HONOLULU, HI–(Marketwire - March 3, 2010) - Hoku Solar, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU), today announced it has been engaged to design, engineer and install a photovoltaic (PV) power system for Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc., a provider of clinical laboratory and related services in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands.

Hoku reported it had been selected by Diagnostic Laboratory Services through a competitive bidding process, and that it had entered into a subcontract with Allied Builders System to install the 339-kilowatt, turnkey PV system. The solar energy project will be completed as a part of a renovation of the former Panasonic warehouse in Halawa valley on Oahu, which will house Diagnostic Laboratory Services’ new state-of-the-art laboratory and headquarters. Once installed, the system is expected to generate more than 490,000 kilowatt hours of clean, renewable solar electricity each year.

“Hoku is proud to partner with Allied Builders System, Architects Hawaii Ltd., and Diagnostic Laboratory Services on this exciting project,” said Dustin Shindo, chairman and chief executive officer of Hoku Scientific.

“Solar power makes good business sense for our company,” said Richard Okazaki, president and chief executive officer of Diagnostic Laboratory Services. “The planned PV system will help stabilize operating costs at our new facility, and we are pleased to have the benefit of Hoku’s expertise as we work to further integrate clean, renewable power into our operations.”

“We look forward to working with Hoku Solar on the Diagnostic Laboratory Services project, and hope to collaborate with them on future projects as well,” said Gary Oda, president of Allied Builders System.

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MANASSAS, VA–(Marketwire - March 3, 2010) - Aurora Flight Sciences has completed the fabrication and initial tests of an advanced wing design that could revolutionize solar-powered aircraft.

The test wing has a span of 22 feet and a chord of 15 feet. It is built entirely of advanced composite materials and lightweight plastics. Its upper surface is covered with advanced solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity that would be used to power the aircraft and its payloads.

“Aurora’s interest in solar-powered aircraft dates from the earliest days of the company,” said Aurora CEO John Langford. “Our very first externally funded study, in 1989, was for a solar-powered version of the Daedalus human-powered aircraft. Today’s designs are for much larger aircraft — literally hundreds of feet in wingspan. The idea of this test panel was to develop and validate designs and manufacturing techniques. Doing this is essential for the accurate planning of any future solar aircraft development program.”

In 2008, Aurora was selected as a contractor by DARPA for Phase 1 of the “Vulture” ultra-long endurance aircraft program. Aurora’s design, called “Odysseus” uses a unique variable geometry design known as the “Z-wing.”

The large solar test panel was privately funded by Aurora as an adjunct to Vulture. In addition to the test panel, Aurora has funded the development and flight test of the SunLight Eagle, a 114 foot wingspan solar UAV which made its first flights in the spring of 2009.

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SANTA FE, NM–(Marketwire - March 3, 2010) - Quantum Solar Power Corp (OTCBB: QSPW), a development stage company engaged in the advancement of Next Generation solar cell technology, announced today that it has named Dr. Andras G. Pattantyus-Abraham as its new Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham resigned his post at the University of Toronto to lead and to spearhead the growth of its photovoltaic science team, which is working on a groundbreaking photovoltaic technology.

Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham joined Quantum Solar in December 2009. Prior to coming to Quantum Solar, Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham was Lead Scientist for novel photovoltaic devices in the Sargent Research Group, in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto. From 2004 to 2006, Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham was a Postdoctoral Fellow of the Photonic Nanostructures Research Group in the Physics department of the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham obtained degrees in Engineering Physics and Mathematics from Queen’s University in Ontario. He then completed his doctoral thesis on semiconducting polymers at the University of British Columbia in the department of Chemistry.

At the University of Toronto, Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham made key contributions to the development of photovoltaic devices based on solution-processed, infrared-responsive quantum dots. His postdoctoral work at the University of British Columbia involved an important advance to the use of quantum dots in quantum information processing.

“We are looking forward to working with Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham as he builds upon a legacy of success to establish a clear science direction for our revolutionary Next Generation photovoltaic devices,” states Daryl Ehrmantraut, President and CEO. Dr. Gary Leach, Quantum Science Lead adds “We are delighted to have Dr. Pattantyus-Abraham on board. His in-depth knowledge of photovoltaic technologies will be a huge asset to our efforts.”

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NEWPORT BEACH, CA–(Marketwire - March 3, 2010) - Green Wave Energy Corporation (GWEC), a Newport Beach-based energy engineering think tank and manufacturer of self-sufficient energy producing products, today announced the launch of its proprietary World Light Pole™, which is now available for purchase and brings power to traditionally out-of-grid areas, reducing dependence on traditional electrical grids.

