In This Issue:

Radar systems touted as solution to wind power's bird and bat problem; RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS - Solar energy industry posts record growth, despite Solyndra collapse; BrightSource planning 750MW project in California desert; GCL-Poly to invest in, build 2 solar projects in California; U.S. solar industry fights for section 1603 subsidy extension; Study finds 25% of jobs related to solar energy are in California; GE takes aim at First Solar with 'more efficient' thin film panels; County supervisor joins Chino Hills fight against Southern California Edison; California treasurer defends tax break for energy firms; Cap-and-trade emissions scheme expected to be approved by California; and 2008-2010 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Major Facilities now available. NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND DEALS - Proposal finalized for first utility-scale solar-wind hybrid farm.

Radar systems touted as solution to wind power's bird and bat problem

IEEE Spectrum - Oct 20

A company called DeTect thinks it has found a way to mitigate wind energy's impacts on birds and bats. The Merlin Avian Radar System plants a radar transmitter in the midst of a wind farm, and looks out for migratory birds that might be passing through. If it sees some and determines they might fly into the midst of the turbines, it can automatically shut down the turbines in question to allow the birds' safe passage.