Solar Trust of America LLC, a U.S. company developing what would be the world’s largest solar power plant, was approved for new loans in its bankruptcy proceeding as it seeks more time to sell its assets.

The Government is facing the prospect of a raft of damages claims after new figures reveal the UK's solar industry has contracted by 25 per cent following the disastrous handling of cuts to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme.

The project is a ground mounted photovoltaic plant, located in the mountains of Quito. The development of the plant is divided on two stages: a first stage for the development of 1MW pilot project, that will be completed on the first half of 2012 and in a second stage, the project will be extended to 5 MW project that will be completed on the first half of 2013.

Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista said on Thursday that he and Foxconn are planning a factory worth $1 billion at an industrial complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro to build batteries, solar panels and efficient street lamps.

The global leader in power management and thermal solutions, Delta Group was the largest Taiwanese corporate participant at the 2012 Hannover Messe Tradeshow. Delta showcased its products, technologies, and customized services in the energy management field at the exhibition. During the show, Delta also released its 2011 “Corporate Social Responsibility Report.” In 2011 Delta’s high efficiency energy saving products and services reduced a total of 3,300 million KWH in electricity consumption for its clients and an estimated 2.02 million tons in carbon emissions for the Earth—a 10% increase in efficiency compared to 2010.

The Bosch Group expects global economic growth to slow. Accordingly, the technology and services company expects to see comparatively modest sales growth of between 3 and 5 percent in the current year. This was announced by Franz Fehrenbach, the chairman of the Bosch board of management, at the annual press conference held at company headquarters near Stuttgart. “There is still a great deal of uncertainty with regard to future economic developments, even though the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone has been defused slightly,” Fehrenbach said. In the first quarter of 2012, sales increased year on year by some 5 percent, despite the cooling of the global economy and difficult developments in a number of European markets. The greatest relative growth was achieved in Industrial Technology, followed by Automotive Technology. Developments in the Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sector were more moderate.

ABB (NYSE:ABB), the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it has secured a contract from SunEdison, a leading worldwide solar energy services provider, to build a photovoltaic power plant at the Apex Industrial Park in the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kyocera Corporation announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, as summarized below. Complete details are available at: http://global.kyocera.com/ir/financial/f_results.html

Representatives from NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), MidAmerican Solar and First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) gathered with federal and local officials today at the 290 megawatt (AC) Agua Caliente solar project in Yuma County, Ariz., to celebrate the project’s first 100 megawatts (MW) being delivered to the grid, making it North America’s largest photovoltaic (PV) power plant in operation.

The current trend in global energy policy of lessening dependence on fossil fuels requires more than just political will – one of the key factors for successful implementation will be modern technology. A special panel at this year’s IEEE Technology Time Machine Symposium will present approaches and strategies addressing these complex challenges.

Steca Elektronik will be setting the pace at Intersolar, from the 13th to the 15th of June at Neue Messe in Munich, with maximum inverter efficiencies. The Memming company is present in two halls at the world's leading trade fair for solar electronics in all three product sectors, photovoltaics for grid-feeding and autonomous systems and solar thermal systems. In addition to numerous product innovations, Steca will also premier a new solar charge controller for off-grid systems that can be used in an extremely diverse range of applications and provides convincingly optimal control. In the solar thermal product sector, a new new generation of fresh water controllers will be specially presented, which will find their future place especially in cost-efficient solar stations.

NV Energy's power generation looked a lot greener in 2011.

The power utility told the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada Wednesday that it went beyond its renewable-portfolio mandate in 2011. The company got 16.7 percent of its electricity from renewables last year, more than the 15 percent required by state law. Ten percent of that power came from solar, double the 5 percent mandate.

After nearly five months of construction and a cost of approximately US$1.1 million, the new solar power station is expected to supply about 30 per cent of Intel’s total electricity consumption in a year for the next 20 consecutive years.

A 4.5 MW solar power plant entered operations April 25 in Massachusetts.

