QUICK NEWS, October 3: VOTERS LOVE SUN AND WIND – POLL; SUN’S CONSOLIDATION; BUFFET BUYS MORE WIND

VOTERS LOVE SUN AND WIND – POLL Poll Reveals Strong Support for Solar Energy Across Political Spectrum on Eve of First Presidential Debate

September 27, 2012 (Hart Research Associates)

“…92 percent of [likely 2012] voters believe it’s important for the U.S. to develop and use more solar energy…85 percent of voters view solar energy favorably…78 percent of voters say government should support growth of solar energy with incentives…[according to] independent polling firm Hart Research Associates…

“The poll found that more than nine out of 10 (92 percent) of likely voters feel that the U.S. should develop and use more solar energy. This support was strong across the political spectrum with 84 percent of Republicans, 95 percent of independents, and 98 percent of Democrats agreeing…”

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“Voters’ favorable view of solar translates directly into widespread bipartisan support for federal incentives fostering solar energy. Nearly four out of five (78 percent) of voters say the government should provide tax credits and financial incentives to encourage the development and use of solar energy. Fully two-thirds of swing voters (67 percent) chose solar above any other energy source to receive tax and financial incentives…

“…[V]oters were unsure about the affordability of solar…The average system price of solar has dropped 50 percent since 2007. Innovations in system financing have made solar more affordable than ever before. Today, major U.S. brands rely on solar to keep costs low for consumers…The top 10 states for total solar electric capacity are…California, New Jersey, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and North Carolina…”

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SUN’S CONSOLIDATION PV Supply Stabilization Reduces Pressure on ASP Declines in 2013; Anti-Dumping Fears and Further Corporate Casualties to Eliminate Competition for Market Survivors

September 24, 2012 (SolarBuzz)

“Photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturers that survive through 2013 are set for strong market-share gains, as global trade barriers and increased corporate casualties combine to decrease the competitive landscape significantly…During Q3’12, leading PV module manufacturers were confronted by increasing inventory levels (from 66 to 79 days outstanding) and declining shipments (down 7% Q/Q)…[because of expectations for] a traditional PV second-half boom in shipments…[but Q3 2012 demand] has yet to support the higher production levels.

“1H’12 global demand was approximately 13 GW, while 2H’12 demand is projected to reach 16 GW, for only 25% growth…Q4’12 will provide a significant boost in end-market demand…[but not that of Q4 2011 when year-end demand resulted in over 10 GW of PV modules being consumed…Demand in Q4’12 is now expected to be in the range of 8.5-9.5 GW…[with demand] for 2012 to fall just short of 30 GW. An upside of 25% remains possible, but is strongly dependent on a late surge in shipments to China and India…[and] recovery across Europe…”

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“Signs are now emerging that 2013 will provide an opening for leading PV manufacturers to accomplish market-share gains…[L]eading module suppliers [will be] able to increase production at the expense of legacy competitors…This stabilization phase during 2013 will be characterized by increasing consolidation and liquidation of lower-tier PV manufacturers, many of whom have suspended production or are simply unburdening inventory…

“As supply and demand continue to stabilize, this will result in a slower…decline and a lower risk of inventory build during 2013. This will allow upstream module manufacturers to maintain higher inventory levels as there will be less risk of any dramatic devaluation of stock-on-hand due to rapid end-market fluctuations…[Instead of] European and US-based PV manufacturers, the next set of exits from the PV industry will likely come from underperforming Chinese tier 2 and 3 manufacturers…”

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BUFFET BUYS MORE WIND MidAmerican Wind to Acquire Two California Wind Projects from Terra-Gen Power; Alta Wind VII and Alta Wind IX projects total approximately 300 megawatts

September 30, 2012 (MidAmerican Energy Holding Company)

“…MidAmerican Wind, a subsidiary of MidAmerican Renewables whose parent company is MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, announced its…[acquisition of] the 168-megawatt Alta Wind VII and the 132-megawatt Alta Wind IX projects from California Highwind Power, a subsidiary of Terra-Gen Power, LLC…

“…The projects are in Tehachapi, Calif., and will feature a total of 100 Vestas 3-megawatt V90 wind turbines…When complete, Southern California Edison will purchase electricity from each of the projects pursuant to the terms of power purchase agreements that extend to 2035. The projects will interconnect to and utilize Southern California Edison’s Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project.”

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“The Alta Wind VII and Alta Wind IX projects are part of the Alta Wind Energy Center. The completion of the two projects will bring the total capacity of the Alta Wind Energy Center to 1,320 megawatts. Approximately 1,020 megawatts are currently in operation…

“…[With this addition,] MidAmerican Renewables’ portfolio includes more than 1,250 megawatts of owned renewable energy assets…MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company is the No. 1 rate-regulated utility owner of wind-powered generation capacity in the U.S…MidAmerican began building wind energy projects in 2004…[and] has built or acquired more than 3,300 megawatts of wind generation…”

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