Come visit PV Contractor at the North American Intersolar Conference (www.intersolar.us) this week in San Francisco, California!

Every year InterSolar North America brings together leading solar PV companies from across the globe. Developing new solar technologies and improving strategies for distribution and installation are essential in this cutting-edge, technology driven market. Our goal is to create a more accessible market in the United States, making solar PV installation more affordable and accessible.  This year PV contractor is pleased to present our new Partner Program for installation companies and installers, which will help them serve their customers more efficiently. Featured services in our Partner Program include support for Marketing, Sales, Training, Engineering, Legal, and Finance. To learn more about this program, visit us at the conference at booth #7041 or to learn more now visit our corporate website: http://cw.pv-contractor.com/become-a-dealer/ and request to become a partner today!

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has launched the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Commercial Solar Photovoltaic Program, which will offer financial support, in the form of grants, to buy down the cost of installing new solar PV equipment at commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in Connecticut. [read more]

A recent analysis from Bloomberg New Energy Finance suggests that the U.S. market for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal generation will grow annually by 42% to reach 44 GW by 2020, requiring $100 billion of investment. [read more]

Satcon Technology Corp., a provider of utility-grade power-conversion solutions for the renewable energy market, has introduced the Satcon Equinox to the North American market. Equinox is a 500 kW power-conversion solution that is built on the foundation of the company’s PowerGate Plus inverter. [read more]

Solarfun Power Holdings Co. Ltd. has launched the E-Star line of PV modules. E-Star modules are designed to satisfy the needs of small commercial and residential applications, according to the company. [read more]

Upsolar, an international solar module supply partner, has introduced a new warranty program, backed by PowerGuard Specialty Insurance Services, a coverage holder specializing in insurance and risk management solutions for the solar and wind energy industries. [read more]

LG Electronics Inc. says it has entered the North American commercial solar market. The company says it plans to expand its global solar business to $2.4 billion by 2015 and to invest $820 million over the next five years in its solar cell research and manufacturing. [read more]

SolarCity says it is now offering a new SolarLease option, which the company says is the first to combine solar services and energy efficiency services. SolarCity will now provide customers who lease or purchase solar systems with a Home TuneUp, a home efficiency evaluation and a package of energy-saving home improvements and repairs. [read more]

U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., and Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee Ranking Member Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, have introduced a package of tax incentives designed to support advanced energy technologies and strategies. [read more]

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., and Tom Udall, D-N.M., have introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national renewable electricity standard (RES).

Under the proposal, electric utilities would be required to produce at least 11% of their power from solar, wind, biomass and other renewable sources of energy by 2021. The remaining 4% could be achieved through energy efficiency improvements. [read more]