“There is no other renewable energy powered light pole that can provide a source of light and power in a location where traditionally no power has ever been, or realistically would be available,” says CEO Mark Holmes. “Green Wave products are not just innovative, they are designed to change the way we think about how and where we can generate and use electrical power. The World Light Poles™ would be able to provide power along a rocky coastline, a windswept mountain or in the midst of a barren desert.”

The World Light Pole™ features a combination of solar-wind technologies that deliver consistent electrical power to the Pole’s off-the-grid locations where people have never had power before — such as in deserts, jungles, mountains or even deserted isles, where they can offer up security, safety, and consistency.

Additionally, the World Light Poles™ can be used for disaster relief, as thousands of people need both light and power as the recovery begins — often in places where there is no grid or the grid has been destroyed. They can be installed permanently like an ordinary street or parking lot light, or can be installed temporarily in an hour or two to form an instant security parameter for military and other organizations. The mobile poles can then be taken down the next day and placed on a truck to be re-installed at a new location, which provides security for another night. Even when the local grid goes out, the Poles can still provide power.

“We have a vision for innovative products of the future and the World Light Pole™ is one that solves problems in very complex environments where no renewable solution was previously available,” Holmes adds. “Our proprietary World Light Pole™ is built to handle almost any challenges, from Category Three Hurricane winds to disruptive flood surges.” They also produce additional electricity that can be used to power everyday household appliances, so consequently the World Light Pole not only offers light, but also the ability to cook a meal, purify water, and even call home in the most remote places imaginable. With constructed tamper-proof bolts securing the Pole and components, they become virtually indestructible in any environment.

“There is a high demand for innovation in the renewable energy sector, especially if it saves money on infrastructure,” says Holmes. “We’re not just selling eco-friendly products, we’re shining the light on renewable energy and technological innovation. This is just one of the many game-changing residential and commercial renewable energy products that GWEC is bringing to the US and global marketplace.”

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XINYU CITY, China and SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (”LDK Solar”; NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers, announced today that it has reached an agreement to settle the securities class action lawsuit pending in the U.S. District Court of Northern California. After submitting the proposed settlement agreement to the court on February 16, 2010, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement on February 17, 2010. The settlement is not final until the class receives notice of the settlement and the court grants final approval of the settlement terms.

Under the terms of the agreement, all of the claims in the securities class action lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice. All of the defendants will receive a complete release of all the claims alleged in the case. The settlement agreement expressly states that it does not include any finding that any defendant committed any wrongful act. The defendants continue to maintain that the allegations in the case have no merit at all. To avoid legal expenses, uncertainties and distraction of management, LDK Solar elected to settle the case. As part of the settlement terms, LDK Solar and its insurance carrier will pay a total of $16 million (approximately 5% of the alleged damages) to compensate the class members and to cover all legal and administrative expenses.

“After more than a two year-period of litigation, LDK Solar believes the settlement is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders,” stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. “The resolution of this matter puts the litigation behind us and reduces the Company’s ongoing legal expenses.”

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LOS GATOS, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ — Tigo Energy, the solar company whose unique technology brings new levels of power output efficiency, management and control to photovoltaic solar installations, announced today the expansion of international sales efforts for the Tigo Energy Maximizer System in North Asia and across Europe. These activities include: growing direct sales representation and technical support, meeting key regional conformance requirements, and establishing major regional distribution partners. The initial results of these efforts have yielded sales agreements in excess of 100MW and are aimed to better service customers interested in the next generation of PV innovation.

Tigo Energy has brought aboard industry veteran, Bernd Neuner, to manage the firm’s European expansion. Neuner, who has been named Director of Business Development for Europe, brings eleven years of international experience in the electronics industry as well as a strong background in solar energy projects.

According to Paolo Viscontini, CEO of Enerpoint, one of Europe’s leading PV distributors, “Bernd Neuner is a strong addition to the company. He has a compelling background in pan-European, multi-lingual, multi-cultural management of distribution networks and business development. Given his track record and the company’s exciting product lines, we expect positive growth for Tigo Energy across Europe.”

Prior to joining Tigo Energy, Neuner managed the European distribution network of Ametek Programmable Power, the leader in programmable power supplies. He was also responsible for European business development for the solar array simulators for the space industry and the PV inverter manufacturers. Throughout Neuner’s career, he has successfully marketed solutions for managing distributed systems: first tele and data communications networks, then cable TV networks and finally distributed nodal power generation networks in the form of PV arrays. Neuner graduated from Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg where he studied Computer Science.

