Welcome to the Green Chip Review Weekend Edition — our insights from the week in everything alternative and cleantech, as well as links to our most-read Green Chip Review and sister publication articles.  

Last week ended strongly when a report surfaced showing that solar executives from Suntech, Sharp, and BP are "bullish on 2010."

First thing this week, Republicans took away that sentiment by deciding to boycott Senate Committee work on the climate change bill. Citing cost concerns, all seven Republicans on the Environmental and Public Works committee failed to show.

Inaction prevailed as a theme early in the week. . .

On Tuesday, stories were circulating about EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and his doubts about establishing a full-fledged climate deal next month in Copenhagen.

But by midweek, things were looking up. . .

Ford, Kraft, Cisco, and Toyota all posted strong earnings.

And British climate expert Nicholas Stern came out in defiance of Barroso, claiming there is a "very good chance" of establishing a firm treaty in Copenhagen.

Further good news came from the Blue Green Alliance, which issued a report Wednesday showing that "U.S. clean energy legislation could help create 850,000 manufacturing jobs around the country."

Then on Thursday, the world's second-largest producer of geothermal energy announced a plan that could put them in the top spot. The Philippine government announced a geothermal expansion plan that could attract up to $2.5 billion in private investment.

And finally, to complete the week's about-face, Senate democrats on Thursday ignored the Republican boycott and rammed the climate change through committee without them.

According to committee Chairman Barbara Boxer, the move was a "great signal for Copenhagen that there's a will to do what it takes to advance this issue."

You can catch up on the rest of the week's events by checking out more Green Chip coverage you may have missed, below. . .

Enjoy your weekend,

Nick

The U.S. Army's New Solar Power Plant: Why Uncle Sam is Building a "Green Coalition"
Editor Sam Hopkins takes a look at the U.S. Army's new drive to make bases energy-independent and how global green companies play a major role.

Climate Change Debate: Climate Change Debate Furthers Complacency
Editor Jeff Siegel discusses climate change legislation on the Hill and how it has proven to be exactly what we should have expected all along: a partisan bickering match. . .

A Tiny Chinese Battery Company: What This Still-Little-Known Outfit Means for the World's Fastest-Growing Car Market
Imagine investing in Ford, before the Model T. . . Volkswagen, before the Bug. . . or Toyota, before the Camry. . . Multiply this investment by a factor of 10 — that's what's going on in China right now. We'll reveal the battery company that you don't want to be last to know about.

Sanyo Solar: Sanyo Solar Costs Could Drop by as Much as 33%
Green Chip Editor Jeff Siegel updates readers on Sanyo Solar as the company could be able to cut the cost of its solar panels by as much as 33 percent.

China Wind Power: Commerce Secretary Says China Will Lift Local Wind Requirement
Editor Sam Hopkins updates readers on news that China is moving to allow more parts from foreign manufacturers to be included in the Middle Kingdom's domestic wind power projects.

The Industry Set to Rule the 21st Century: World's Economic Powerhouses Prepare to Cash in with Cleantech
One month from tomorrow. . . corporate giants, high-ranking officials, and powerful politicians will meet in Denmark to discuss the future of this sector. Find out exactly how you can gain a profitable foothold in a market that knows no borders. 

Wind Energy Stimulus: Will Wind Energy Stimulus Funds Go To Chinese Manufacturers?
Green Chip's Jeff Siegel talks about why Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants the Obama administration to reject an expected request for stimulus funding for a new wind farm.

Lithium-Ion Battery Stocks: The Billion-Dollar Battery Backbone
Energy and Capital Editor Nick Hodge details the market for lithium-ion battery stocks, including his pick for the best lithium stock for the next five years. . .