The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued its quarterly staff report on California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

According to the report, more renewable energy generation came online in 2008 than in the entire 2003-2007 time period. And forecasts show that new installed capacity in 2009 will almost match the amount that came online in 2008.

And Sanyo announced yesterday that it's planning to increase investment in its battery and solar business. This news comes as the company moves closer to being acquired by Panasonic.

With the completion of this expected takeover, Panasonic could become a major player in hybrid car batteries and solar power.

Meanwhile, now that Sanyo is making more of its own silicon and initiating other strategic moves, the company could be able to cut the cost of its solar panels by as much as 33 percent by the end of next year.

Jeff