Without data to back it up, it seems to me that the global solar industry is flattening. Globalization is becoming more and more apparent to me. Companies going overseas, expanding into new markets seems to be happening. However, the glory market remains the US, where residential rules the day but commercial remains an elusive goldmine waiting for someone to clear out.

News

• Dallas News: Texas law lets developers ban solar while subdivisions are growing
• PV-Tech: China to close polysilicon import loophole from end of month
• Star Tribune: Power surge in Minnesota’s solar industry
• Energy Collective: New Report Finds California Solar Nearly Doubled in 2013
• Think Progress: Businesses Are Getting Hit With A $500 Fee To Kill Solar
• RE World: Utilities Should Take Advantage of the Transformation
• Grist: Meet the Wisconsin Republicans who love solar
• Slate: America is making lots of solar. What’s holding it back from making panels?

Opinions

• PV-Tech: Trade spats continue but yield cos make everything better

Have a great day!

Yann

Thinking ahead to SPI and I found an incredible article from 2008. So today, begin your day with a look back in time to October 2008 and read, “10 Solar Startups to Watch at Solar Power International.” A wonderful look back to a time when SolarCity ended up #3 on a list and touts an innovative 15-year financing structure. Some other cool names on the list like Sungevity and Solyndra.

News

• NY Times: (Flashback) 10 Solar Startups to Watch at Solar Power International
• Solar Industry: Own Or Lease? Think Of Rooftop Solar As A Car That Makes Money
• Motley Fool: Why Are These U.S. States Fighting Solar Power?
• Watchdog: Enviros unhappy as FL utility commission approves flawed solar plan
• IREC: The Proof of Interconnection Reform is in the…Data
• Solar Power World: NRG Energy Acquires Goal Zero
• PV-Magazine: Mexican energy reforms to benefit solar
• Forbes: Hanergy: Solar’s Leader In Misfit Technology

Opinions

• Energy Collective: How Much Longer Until Solar Eliminates the Utilities?

Have a great day!

Yann

A few months ago, Bill Gates called for a clean energy miracle based on technology R&D. Having worked through “bankability” issues myself around technologies, I assure you that a clean energy miracle based on technology isn’t the path to prosperity. You see, the term ‘bankable’ has been in use since 1818 and means ‘acceptable to or at a bank.’ I do see a way that Bill Gates can create a Clean Energy Miracle, my challenge to the world’s richest person.

News

• SolarWakeup: A Clean Energy Miracle: My Challenge To Bill Gates
• RenewEconomy: Citigroup: Outlook for global solar is getting brighter
• PV-Tech: US solar tariffs prompt module quality warning
• CleanTechnica: Saudi Arabia Could Beat US To Low Cost Solar Punch
• PV-Magazine: Brazilian local content rules could spur domestic industry
• KCET: How Much Has The Dialog Changed on Desert Solar? Here’s How Much
• MLive: Solar-maker Suniva finishing first round of hiring, starts construction
• CleanTechnica: US Clean Jobs Market Surges Past 2.6 Million

Opinions

• PV Solar Report: Five Things To Keep In Mind About Solar Politics

Have a great day!

Yann