Since introducing the Tigo Energy Maximizer Solution in 2009, Tigo Energy has grown exponentially, expanding operations in North America, across Europe, North Asia and the Middle East. The solution that the company is launching in Japan is for utility scale, commercial and residential systems. The Tigo Energy Maximizer Solution has achieved certification to UL 1741, CE Mark, a California Energy Commission (CEC) listing and now has necessary recognition from JET for sales in the Japanese market. Tigo Energy has been committed to the Japan market with business development efforts which began two years ago.

“We can move forward in supplying the unique value our customers are demanding – more efficient PV systems, higher total energy output, more visibility and control of the system, and decision-based tools for improving performance metrics over the life of the system as well as provide an unprecedented level of safety for new and existing PV solar installations,” explained Sam Arditi, Tigo Energy’s CEO. “We see system monitoring evolving from a passive role to an active role of dynamic control from installation commissioning throughout the life of the system.”

“We welcome Tigo Energy’s expansion into Japan,” said Mr. Shigeki Kondo, respected veteran of the Japanese Solar Industry. “The company’s presence will be a most effective answer to the demand I have seen for Tigo Energy’s product.”

“The solution will prove to be very attractive to the traditional Japanese urban installation and an important feature differentiator to keep Japanese PV module suppliers in their leadership position,” added Professor Takashi Tomita of the University of Tokyo and former CEO of Sharp Solar.

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OAKLAND, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ — Sungevity, the leading online provider of residential solar installations, today announced that it has the industry’s best solar finance solution combined with its industry leading online quoting service.

“Online delivery of solar home solutions for no money down and with guaranteed savings is a game-changer that will enable everyone to go solar,” said Danny Kennedy, President and co-founder of Sungevity.

“It is so easy to get started. People across California are being served online and by solar consultants in our call center 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week – no home visit hassle required - and within weeks they’re getting savings from the sun,” he said.

Due to the appeal of the new Sungevity Solar Lease, the company has upgraded its call center and online services in a number of ways:

• Faster response - New customers can now receive a fully designed, engineered system proposal within 24 hours, seven days a week. (Most companies take days or weeks to even get a firm quote to a customer.)
• Leasing is a snap - Customers get all the bureaucracy and paperwork taken care of over the phone by skilled solar consultants and can even sign up online with eSignatures.
• Open every day - Sungevity Solar Consultants will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week to make it convenient for customers to discuss their solar solution.

Best of all, the Sungevity Solar Lease requires no money down, and has a shorter term than any comparable product.

“We are thrilled to announce the best solar lease on the market with the first ever 10-year term as well as service unparalleled by our competitors, because Sungevity puts its customers first,” said Kennedy.

Sungevity will guarantee the savings from the day customers sign a contract, including the time customers wait for installation. Also, Sungevity will provide free monitoring, free maintenance and cleaning, and free insurance for the solar system for the term of the Sungevity Solar Lease.

“It is a cost-free way for most Californians to save thousands of dollars by putting their roofs to work for them,” said Kennedy.

To take this service to mainstream America, Sungevity recently added Skip Battle to its Board. Skip is a web-business veteran, who has worked on the Boards or been CEO of Expedia, Ask, Netflix and OpenTable where he helped to transform those industries.

“Sungevity has removed the final barrier to mass adoption of solar power,” said Battle. “Of all the companies in the solar space, only Sungevity has the capability to serve the most Americans seamlessly. With our easy online platform and this zero-down lease, which saves most families money each month, we’re bringing the sun to everyone.”

Get a quote by going to www.Sungevity.com or call (866.786.4255)

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LOUISVILLE, Colo., March 3 /PRNewswire/ — The future is looking bright for students at Kent Denver School, thanks to one of the largest prep school solar energy arrays in the nation. Colorado-based Bella Energy and international solar provider Conergy partnered to provide the school with a fully engineered and financed solar energy solution.

Building on Kent Denver’s goals to deepen its students’ appreciation for the world around them, the school supports sustainability projects that inspire its students to rethink how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. Kent Denver’s head of school, Todd Horn, said, “Our students can now see how their smaller solar projects (such as a golf cart and a marine underwater camera in the Florida Keys) can be scaled up to a commercially viable level.”

Conergy, Bella Energy, and RC Energy worked together with the school to make the project a reality. Matt Kyriakos, head of Conergy US Small Commercial Projects, commented, “Conergy is extremely proud to be part of the Kent Denver School, Renewable Energy Project. Our team model for developing medium to large scale solar projects expands the capabilities of local photovoltaic integrators, while providing greater access to renewable energy for end users exactly like Kent Denver School.”

The 205kW solar energy system relies on 1,170 solar panels to provide the students with enough power to prevent over half a million pounds of CO2 from being emitted each year. As a result of the commitment of Kent Denver School and the collaboration of Bella Energy and Conergy, Kent Denver students’ scholastics efforts are now, in part, solar powered.

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