Germany and Renewables

Here’s another good piece from Business Week on Germany’s Renewable Energy efforts: The Wind at Germany’s Back : Cutting-edge tech and government incentives have made it a world-beater in renewable energy. Some excerpts:

Taking Stock

Here are a few technology stocks that I own and cover. My method had been investing in trends, and in markets that have momentum. Akamai (AKAM) Coverage: Online Video Beneficiaries: Akamai and Level 3’s Impact on Akamai? Clearly, my bet is on the growth in Online Video, and how the network infrastructure needs to scale

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Sunpower: Good Planning on PolySilicon

SunPower is the technology leader in solar derived energy products for both residential and commercial applications. The company offers solar cells, solar panels, and inverter equipment. These high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies, making SunPower the technical leader in its industry. We

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Role Model Interviews

Over the last few months, I have done a series of interviews with leaders – CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Technologists, Academics, and Social Entrepreneurs – which offer insights to young and old alike about key choices – in business, in career, in life. * Jerry Rawls, CoFounder & CEO of Finisar * Philippe Courtot, Founder and

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Leadership Profile: Tom Werner (Part 12)

To conclude our interview, I asked Tom what role he sees SunPower playing in the alternative energy marketplace, and the impact the company may have in alleviating some of the challenges we face with potential energy shortages. SM: Let me ask you the big question now. What role do you see SunPower playing in the

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Leadership Profile: Tom Werner (Part 11)

In order to have a mass market which could potentially consume all residential market (and expansion of commercial markets) places, awareness and motivation (incentive) must exist among the consumers. Further advocacy would also help grow the energy production market by utility companies. SM: What is the level of awareness and motivation in the marketplace to

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Leadership Profile: Tom Werner (Part 10)

The core of SunPower’s success has been its dominance of the high efficiency solar cell. Tom breaks down the marketplace by product type, and explains where SunPower fits into the picture. SM: Is your technology the most efficient on the market today? TW: We are the highest efficiency in the world, although Sanyo is close.

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Leadership Profile: Tom Werner (Part 9)

After discussing German and Japanese markets, Tom visits the North American markets with a particular emphasis on California. Of particular interest is the amount of growth which is expected, spurred in part by governmental policy and incentive programs. We use that discussion as a catalyst to have some quick discussions on the current and projected

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