Ford says it’s in for another tough year; a new breed of solar panels may pay for themselves within 12 months; and NASA’s climate satellite looks like a success.

Tanked: Ford Says Losses Will Widen Amid $4 Gas: Less than two weeks ago, Ford announced it would be completely retooling its North American production to build the smaller, more efficient vehicles it sells so successfully in Europe. It’s the right thing to do, but amounts to the largest capital investment in the carmaker’s history. Now Ford warns that $4 fuel prices means its 2008 losses will likely exceed those of last year, and profitability is also unlikely in 2009. Meanwhile, General Motors is said to be looking for a buyer on which to unload its iconic Hummer marquee. (WSJ.com)

The power and the glory: The Economist has some good start-of-the-week reading about the next big business sector — renewable energy. Having grown bored with flattening computer and internet technology, venture capitalists see a gold rush in energy. Right now, energy accounts for about ten percent of the world’s economy. By 2050, power demands will have doubled. With fossil fuels in decline, the sun, the wind, tides — and who knows what else — will define progress. (Economist.com)

Envision a go-green car show: If you happened to be in the Tallahassee, Florida, area over the weekend, you’d have been able to browse a unique collection of the most environmentally friendly vehicles available for sale in the United States. The Envision Go Green Car Show was dreamed up to highlight the credit union’s discounted financing on over-30 mpg cars. On display at the just-for-show, no-sales event: the Prius, Smart, and Fit. On two wheels: the Vectrix all-electric scooter. And on three: Piaggio’s stylish 250ie MP3. (Autoblog Green)

More Efficient, Lower Impact Solar Panels Developed: A Massachusetts-based solar manufacturer says its latest panels are manufactured with half the carbon footprint of conventional models, and feature much faster payback of their installation cost than their conventional equivalents. Evergreen solar says the payback point on its new “string ribbon” technology panels is as low as 12 months. The company will put its new low-cost production lines into full swing next month. (The Daily Green)

NASA Launches Ocean Satellite To Keep A Weather, Climate Eye Open: NASA reports its latest satellite launch –a joint project with French scientists — appears to be a success. The Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason 2 satellite will spend its mission mapping sea levels with unprecedented accuracy. Ocean levels are a key indicator of climate change. (Science Daily)

Stories You Might Also Like: