In This Issue:

Biden calls for new clean energy policy for U.S.; RENEWABLE ENERGY FOCUS Gov. Brown seeks to extend California energy surcharge; RETECH 2011; NextEra upgrades Altamont wind farm for birds; California finalizes unique renewables auction program; Ivanpah solar plant closer to completion; U.S. saw $1.9B in net exports of solar energy in 2010; Solar startup Solyndra files for bankruptcy; Governors urge White House to extend supportive policies for wind industry; California home solar system prices fall slightly; August was a big month for California's SunPower; Solar Millennium seeking a minority stake sale, bank loan to grow; Falling prices has solar companies looking for consolidation; Gov. Brown signs renewable energy legislation that could mean jobs; California, Colorado homes offered no-money-down solar power; California city to become one of world's first 'Net Zero Cities' aided by Beautiful Earth Group; Work starts on first hybrid power plant in Nevada; NOTABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY PrOJECTS AND DEALS Gradient breaks ground on Nevada geothermal project; PPA signed with Sacramento Municipal Utility District; NextEra agrees to sell four gas plants to LS Power for $1.05B; and Ram Power terminates geothermal PPA with SCE.

Biden calls for new clean energy policy for U.S.

Associated Press - Aug 30

Vice-President Joe Biden, speaking at a clean energy summit in Las Vegas, told alternative technology supporters that the U.S. needs to change its clean energy policy to be a leader. Biden said that if policies don't change, the country will trade its dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign clean energy technology. Biden said the future will demand cities that produce all the energy they consume; battery-powered cars able to travel great distances and bacteria that converts sunlight directly into fuel, among other innovations.