Solar successes

Pacific Gas & Electric vows a five-fold increase in solar use. SunEdison LLC acquires a Sacramento-based solar system installer to expand its skills base and capabilities in California -- America's fastest growing solar market. Cambridge, Ontario-based ATS Automation announces terrific growth in its solar business and says it will file a preliminary prospectus -- finally! -- for the IPO of its Photowatt business in Canada and the United States. And Victoria, B.C.-based solar provider Carmanah Technologies reports a strong second quarter, showing a 142 per cent year-or-year increase in revenues ($15.8 million) and a positive swing back to profitability. "All of these achievements signal increased mainstream acceptance of our products, which bodes well for a strong finish to the year," said Carmanah CEO Art Aylesworth. "With the wide range of 'unusual' integration and expansion activities of the past year behind us, management is now focused on growth, efficiency and profitability initiatives."