The Westford Solar Park is considered one of New England’s largest privately owned solar power facilities. It uses more than 14,000 solar panels and is situated on 22 acres in Westford, Mass.

Solar startups have been a favorite target for Korean conglomerates looking to boost clean power investments. TenKsolar certainly has caught the attention of one of them, Hanwha, which just led a series B round of $15.5 million, the companies said Wednesday.

The first 100 megawatts (MW) of the 290 MW Agua Caliente Solar Project have been completed and grid connected. It is said to be North America’s largest operating photovoltaic plant.

Indian banks have limited scope to boost lending to solar plants after funding for coal projects pushed them close to the limit for financing to the power industry, the nation’s biggest lender said.

Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) reported first quarter 2012 revenues of NOK 2,138 million and EBITDA of NOK 455 million. REC reduced net debt by NOK 0.5 billion in the first quarter to NOK 4.2 billion. 

As part of an ongoing pilot program approved by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to help reduce energy consumption and peak demand, FPL will offer PV solar rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for residential and business customers.

New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo for establishing a solar feed-in tariff plan for the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), similar to the one he proposed in 2009, as part of his NY-Sun proposal to increase the generation of solar power in New York State.

Around 350 MW of renewable energy capacities have been launched in the country since July 2011, according to Energy and Economy Minister Delyan Dobrev.

Ailing solar equipment maker Renewable Energy Corp. (REC.OL) put its hopes on growing markets outside Europe as declining prices pushed its first-quarter into the red and forced it to close its last remaining capacity in Norway.

Polysilicon, the raw material used to make most solar panels, is forecast to fall another 9 percent from its lowest in a decade as a supply glut narrows margins throughout the industry.

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a Silicon Valley-b manufacturer of high efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems today announced that it has en agreement with Giulio Barbieri S.p.A., to design and manufacture the new SunPower® Carport (solar carp Italian residential market.

PROINSO a company specialized in the distribution of photovoltaic modules, inverters, advanced tracking systems as well as racking solutions for ground mounted and rooftop installations, extends its global reach to Southeast Asia.

The project, being constructed at a Veteran Affairs (VA) hospital, is expected to be the largest solar carport development in the U.S. when it is completed in July 2012.

The US Energy Department today announced $9 million available this year to help utilities and grid operators better forecast when, where, and how much solar power will be produced at US solar energy plants. The funding is part of the SunShot Initiative.

Originally developed by Grüne Energien GmbH, REC Systems took full control of the project in September 2011 – when it was less than 50 percent developed – and provided the necessary project development, financing, and streamlined construction. REC completed construction of the plant in December 2011, ensuring the plant’s eligibility for the higher 2011 feed-in tariff.

Several parties have shown interest in German solar company Q-Cells since it filed for insolvency earlier this month, including domestic and foreign investors, an administrator said on Monday.

Demand for solar panels in Germany, the world’s largest market for the equipment, may hold up until the third quarter, according to the biggest builder of sun- powered plants.

Horb am Neckar, Germany, April 2011. DEGERenergie has expanded Sales Director Rainer Ott’s scope of responsibilities: As of now, he is in charge of the entire company’s global sales. DEGERenergie is the global market leader for solar tracking systems. Worldwide, more than 47,000 DEGERenergie systems are installed in 46 countries.

A total of 10 companies plan to set up solar projects in the State under the Karnataka Solar Mission over the next six months. Of these, eight companies plan to set up solar photovoltaic projects for 60 MW, while two will set up solar thermal projects of 10 MW each.

Welspun Group, India’s largest solar photovoltaic developer, and Sunborne Energy Holdings LLC, backed by billionaire Vinod Khosla, won contracts to build sun- powered plants in the nation’s Karnataka state.

Broadway Electrical and Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative (CVEC) held a press conference today to announce that Broadway has been awarded the Round II PV contract. The award consists of two tiers, tier I is 25,833 MW of PV and tier II is an additional 23,538 MW of PV. The unique partnership is a successful example of a Massachusetts renewable energy project, providing economic, environmental and educational benefits to the town and state.

