial Corp. (“ARC”) of Calgary, Alberta. This brings ARC’s total investment in Nexterra to over $20 million. ARC is Canada’s largest investment management firm focused on the energy sector. Nexterra Energy is a leading developer and supplier of advanced gasification systems that enable customers to self-generate clean, low cost heat and/or power using waste fuels "inside-the fence" at industrial and institutional facilities. Link.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

BTU International Appoints Frank Bottari as Director of Solar Applications

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass.--BTU International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTUI), a leading supplier of advanced thermal processing equipment for the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets, today announced the appointment of Frank Bottari, Ph.D., as director of solar applications. Link. Chart.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Bruce Hazeltine Joins GT Solar as Director of Process Development

MERRIMACK, N.H., -- GT Solar Incorporated, a global provider of specialized equipment and technology for the solar power industry, today announced that Bruce Hazeltine has joined the company as director of process development for its silicon group, a new role within the company. In this position, Mr. Hazeltine will undertake engineering initiatives aimed at helping customers design efficient and cost-effective Trichlorosilane (TCS) and silane gas manufacturing plants. TCS and silane are essential components of polysilicon, a key raw material utilized to produce solar cells. Link. Chart.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Trilliant Incorporated Secures $40 Million Equity Financing

Redwood City, California, – Trilliant Incorporated, a leader in delivering intelligent network solutions that form the nervous system of the Smart Grid, announced that it has closed a $40 million equity investment from an affiliate of MissionPoint Capital Partners and zouk ventures. MissionPoint and zouk are leading international investors in the low-carbon and clean energy markets. The proceeds from the financing, which was led by MissionPoint, will be used to accelerate Trilliant’s continued growth and market expansion globally. This investment represents one of the largest investments to date in an independent Smart Grid technology provider, reflecting Trilliant’s position as a leading provider of Smart Grid communication infrastructure that enables major improvements in energy efficiency and grid reliability, while giving utilities the ability to provide new services and empower customer choice. Link.

Ener1 Chairman Adds CEO Title

NEW YORK, -- Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman of lithium-ion automotive battery manufacturer Ener1, Inc. (Amex: HEV), assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Company founder and former CEO Dr. Peter Novak moved into the new position of Chief Technology Officer and President. Dr. Novak will oversee the further development of Ener1 subsidiaries, NanoEner and EnerFuel, while continuing to provide technical leadership for Ener1's advanced automotive battery division, EnerDel. Link. Chart.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Cree Names Steve Kelley as Chief Operating Officer

DURHAM, N.C., — Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), a market leader in LED lighting, announces that Steve Kelley will join the company as executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. In this newly created position, Kelley will be responsible for business development, global manufacturing, technology and administrative operations of the company. Link. Chart.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

APX Appoints Kari Lynn Decker as Managing Director

Santa Clara, CA -- APX, Inc., the leading infrastructure provider for environmental and energy markets, today announced the appointment of Kari Lynn Decker as Managing Director. Ms. Decker will be primarily focused on APX’s regulatory and government affairs program, including the Western Climate Initiative and California’s implementation of AB 32, its landmark greenhouse gas legislation. She will report to Gary Guzy, APX’s General Counsel. Link.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Boston-Power Adds Dell’s Recently Retired Top Supply Chain Executive to Board

Westborough, Mass. –– Boston-Power, Inc., the rapidly growing provider of Lithium-ion batteries that redefine portable power, today announced the addition of internationally recognized supply chain and procurement executive Martin J. Garvin to its board of directors. Mr. Garvin, 56, most recently served as senior vice president of worldwide procurement and global customer experience for Dell, Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL). During his 11-year tenure, he is credited with establishing North America’s top provider of notebook computers as the thought leader in capitalizing on supply chain and procurement strategies to dominate the market. He retired from Dell in May 2008. Link.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Electric Moto Corp. Announces Appointment of Abbie Zands to COO

ASHLAND, Ore., -- Electric Moto Corp., Inc. (Pink Sheets:EMOT), a U.S.-based designer, manufacturer and retailer of highly efficient electric battery-powered motorcycles, scooters and ATVs, today announced the appointment of Abbie Zands as Chief Operations Officer, effective immediately. Link.

SolFocus Names Former Lockheed Martin Executive Mark Crowley as President

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – SolFocus, Inc. announced that Mark Crowley has joined the company as President, reporting to Chairman and CEO Gary D. Conley. This expansion of the leadership team marks the shift of the company from R&D and product development, into the commercialization and volume deployment phase of its business. Mr. Crowley joins SolFocus from Lockheed Martin Space Systems where he was Vice President of West Coast Operations. Mr. Crowley will be taking over responsibilities for product development, delivery, support and execution of the company’s operations. Link.

