Ajeet Rohatgi, founder/solar energy expert Atlanta-based Suniva said on Tuesday that it has raised $50 million to commercialize its solar-cell technology, which it says will be as cheap as conventional electricity.

Giant auto manufacturer SEAT has pledged to become one of the world’s largest solar power generators by powering a manufacturing plant with solar energy.

Pilot Project marks a major step toward Wal-Mart's goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy. Photo Credit: Makai Construction Press Release from BP Solar Jan 31, 2008, Palm Desert, CA Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and BP Solar today announced the completion of a 591.6 kilowatt (kW) solar power system at the Sam's Club in Palm Desert and the plans for a 605.88 kW solar system at the Wal-Mart store in Palm Springs. The systems will provide up to 30 percent of the power for each store.

Micro-inverters improve efficiency, removing the need for a centralised inverter. Solar energy technology company Enphase Energy has announced this week that it has raised $6.5m in funding for its solar energy micro-inverter technology.