Q-Cells SE (QCE) rose the most in six weeks in Frankfurt after an administrator said several parties had shown interest in the German solar-cell and module maker that filed for insolvency this month.

A Japanese government panel is likely to recommend utilities pay 42 yen (51 cents) per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for solar power supplies in a feed-in tariff scheme, in line with requests by the solar power industry, the Nikkei business daily said.

A newly-operational 30-megawatt solar photovoltaic generation plant will reduce the number of winter power shortages in the sunshine-rich city of Xigaze in Tibet, China.

Sungevity Inc., a closely held developer of rooftop solar systems, is expanding to Australia through a joint venture it says will be the first to offer homeowners there panels at no upfront cost.

Samil Power says that the securing of the project is “Thanks to China‘s favorable government policies, advantageous local environment and the company’s cuting-edge technology.”

SPI Solar ("SPI") recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with two fund management companies in Greece for the sole purpose of developing utility-scale solar energy facilities across Greece.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. (YGE), a Chinese solar-module maker, has a “framework agreement” for $324 million of China Development Bank funding for a so-called trade platform in Hong Kong used to import raw materials.

Registration now open

The registration for the Intersolar North America Conference 2012 is now open. Register until June, 2 to get the early bird rate.

Intersolar North America presents the Job & Career Forum in collaboration with RenewableEnergyWorld.com JOBS, the extensive employment search program and meeting point for companies and qualified personnel. The Job and Career Forum takes place directly on the exhibition floor and addresses the need within U.S. and international solar job markets.
The job postings are searchable online using RenewableEnergyWorld.com's diverse search criteria and are displayed on-site in alcove 3 on level 2 in Moscone West.

Intersolar North America's business-to-business focus provides the solar industry’s best opportunity in North America for deal-making and international networking opportunities. California's largest solar exhibition--the leading US solar market--the 2012 event, co-located with SEMICON West expects 950 exhibitors and 22,000 solar professionals.

Intersolar North America, the premier solar industry exhibition and conference in North America for solar professionals to exchange information and develop business opportunities in the U.S. solar market, will return to San Francisco July 9-12, 2012. Co-located with SEMICON West, the event is expected to draw approximately 950 exhibitors and registered visitors from more than 80 countries to provide a true global perspective of the solar industry.

Energy turnaround, financial crisis and rising electricity prices lead to the development of decentralized structures in the energy sector. All over the world, municipalities, medium-sized companies and private households become independent from public supply networks, thanks to solar power they have generated themselves. According to DEGERenergie, global market leader for solar tracking systems and inventor of the patented MLD technology, this trend has gained momentum in the last few months.

The world’s largest industrial fair – 2012 Hannover Messe will open on April 23rd. As the largest exhibitor from Taiwan as well as the leading global provider of power management and thermal solution, Delta Group, will introduce customized an extensive product line and integrated systems for the energy management sector. Moreover, Delta Group, recently ranked as a Top 20 Taiwan Global Brands, and led by vice chairman and CEO Yancey Hai, will also announce its new brand campaign “Smarter. Greener. Together.” to partners and customers to show its determination for advancing European market share.

T-Solar has just presented a bid in the second round of the South African government's programme for developing renewable energies, along with Green Continent Partners and the South African companies, IDC, GCBG Solar and Zico.

ujarat is flipping the switch on Asia’s largest solar power field, as just part of its 600 megawatt solar energy addition to India’s power grid.

Constellation Energy and the Middle Township Board of Education in New Jersey, US have completed a 1.5MW solar generation project across four school sites, expecting to power 42 per cent of their electricity needs.

Bechtel has been awarded a contract by enXco, an EDF Energies Nouvelles Company, for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the Catalina Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Generating Project in Kern County in Southern California. Bechtel will also build the 7.2 mile (11.6 kilometer) transmission line to connect the facility to a nearby substation.

