Milestone Paves the Way for Development of Florida's Largest Solar Project

Lake Mary, FL, November 8, 2011 – BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE), a fully-integrated solar energy provider for utility, commercial and residential applications, announced today it had received an Environmental Resource Permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for its Sorrento Solar Farm.

The Sorrento Solar Farm will be meeting specific conditions throughout its construction to prevent degradation of water and soil. BlueChip Energy will be following specific guidelines and supply inspection reports of the surrounding retention, underdrain, wet detention, swales and wetland storm water management system.

With the permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the approval from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, this is a milestone for the development of the 40 MW first phase of the solar farm project.

"BlueChip Energy takes great pride in providing a number of environmental benefits in protecting and preserving the land and its species. The Sorrento Solar Farm is designed to follow construction guidelines to protect the land, habitat, vegetation and follow the contours of the land and leave the natural environment intact. BlueChip Energy is committed to developing the project in an environmentally responsible manner" said Lawrence Hefler, spokesman for the company.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the lead agency for environmental management and stewardship in Florida. The agency protects, conserves, and manages Florida's natural resources and enforces the State's environmental laws

Recently BlueChip Energy announced a planned expansion of the Sorrento Solar Farm to 120 MW. In October, the company signed a letter of intent with Neo Solar Power, a Taiwan-based solar cell manufacturer, to contribute its high-efficiency solar cells for an equity participation in the Sorrento Solar Farm.

BlueChip Energy, LLC (BCE) is a fully-integrated solar PV power generator, occupying all segments of the solar power value chain, from manufacturing of solar panels and balance of systems components, to the sale of turnkey solar power plants – and electricity – to utility, commercial and residential customers. BCE develops finances, constructs, operates, and monitors solar plants for companies and individuals, as well as for its own portfolio.

BlueChip Energy's two flagship utility scale solar projects, the Rinehart Solar Farm (10 MW) and the Sorrento Solar Farm (40 MW), received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as self-certified small power production facilities, or Qualified Facilities (QFs) earlier this year, requiring the local utility to provide interconnection to them and purchase the electricity they produce. Additionally, these two solar farms have received approval to operate as Exempt Wholesale Generators (EWGs), providing the facilities with undisputed access to the power distribution network. FERC has also granted the company Market-Based Rate Authorization, allowing BCE to purchase and sell wholesale electricity and offer renewable energy products to customers.