There’s so much going on in the world of solar right now, CEA would need a roomful of monkeys furiously searching Google and typing up stories to keep up with all the new developments in the solar world. Unfortunately CEA doesn’t have that, and we can’t keep up with everything, but here are five of the top developments for last week.

1. White House nay-nays reinstalling Carter solar panels

On Sept. 9 CEA reported that an effort to bring more solar power to the White House was underway as the organizers of the Put Solar Back on the White House campaign arrived in Washington, D.C., with one of the original solar hot water panels installed on the White House by the Carter administration. Organizers met with the White House on Sept. 10, but were told that the White House wasn’t able to make the symbolic gesture at this point.

2. China’s JA Solar gets $4.4 billion loan from Chinese government bank

The China Development Bank granted a $4.4 billion loan to support the long-term growth strategy of JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. This is the fourth such loan by the bank in 2010. JA Solar said it will likely ship 1.35 gigawatts of PV in 2010, placing in direct competition with the world’s largest solar manufacturer in 2009, United States-based First Solar.

3. Europe, powered by the Sahara? The continent again looks to Africa for its resources; this time they’re renewable

The European Union wants to get 20 percent of its power from renewables before the decade is out. One potential solution, solarize the Sahara. Businessweek reported that the Desertec Industrial Initiative has seen more than 30 European blue chips join its consortium. The consortium’s goal: to invest $560 billion in North African solar and wind projects over the next 40 years. It’s conducting a feasibility study now.

4. California Energy Commission approves second new solar thermal plant in 20 years

The California Energy Commission approved the construction of the Abengoa Mojave Solar Project, a 250 megawatt solar thermal project. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project, it said. Get ready for up to 4 gigawatts of new solar in the state.

5. Germany’s still kicking solar butt!

Germany will likely remain the leader in installing solar energy in 2010. Germany Trade & Invest, the country’s investment agency reported this week that the country installed 3 gigawatts of solar in the first half of 2010, compared to 3.8 GWs for the entire year of 2009.