Brazil, where solar installations last year were less than 1 percent of those in world leader Germany, is developing policies that may boost rooftop panel sales to $3 billion within 20 years.

Lanco Solar has announced the commissioning of 56 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants in Gujarat.

To help module manufacturers remain competitive on today’s highly volatile solar market, Saint-Gobain Solar will launch its SolarBond® ReadyFrame solution for cost-effective module framing at the Intersolar Europe 2012 in Munich, Germany, 13-15 June 2012.

Thin-film solar panels may perform better in hot climates than rival crystalline products, based on half a year of data from the first Indian projects, an executive at the nation’s largest contractor on the developments said.

“We are pleased to secure this contract for a high quality project that will help meet demands for California’s renewable energy generation,” said Jim Howell, Executive Vice President of Development for Silverado Power. “The Antelope Valley is an ideal location for solar development given its natural resources, transmission infrastructure, and the support of the local community and political leaders.”

Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente, S.A., the only Spanish solar company listed in the stock market, has begun execution of its first PV plant in Brazil. The 3 MW plant is located in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, in the southeastern region of the country. The project will be completed in early July 2012, connecting the plant early in the second half of this year.

Lanco Solar has announced the commissioning of 56 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants in Gujarat.

This includes three plants of 35 MW owned by Lanco Infratech Ltd and 21 MW built as turnkey EPC for other developers — the Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (5 MW), GSPC Pipavav Power Company Ltd (5 MW), GHI Energy Pvt Ltd (10 MW) and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (1 MW).

Day4 Energy Inc. (“Day4” or the “Company”) (TSX: DFE), a leading global provider of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions, announces that it has received notice from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the “TSX” or the “Exchange”) that the TSX is reviewing the eligibility for continued listing of the Company’s securities on the Exchange.

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) today announced it is restructuring its operations in response to deteriorating market conditions in Europe and to reduce costs and align its organization with sustainable market opportunities. As part of this program, First Solar will close its manufacturing operations in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, in the fourth quarter of 2012. Additionally, the Company will indefinitely idle four production lines at its manufacturing center in Kulim, Malaysia, on May 1, 2012. These actions, combined with other personnel reductions in Europe and the U.S., will reduce First Solar's global workforce by approximately 2,000 positions, about 30 percent of the total.

"Reducing our manufacturing costs and extending our technology advantage with our industry leading Maxeon Gen E cells remains a top priority for the company," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO.  "Operationally, our step reduction program is on plan as we now have 2 lines running under our new process and expect to have all 12 lines at our cell fabrication plant 2 (Fab 2) converted by the end of 2012".

With the gates soon to open on HANNOVER MESSE 2012, all signs are pointing to an exceptionally strong event in the making. Speaking in Hannover on Tuesday, Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch, Chairman of the Managing Board at Deutsche Messe, remarked: “We are convinced that the upcoming HANNOVER MESSE 2012 is going to be a major success. The timing of the fair couldn’t be better: The ongoing debate on sustainability and the energy transition is kicking the world’s industrial innovators into even higher gear. Industry stands committed to leveraging the opportunities posed by today’s challenges. The innovations on show at HANNOVER MESSE will demonstrate that sustainability and the energy transition are technologically achievable. What’s more, the business community is showing renewed confidence in the global economic outlook. Enterprises are easing off on the emergency brake and setting their sights on growth ahead.”

MiaSolé of Santa Clara, CA, USA, which was founded in 2001 to make copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic panels, has appointed Preetha Nair as Country Manager India, reinforcing the firm’s strategic global expansion, with particular emphasis on high-growth solar markets such as India.

The provider of compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cells has been awarded a manufacturing contract by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corporation.

Spire Corporation a global company providing solar power photovoltaic equipment and systems announced that it will provide a 20 megawatt ("MW") Photovoltaic ("PV”) module turnkey assembly line.

