Follow the Green Money: $1.2 Billion Going to Clean/Green Tech Start-Up Companies, AT&T to Purchase Natural Gas Vehicles, SPG Solar Raises $13 million

More than $1.2 billion was invested in 85 start up companies by venture capitalists in the green/clean tech sector in the second quarter of 2009.  Investment in the solar sector totaled $330 million while automotive received $202 million and energy storage received more than $180 million.  In the first quarter of 2009 there were 59 deals that totaled $836 million.

AT&T will purchase approximately 8,000 vehicles, that have been converted from gasoline to compressed natural gas, from BAF Technologies (based in Dallas, TX).  The cost is expected to be $350 million.

SPG Holdings has raised $13 million in capital financing to expand its two companies, SPG Solar and Thompson Technologies Industries.  Enabling solar panels to be installed over water, called Floatovoltaics, is one of Thompson Technologies products that will get a portion of the funding.  SPG Solar (based in Northern California) installs and designs solar power systems.

Comments

[Brandon Best]

I am excited about all of the funding for pushing renewable energy forward. The opportunity in this field is endless; it's going to be the next big bubble! I run a company who's goal is to educate and place professionals into the emerging solar field (Rich Hessler Solar). Start-up companies like this one are going to be the next. I am so excited to see what happens!

[Don West]

How do I start a renewable energy Company in Northern CA.,PV sales & installation?
With no start-up money. I have a contractors license, biz license, fully bonded & insured, sales & marketing experience but virtually no solar panel experience. Can someone point me in the right direction? I would be very grateful.

[Melanie]

I don't know if we should be excited about this being 'the next big bubble' ~ don't all bubbles eventually pop, with disastrous consequences? I'm just excited about renewable energy as anyone, but let's hope it's not just a 'bubble'. Instead, how about a long term component of a better way of life for humanity? (or something less wordy)

[Melanie]

Also, a question occurred to me ~ what are going to be the most sustainable 'green jobs' for the long run? I mean, after these blasts of funding happen, & after the initial infrastructure is built? If we want a lifelong vocation & not just a 'job', what do we starting training for? Just some thoughts... maybe these have been addressed already elsewhere on the site.

[Carol McClelland]

Don,

I'd recommend that you start by contacting Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA. They offer courses in Hopland, north of Santa Rosa, the Bay Area, and I believe Ukiah.

www.solarliving.org

Carol

[Rich Hessler]

The safest way to get started with your own company is to see if you can sell the products first. Lots of installers are looking for work and would be happy to work with you. Starting with sales experience first will tell you if your business is viable and save you time and money getting 'setup'. There's a good book on the topic for small business owners: Ready, Fire, Aim - Zero to $100 million in No Time Flat by Michael Masterson.

Rich Hessler
www.PVSolarSalesTraining.com