They call it the solarcoaster. Since the first silicon photovoltaic cells were developed in the 1950s, the solar power industry has been on a switchback of highs and lows, driven by shifts in energy markets and government policy. In the US, the rooftop solar market has conformed to that pattern. Shares in Vivint Solar, Sunrun and Elon Musk’s SolarCity have slumped over the past year, even though installations of new solar panels on homes are on course to be about 20 per cent higher this year than in 2015. Panels are appearing on the roofs of homes all over the US, and about 1m now have solar systems. But the industry is another victim of the perennial curse of renewable energy: although the market is growing fast, it is proving hard for companies to find a reliable way to make a profit.
FT 30th Oct 2016 read more »
Tesla has taken a major step towards delivering on its vision of providing integrated solar, energy storage, and electric vehicle technologies with the unveiling yesterday of its new solar glass roof tile and Powerwall energy storage system. At an event on the lot for the TV show Desperate Housewives at Universal Studio in Los Angeles, the company showcased its Tuscan solar roof tile for the first time.
Business Green 29th Oct 2016 read more »