A tripling in German installations of solar panels in the first quarter is less than anticipated, given the rush to complete projects before subsidy cuts in the second-biggest market for the industry, a lobby group said.

juwi has announced the construction of Thuringia’s biggest PV plant in Ronneburg. The construction of the 20MW solar power plant will begin in April 2012 and the project is expected to commence commercial production in June this year. The energy generated will be fed into the national grid.

In line with its continuous global business activity expansion process, the Board of Directors of The meeco Group has decided to rename its country subsidiaries in Alicante (Spain), Milan (Italy) and Athens (Greece). The adopted renaming strategy chosen is a local one, and as such, SunCarrier Services Spain, Italy and Greece will be respectively renamed meeco España, Italia and Hellas.

Solar panel maker SunPower Corp said it will consolidate its Philippine manufacturing operations to cut capital expenditure and cost per watt.

MUMBAI: Global supplier of technology and services Bosch, which recently forayed into the solar energy space in India, is eyeing 10 mega watt worth projects over the next few years.

A range of proposals have been put to the ACT Government for setting up Australia's first large-scale solar power facility supported by a feed-in tariff.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected three groups of companies to make up the $125m US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center (JCERDC).

German solar-energy installations more than tripled in the first quarter as developers raced to beat subsidy cuts, Financial Times Deutschland reported, without saying where it got the information.

Renewable Resources (Energy Solutions) Ltd announces today its established presence in North America to provide roof-mounted solar technology for residential & commercial customers across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. As a result of Renewable Resources' origins in Scotland, the launch is timed to coincide with Tartan Week 2012, a series of events in New York City celebrating Scottish culture and innovation in the United States.

Three exciting and politically topical special events – WoMenPower, TectoYou and the Job & Career Market – will ensure that HANNOVER MESSE 2012 (23 – 27  April 2012) continues to serve as an important international recruitment event. This year, several thousand international companies from various sectors will be represented in Hannover.

Talesun, an international, premium quality producer of solar cells and modules for  the private and industrial sectors, has signed an agreement with China Merchants New Energy  Group  Ltd to provide 1 GW capacity for new solar farms  over the next  three  years.  The installations, which are to  be built both  in China  and  around the globe   will  be  owned   and   operated  by   Hong   Kong   based   project  developer  China Merchants New  Energy  Group.  The  group specializes in the  design, construction and operation of solar  power  plants.

Discussion of topical issues and challenges facing the industrial supply sector are at the heart of the Suppliers Convention, which is taking place under the aegis of Industrial Supply in Hall 4. This year the international forum once again offers visitors to HANNOVER MESSE (23 – 27 April 2012) an exciting program of lectures and discussion sessions on every day of the show. The subjects on the agenda include China as an industrial nation, solid forming, systems suppliers, and supply trends in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. At the same time this established forum for subcontracting professionals affords excellent opportunities for cultivating existing contacts and forging new business connections. The Convention is organized by publisher Konradin Verlag and Deutsche Messe AG, and partnered by Arbeitsgemeinschaft Zulieferindustrie, the trade association representing component suppliers in Germany. There is no charge for participation, and the official conference languages are German and English.

Taking place under the umbrella of HANNOVER MESSE (23 – 27 April), the trade show “Industrial Supply” will feature a new themed presentation entitled “Adhesive Bonding Technology”. The motto of this new event is “innovations in structural bonding”. In this way Industrial Supply – the Leading Trade Fair for Industrial Subcontracting and Lightweight Construction– has created a central platform for this highly specialized topic, strategically positioned in the unique interdisciplinary line-up of trade shows at HANNOVER MESSE.

Optimizing the recycling chain represents a key challenge to industry. State-of-the-art production techniques involve the increased conservation of resources, improved energy efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions. Topics like urban mining and the conservation of natural resources like rare earths are becoming increasingly critical. This is the context in which the relevant technologies and concepts will be showcased at IndustrialGreenTec – the Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technology – running from 23 to 27 April at the Hannover Exhibition Center.

