Clean Tech Update 05.25.10

Victorville campus to unveil high-efficiency solar project (Los Angeles Times)

Victor Valley College's new 1-megawatt plant uses technology known as concentrator photovoltaics. The $4.5-million facility will be the largest of its kind in North America.

Tony Blair joins California green tech venture capital firm (Los Angeles Times)

The former British prime minister will help shape public policy for companies in Khosla Ventures' $1.1-billion tech portfolio.

Coda Automotive lines up for DOE loans for Ohio factory (earth2tech)

Coda Automotive, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based electric car startup that has partnered with Chinese battery giant Lishen, has big dreams for the Buckeye State. Coda announced this morning that it plans to submit an application -- soon -- for low-interest federal loans. If that funding and an incentive package from Ohio come through, then Coda aims to build a battery factory at one of several sites in the state.

SunEdison banks money to finance solar projects (CNET)

Solar project developer SunEdison has secured a financing package projected to reach as high as $1.5 billion to install solar power at businesses and utilities, the company said Tuesday. SunEdison and First Reserve, a private equity firm that invests in energy, announced a joint venture to finance, build, and operate solar photovoltaic projects.