Photos: The many faces of solar power
Solar industry chases a cheaper kilowatt
Even as the industry chases a cheaper kilowatt hour, demand for solar PV systems is on the rise from both business and consumers, analysts say. Clean Edge forecasts that the total solar industry is poised to expand from $11.2 billion last year to $51.1 billion in 2015.
Government subsidies and incentives are an important part of the demand picture, say industry executives and analysts.
Clean energy market to clean up
Customer demand is growing as well: For the past several months, solar panel manufacturers have been hampered by a lack of silicon. Political leaders from President Bush to British Prime Minister Tony Blair have also touted alternative energy.
Several alternative energy fields will benefit from the trend. Revenue from the manufacture and sale of biofuels like ethanol will grow from $15.7 billion now to $52.5 billion by 2015.
Calif. solar energy plan approved
Under the 10-year plan, called the "California Solar Initiative," the life of current state subsidizes will be extended to provide a million residents and businesses with rooftop solar panels, or 3,000 megawatts of solar energy, across the state.
technorati tags: solar power, technology, Energy, Environment, economy, California