Over the years, the Job & Career Market at HANNOVER MESSE has made a name for itself as a goldmine of job opportunities and career openings in the technical professions. Every year, employers from around Europe use it to gain an edge in the highly competitive labor market for young engineering talent and seasoned professionals. In keeping with its international importance, the Job & Career Market will this year have Germany’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, as its official patron.

The future of industry and technology is being addressed at HANNOVER MESSE from 23 to 27 April 2012. This means the development and use of technologies in industrial manufacturing – and also the participants at TectoYou, the central employment initiative at HANNOVER MESSE. Secondary and university students have excellent opportunities at the trade fair to explore career prospects, and even make personal contact with potential employers. Awakening interest in technical careers and degrees – that is the goal of the TectoYou employment initiative. For the sixth time now, young people from all over Germany who are currently exploring career and study ideas are coming to Hannover for a day to follow specially conceived guided tours of the exhibition center and experience the world’s most important technology event in person. Industrial companies and associations await these future employees with exciting information and hands-on experience.

Future employment is an important topic at HANNOVER MESSE. With TectoYou, the world’s biggest technology event has an established program for fostering young people’s interest in technical careers. For one full day, several thousand students come to HANNOVER MESSE (23–27 April 2012) and get an overview of employment available in industry through presentations and discussions. They gain hands-on experience with technology, make contact with exhibiting companies and experience the tradeshow atmosphere on special guided tours. The TectoYou employment initiative is being offered for the sixth time as part of HANNOVER MESSE.

The MobiliTec User Forum at HANNOVER MESSE 2012 will be a feast of concentrated expertise and captivating case studies on all aspects of mobility. It comprises a central presentation platform where stimulating lectures and panel discussions will explore all the latest trends and developments in the mobility sector. 2012 will mark the third time that the Forum will feature as an integral part of MobiliTec, the leading trade fair for hybrid and electric powertrain technologies, mobile energy storage, charging infrastructure and alternative mobility solutions.

Tenaska Inc., an independent power company, received $500 million in debt financing for a solar farm in southern California.

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. led a group of nine banks providing the funding, Omaha, Nebraska-based Tenaska said today in a statement.

Jana Martin, a Tenaksa spokeswoman, disclosed the amount of the funding in a phone interview today and wouldn’t give the total price of the project.

First Solar Inc. (FSLR) is providing the panels and began construction in December on the 130-megawatt Imperial Solar Energy Center South project in Imperial County. It’s expected to begin producing power in 2014 and Sempra Energy’s San Diego Gas & Electric utility will buy the electricity under a 25-year contract.

The other lenders are Union Bank NA, BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., DZ Bank AG, KeyBank NA, Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, Royal Bank of Canada, Banco Santander SA (SAN)’s Sovereign Bank and Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen.

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Gehrlicher Solar AG (Neustadt B. Coburg, Germany) has signed an agreement with the government of Extremadura, Spain, to build a 250 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the region.

Solar projects atop police stations, schools and garbage truck garages have helped the city of New York more than triple its output from PV panels.

On April 3rd, 2012 Activ Solar GmbH (Vienna, Austria) announced that it has completed and begun commissioning a 31.5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Crimean region of the Ukraine.

A senior German official dampened Greek hopes of selling massive quantities of solar power to Germany, saying Berlin would bolster its own renewable energy production before considering any imports.

A Chinese billionaire is teaming up with the most powerful man in the U.S. Senate to build a solar plant in a dusty corner of Nevada, even as officials accuse China of driving energy companies out of business by dumping cheap components on the American market.

Spain’s Ingenostrum plans to build six solar power plants with 688 MW in generating capacity in Antofagasta, a region in northern Chile, at a total cost of $1.9 billion, environmental regulators said Tuesday.

Suntech Power Holdings Co. (STP) and LDK Solar Co. (LDK) sank in U.S. trading on concern new lending initiatives in China may increase borrowing costs for the world’s largest solar companies.

The New York Power Authority authorized a $30 million solar power research and development program aimed at lowering the cost of solar energy on March 27.