Swept along in a whirlwind┬áDemand for wind and solar power systems has turned AEE Solar into a giant almost without it realizing what was happening, as Alan T Swaby learns. In certain circles, the installation of renewable energy sources is something of a lifestyle statement. Solar panels on the roof of a house are a declaration that the owner is doing his part for the survival of the planet.

Vision for the future┬áAs Keith Regan learns, contact lens distributor ABB Concise is adding e-commerce and one-day delivery to its services to free doctors to spend more time with patients while staying profitable in a competitive marketplace. Through organic growth and acquisition, ABB Concise Optical Group has grown into the largest distributor of contact lenses and related products in the United States, with a distribution network that enables next-day delivery to thousands of independent eye care professionals.

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Two exceptionally energy-efficient sports facilities in Pennsylvania have earned accolades this month because of their flexible design and energy-saving features.  The Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, in State College, PA and Penn State Recreation Hall Wrestling and Student Fitness Center were designed and engineered by L. Robert Kimball & Associates, an architectural, engineering, technology and consulting firm.

Carmaker Porsche says it has agreed to a merger with fellow German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW), a move that should unite 10 brands under one roof. ┬á After weeks of talks between the two firms' management, discussions will now take place between the two carmakers, VWÔÇÖs home state of Lower Saxony, and employee representatives.

Judge Arthur Gonzales, who is overseeing the bankruptcy of Chrysler, is allowing the sale of the ailing US automaker to Italian rival Fiat, after rejecting arguments from a group of Chrysler lenders who wanted the deal blocked.   Chrysler has asked for permission for a quick sale of most of its assets to a new company held by Italy's Fiat, a United Auto Workers union healthcare trust and the US and Canadian governments.

A group of 20 lenders, including hedge funds, are unhappy with the reconstruction of Chrysler - in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection ÔÇô and has asked a New York court to halt the process, saying the plan would go against normal bankruptcy principles.

Automakers on both sides of the Atlantic are drawing a lot of attention to themselves with Fiat at the forefront, as the Italian carmaker has confirmed it also wants to take over General MotorsÔÇÖ European business, which includes Opel and Vauxhall, after making an agreement last week to take a 35 percent stake in US group Chrysler. ┬á If the GM Europe deal is completed, Fiat estimates it would make it the world's second-largest carmaker, after Toyota, up from its current 10th position.