SunPower Elects Uwe-Ernst Bufe to its Board of Directors

SAN JOSE, Calif., -- SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today announced that it has elected Uwe-Ernst Bufe, Ph.D., to its board of directors. Bufe is currently a member of various international councils and supervisory boards, including UBS Investment Banking. Link. Chart.

Ford's Richard Canny Joins Think Global

Norwegian electric vehicle manufacturer Think Global has appointed Ford Motor Company executive Richard Canny as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Think’s leadership team is also further strengthened by two Swedish automotive veterans, Mikael Ekholm, and Arne Degermosse. The appointment of the Australian born Canny will help Think accelerate its growth plans and compete globally in the rapidly emerging electric vehicle market. Link.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Aquus Energy, Inc. Completes Series 1 Convertible Preferred Financing

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.— Aquus Energy, Inc. a provider of solar energy systems to commercial and residential customers in the Mid Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the U.S., announced the completion of its Series 1 offering of convertible preferred equity. The Company plans to grow organically by expanding its geographic footprint around anchor acquisitions and by offering creative financing options and a wide variety of products and services. Aquus Energy intends to acquire leading well-respected solar energy system integrators and to build a well financed and technically savvy company, while building a recognized brand name known for quality and reliability. Link.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Robert Machlin Joins Echelon as Senior Vice President

San Jose, CA -- Echelon Corporation (NASDAQ: ELON) today announced that Robert Machlin has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Products, replacing Robert Maxfield who has filled the position on an interim basis since April of this year. In this role, Machlin will lead Echelon’s product management and engineering teams. Link. Chart.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Franz von Holzhausen Joins Tesla Motors as Chief Designer

SAN CARLOS, CA – Franz von Holzhausen, former Director of Design for Mazda North America, has joined Tesla Motors as Chief Designer. In addition to driving the design direction of Tesla Motors in the short term, Franz is charged with building a world class design competency at Tesla Motors. Link.

Marrone Organic Innovations Closes $10 Million Series B Financing

DAVIS, Calif. - Marrone Organic Innovations, Inc. (MOI) is pleased to announce the closing of a $10 million private round of financing led by Stuart Mill Venture Partners (SMVP) (Falls Church, VA). Lawrence A. Hough, managing director of Stuart Mill and former president and CEO of Sallie Mae, will join MOI’s Board of Directors. Co-investing with SMVP is Contrarian Group (Newport Beach, CA). A second closing for an additional $1 million is anticipated for later this month. Link.

BP and Verenium Announce Significant Partnership

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., -- BP and Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq: VRNM) today announced the creation of a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol. The partnership combines a broad technology platform and operational capabilities in an effort to advance the development of a portfolio of low-cost, environmentally sound cellulosic ethanol production facilities in the United States, and potentially throughout the world. Under the initial phase of the strategic alliance, Verenium is to receive $90 million in total funding from BP over the next 18 months for rights to current and future technology held within the partnership. Link. Chart.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Sunrise Solar Appoints Dr. K. Jun Kim as Chairman of Solar Technology Advisory Board

SAN ANTONIO--Sunrise Solar Corp. (OTCBB:SSLR) announced today the appointment of Dr. K. Jun Kim as Chairman of the Company’s recently formed Solar Technology Advisory Board. Dr. Kim holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Han Yang University in Seoul, Korea and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri. As part of his duties, he will head the Company’s product evaluation team and be responsible for its internal product development and commercialization projects. Link. Chart.

SiCortex, Inc. Names Christopher Stone President and CEO

Maynard, Mass. — SiCortex, Inc., a leading provider of energy efficient, plug-in-anywhere high performance computers, today announced the appointment of Christopher Stone as president and chief executive officer. John Mucci, the founding CEO, will continue to serve on the SiCortex board of directors. Link.

Deepak Ahuja Joins Tesla Motors as CFO

SAN CARLOS, CA – Deepak Ahuja, a seasoned auto industry finance executive with 15 years experience at Ford Motor Company, has joined Tesla Motors as Chief Financial Officer. Deepak was previously the controller for Ford’s small cars product development program, a strategic initiative to bring several fuel efficient cars to Ford’s lineup in the United States. Previously, Deepak was CFO for Ford of Southern Africa, a $3 Billion subsidiary where he oversaw the finance, legal and IT functions. Prior to that, Deepak served as CFO for Auto Alliance International, a joint venture between Ford and Mazda with over $4 billion in revenue. Link.