Energy Law Alert - California Solar Initiative Takes Shape

An already overheated solar energy market is about to get hotter now that the guidelines for California's $3.35 billion solar incentive program have been established. Since the announcement of the program in January 2006, with its 3,000 MW goal, solar-grade silicon prices have doubled, driving up the cost of solar systems by at least 30%. Two events in the past week (Aug. 21-25) expanded the program and defined how the money will be allotted, which will remove uncertainty and attract participants - and drive prices higher.