Here’s some interesting information from solar.calfinder.com about the policies adopted by your favorite brands toward solar power for homes. In this article, we pick out just the top ten brands. Makes some interesting reading, don’t you think?

1. General Electric
In 2005, General Electric initiated the “Ecomagination” program to develop new energy and efficiency technologies, including solar energy. GE invested roughly $900 million in renewable energy alone, including the sale and manufacture of complete solar electric systems for the commercial, residential and utility sectors.

Comment: As a leader, leaves a lot to be desired. Step up!

2. Royal Dutch Shell
In 2006, Shell sold the entirety of its solar energy operations — roughly 80 megawatts’ worth — to German solar giant SolarWorld. Shell’s energy diversity at this point revolves around hydrogen, biofuels, carbon capture, compressed natural gas, and its original claims to fame: oil, gas and chemicals.

Comment: Needs to put more focus on the most important issues at hand

3. Toyota
Toyota rightly has a great reputation on the energy efficiency front. Is hybrid car, the Prius has global respect. These days it complete with optional solar ventilation for the newest model. Toyota is the hands-down leader in fuel efficiency and sustainability in the mainstream auto industry.

It’s great to report that rooftop solar panels on the Prius is not the total extent of Toyota’s reach into renewable energy. In 2009, Toyota commissioned the world’s first solar-powered car carrier to transport its own cars, as well as its Lexus and Scion brands.

The second-largest single-roof solar power installation in North America sits atop Toyota’s North American Parts Center in Ontario, California. Several of Toyota’s buildings, including the first auto dealer in the nation to receive the honor, are LEED certified.

Comment: Top marks. Work rate excellent. Will go far!

4. ExxonMobil
The company does list climate change and energy efficiency as important “twin challenges of our time,” but appears not to be all motivated by them. They do point to ongoing opportunities to increase energy efficiency at their plants by 15-20 percent, but no long-term plans. Solar energy gets a shout-out as a potential long-term solution after 2030.

Comment: Struggling at or near the bottom of the class

5. British Petroleum
One of the “Big Seven” oil companies, but also a longtime leader in the solar  industry, its BP Solar arm has gained its own individual identity, manufacturing and installing solar panels around the world. BP Solar is not only one of the top solar manufacturers in the world, but it’s also one of the top commercial users of solar energy.

Comment: Such a major player, could take a more proactive leading role in these matters

6. HSBC Holdings
HSBC apparently has no direct involvement in the solar industry outside of possible financing agreements.

Comment: Could try harder

7. AT&T
In 2008, a 1-megawatt solar PV array was installed on an AT&T facility in San Ramon, California. That, plus an agreement to buy wind energy in Austin, Texas, constitutes the whole of AT&T’s foray into alternative energy. Any solar energy future for AT&T is still undetermined.

Comment: Time to step up and be counted

8. Wal-Mart
On the Global Exchange list of 14 Worst Corporate Evildoers, perhaps in an effort to clear its tarnished name, Wal-Mart has set remarkable goals toward sustainability and renewable energy implementation at its stores. A few years ago, the company vowed to someday supply 100 percent of its power from renewable sources.

In California, Wal-Mart already has 18 solar arrays in place on its stores, with 10-20 more planned for the coming year. These arrays will power 20-30 percent of each location’s electrical needs.

Comment: If only they cared about humans as much as the planet

9. Chevron
On the one hand, you have blatant environmental abuses, and on the other, you have Chevron Energy Solutions, which recently installed a 1.2-MW solar electric system in downtown Los Angeles. This is a company that was also named by Global Exchange as one of the 14 Worst Corporate Evildoers on the planet for environment and human rights abuses. Meanwhile, Fast Company magazine named Chevron Energy Solutions (not its parent company, mind you) as one of the “Most Innovative Clean Energy Companies” in the world. Bootom line? The vast proportion of Chevron’s revenue and profit still comes through its oil and gas operations.

Comment: Could do (a lot) better

10. Banco Santander
Nothing short of a banking cartel, to its credit the bank that eats other banks for breakfast did create a venture capital firm with the sole purpose of investing in renewable energy. In 2006, Banco Santander signed a historic deal with BP Solar to build as many as 278 PV solar plants throughout Spain with a total capacity of up to 25 MW. Green shoots of promise.

Comment: Could do better

Info: solar.calfinder.com

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