Here's the latest action we're following on the GreenBeat:
IKEA makes push for LEDs — The company announced today it has stopped selling all incandescent light bulbs, Cleantechnica reports. Sounds like good news for energy-efficient LEDs, which are set to surge in 2011.
Solar Power raises $6.08 million — According to an SEC filing pointed out by TechCrunch, Solar Power Technologies has raised the money for its technology, which optimizes the harvest of large solar arrays. The company claims its systems can increase the amount of sunlight harvested by 15 to 20 percent over 20 years. Its investors in this round include Austin Ventures and Oxantium Ventures.
Cleantech venture capital in 2010 totaled $400 million — That's according to a tally by Greentech Media. Venture capital going into the sector was down sharply in the third quarter of last year (compared to the third quarter of 2009), leading analysts and some venture capitalists to argue that the market was shifting towards more capital-efficient investments.
Wind makes big business for Siemens — The company's annual report revealed that its renewable energy division increased sales by 48 percent in the quarter ended Sept. 30, making $1.3 billion, more than any other Siemens division, and also increased new orders by 85 percent, the New York Times reports. Profit margins for the wind business are still less than ideal — 10.6 percent compared to a target of 12 to 16 percent. Siemens aims to become one of the top three wind equipment players in the world; it currently resides at eighth or ninth, the article notes.
BayWa buys Focused Energy – The German international trading group has announced it is entering the U.S. market through its subsidiary, BayWa r.e, which acquired an 80 percent stake in solar wholesaler Focused Energy. The Santa Fe-based company sells solar equipment to installers for use in small to mid-size commercial and residential installations. The company reports a revenue of $43 million in 2010.
Stion to place thin-film solar factory in Mississipp i — The venture-backed company will open a 100-megawatt factory in Hattiesburg, according to the Hattiesburg American. It's the first phase of a total $500 million project to ramp up production and is expected to generate 1,000 jobs. The state also offered Stion a $75 million loan and tax incentives.
