In unfortunate news, SMA is announcing the layoff of about 1,600 coworkers around the globe. Solar is and continues to be a solar-coaster, and transitions are happening. There is optimism looking forward. Subsidy free solar is competing with retail energy around the world, more and more. Being global will be one of the most important ways that companies are able to do well and create profits for owners and shareholders. As EU countries go to self-consumption models, lessons from the US will be a key advantage for teams looking to do solar as a service in those areas.
Yann
News
1 PV-Magazine:
One-third of SMA staff to lose their jobs
2 PV-Tech:
Utilities at heart of Japan grid connection dispute set to resume considering PV projects
3 RE World:
Brazilian Bank Raises $408 Million for Renewable Energy and Water Projects
4 CleanTechnica:
Every $1 Of Solar Incentives Puts $2.46 Into The Economy
5 Think Progress:
Here’s What Every Governor Thinks About Climate And Clean Energy
6 Solar Industry:
Solar Asset Management Marked By New Owners And Aging Fleets
7 Utility Dive:
What utility execs think the future holds
8 EDF:
All Electricity is Not Priced Equally-Time-Variant Pricing 101
Opinions:
9 Reuters:
New-generation solar panels far cheaper, more efficient-scientists
Have a great day!
Yann
The team at kWh Analytics makes a great point with their predictions for 2015. The key takeaway for me was that everyone is prepping for more. More solar, more growth, more capital deployed throughout the year. Looking at the conferences for the year, a trending topic will be the ITC and what happens afterwards so it would be great to see SEIA at the conferences giving the industry some clear guidance on what is happening in DC. Take a look at the 5 predictions from one of the smartest teams in solar in today’s top story.
Yann
News
1 SolarWakeup:
Solar Going Mainstream? 5 Projections for 2015
2 Bloomberg:
Sharp Said Near Deal to Sell Recurrent Energy Solar Unit
3 Orlando Sentinel:
FPL announces huge solar expansion
4 Forbes:
Solar's Southern Strategy Could Accelerate With Georgia Deal
5 EDF:
A Valuable Tool that Can Help California Realize its Clean Energy Potential
6 Greentech Media:
Indiana and West Virginia Look to Slash Support for Renewable Energy
7 PV-Magazine:
Italy to omit solar from new renewable incentives plan
8 Utility Dive:
Hawaiian Electric's plan to end solar net metering, explained
Opinions:
9 Solar Novus:
Community Solar-Plenty of room for growth
Have a great day!
Yann
I am intrigued by the news coverage that solar tea parties are able to get. Being generally jaded by politics, in particular State politics, it’s surprising that this path works from a political point of view. In Indiana, it appears to have been a tactic hijacked by the ‘other side’ and a ‘pro-solar’ bill is being supported by everyone but solar. Politics is like business, innovation and being one step ahead is key. In case you have to debate solar with that uncle of yours who just doesn’t get it, use this video (courtesy of Sunrun) to make your point.
Yann
News
1 NY Times:
Worry for Solar Projects After End of Tax Credits
2 Reuters:
Obama backs India's solar goals, seeks support for climate talks
3 Utility Dive:
Inside the coming showdown over rooftop solar in Indiana
4 PV-Tech:
Solar R&D needs ‘systemic shock’ to avert death of European PV
5 RE World:
The Future of Solar in Wisconsin
6 PV-Magazine:
Australian solar market likely to grow in 2015
7 Bloomberg:
As Oil Hammers Solar Shares, Trina Goes on Hunt for Acquisitions
8 Yahoo:
Africa's quiet solar revolution
Opinions:
9 Motley Fool:
A Surprising Move Could Save First Solar From Failure
Have a great day!
Yann
These are the top 10 most read solar articles by your peers this week!
News
1 Renew Economy:
Why solar costs will fall another 40% in just two years
2 Forbes:
Rooftop Solar Shines Light On Bad Business Practices
3 Forbes:
NRG's Grand Ambition To Dominate The Solar Market
4 Greentech Media:
Hawaii’s Biggest Utility Wants to Ditch Solar Net Metering
5 Arizona Investigative Report:
APS employee drafted anti-solar letter signed by AZ congressmen
6 Bloomberg:
‘Sexy’ No Longer, Solar May See More Consolidation, Hanwha Says
7 PV-Tech:
Saudi Arabia bursts solar energy bubble - reports
8 PV-Magazine:
'Six-cent energy is not the new normal'
9 NPR:
U.S. Solar Industry Sees Growth, But Also Some Uncertainty
10 FOX News:
Pope's statement on climate change - following John Paul II & Benedict XVI, tackling science
The Top 10 is ranked by the number of SolarWakeup.com readers that clicked on the news article during the previous week. It is the poll of the most relevant solar news of the week as judged by your colleagues and competitors.
Have a great day!
Yann
