Sun power

The Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative, an association of mostly MBA students, organized a gathering last night that featured some local solar workers talking about the photovoltaic industry. They emphasized that while the supply of semiconductor-grade silicon now cannot meet the surging solar demand, resulting in higher prices for solar cells, new silicon plants are being built, and prices should drop by early 2008. Innovative financial and marketing tools are needed, including standard bank loan arrangements and rooftop rental ideas as well as hassle-free standardized installation. On the policy side, favorable national grid connection and net metering standards were identified as the most important single change needed to encourage the solar industry - as one presenter emphasized, "the rules make the market". Interestingly, the air force is a leading buyer of green power, and Wal-Mart is seriously considering putting solar panels on all their store roofs.