WRAL Tech Wire

Cleantech jobs grow in N.C. thanks to solar energy projects

North Carolina ranks No. 4 among states for creating cleantech jobs, according to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs. Learn what's helping the state's high ranking.

Tomorrow's energy innovations emerging today in Research Triangle Region

Cleantech refers to products, services and processes that use renewable materials and energy sources, reduce the use of natural resources, and cut or eliminate emissions and waste. Business opportunity exists for companies who work in each of those areas, as well as where they intersect. And the Triangle is home to many of these firms turning cleantech ideas into business.

Who will lead in cleantech?

Industry competitors collaborate to grow Triangle cleantech cluster

In the marketplace, they compete fiercely for market share and profits. In the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, they collaborate with equal ferocity to create the smart, clean technologies of the future. And they're paying $75,000 each for the privilege. They are the founding members of the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster.

Who will lead in cleantech?

 Research Triangle region is a global leader in shaping intelligent energy future

Leaders of the Triangle region's rapidly growing cleantech industry cluster have written an exclusive three-part series for WRALTechWire. Part One focuses on the opportunity cleantech offers the regional economy and the companies and assets that make it a global hotspot for this important emerging industry.

Who will lead in cleantech?

 Defeat of renewable energy subsidy bill shows 'green' power

The global fight over the wisdom of "green energy" may very well have hit a pivotal point right here in North Carolina. If a state under conservative Republican control can't repeal legislation that requires utilities to provide sustainable energy and also provides subsidies to the emerging industry then the march to a greener future is likely to continue.

Inside Google's big data center in Lenoir

 Power technology firm ABB, with U.S. HQ in Cary, is buying solar firm for $1B

ABB, the international power technology firm that operates its U.S. headquarters in Cary, is getting even bigger. The company has agreed to acquire Power-One for some $1 billion.

 Sustainable Energy Conference focuses on 'Intelligent Energy Future'

Speakers from across the country and companies representing the spectrum of green energy and cleantech will gather at N.C. State today through Wednesday for the 10th annual Sustainable Energy conference.

 Renewable energy rollback moves forward in NC House

State House lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal to freeze and repeal the state's renewable energy standards.

 Solar tech firm Semprius aims to raise $4M

Solar technology company Semprius, which has developed a way to make more efficient solar cells about the about the size of a pencil point, raises $2.1 million.

Semprius' solar panel technology

 Report: NC ranks no. 2 in the US for clean energy jobs

North Carolina ranks second among all states in clean energy jobs, according to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs. The Tar Heel state counted 10,867 clean jobs last year.

 NC ranks among nation's 10 best states for green jobs, report says

Environmental Entrepreneurs group says green jobs industry produced more than 110,000 jobs across the country in 2012.

 NCSU wins $9M grant for home solar power project

The U.S. Energy Department awards N.C. State a $9 million grant for development of solar power panels that can be purchased, installed and made operational in one day.

Solar Power

 Going green - solar farms, crops - at Robeson Community College

Robeson County launches the "GreenZone," which will be used as a "demonstration system" to show how agriculture can benefit the state economically and environmentally. Future projects will include the installation of a geothermal system to heat the greenhouse and experimenting with wind energy systems.

 Semprius to power $2.3M Pentagon solar project

The Durham-based startup has been selected by a Pentagon contractor to supply its solar power modules for a pilot project at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Semprius' solar panel technology

 NCSU 'nanoflowers,' could be solar power source

Researchers at N.C. State have created flower-like structures from semiconductor material that could be a future source for solar power and future energy storage devices.

A "nanoflower" created by NCSU

 Solar firm Semprius opens Henderson plant Sept. 26

The venture capital-backed startup plans to hire more than 250 employees to work at the production facility over the next several years.

Semprius' new factory

 Solar cell manufacturer hires IBM exec as new president

Nanosolar's CEO departs; Karl Steigele takes over as president and COO, a new position.

 RTI International showcases affordable solar technology

Researchers at RTI International have developed a new solar technology that could make solar energy more affordable.

 Solar power firm picks N.C. for 305 jobs, U.S. HQ

Schletter, a builder of solar power mounting systems, could receive some $3.5 million in tax incentives and rebates if 305 jobs are created at plant in Shelby.

 Solar tech firm Semprius secures $8M in loans

Horizon Technology Finance and Silicon Valley Bank team up to offer the Durham-based startup $8 million in a loan facility.