Sola Bleeva

The Year in Solar: Strikes Mixed with Gutters

Guru
You're dead on with respect to thin film's prime time window. Other than the architectural appeal and applications for Building Integrated, I just don't see the value of lower efficiency thin film when you're talking about the limited space applications (rooftops, and solar farms), especially as polysilicon prices decline. Remember, there is no shortage of si, just a temporary shortage of processing. Along with Spain's shift, the financial crisis took away tax equity appetites, stalling big solar projects (for now), and slowing the PC industry (big competitor for si supplies) which has given silicon supplies time to catch up. With new production coming on line, we should be able to get well ahead of the shortage - which bodes well for economics of PV without subsidies. This is not a headliie, the silicon supply issue has been pretty clear for a few months now.

The author is too on

What Will Make Solar ETFs Shine?

Just came from an energy conference in Annapolis. Inside scoop is that Obama transition team is ready to pour some fuel on job creation in energy efficiency and alternative energy. It won't light a fire under major solar projects, but I'm betting it will have big long term effects. Keep the faith. Oil will be back at $100 in 12 months...