Greentech Media

VC investment in the solar industry has gone from a few deals in 2004 to more than $1B in 2007. This phenomenal investment growth is spurring innovation and efficiency in every sector of the booming $18B solar industry. We are seeing a VC-funded entrepreneurial wave get the attention of incumbent solar vendors, private equity investors, government, and even reach the public consciousness at the consumer level.

Our first Greentech Intelligence Report tracks and analyzes VC investment in solar with an eye towards the future. We look at the trajectories of the current start-up crop, profile an aspirant in each solar sector, and interview as well as poll a number of leading solar VC investors (most of whom have plans for further solar investments in 2007 and 2008).

This report provides insights into the future of solar PV and onshore and offshore wind markets in Spain, ranked as the second most attractive county in the world in the Ernst & Young "renewable energy country attractiveness index".

Spain continues to maintain its position as the second most attractive country because of its climate and by eliminating the barriers that impede the growth of the sector. From a climate standpoint, Spain boasts the third best wind conditions in europe after ireland and France and Southern Spain has the highest solar insolation levels in all of europe.

This report focuses primarily on the state of the Spanish pV and wind power markets and the policy developments impacting the growth of them.

This 40-page report, complete with over 30 charts and graphs, provides insights into the future of solar PV and onshore and offshore wind markets in Germany, one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to alternative energy technology deployments.

In relative terms, the renewable energy sector in Germany is far more advanced than in most countries. However, Germany's markets still have substantial room for growth given the aggressive targets it has set for itself and the opportunities for exports abroad. It is also in the process of integrating new innovative photovoltaic (PV) technologies, repowering onshore wind installations and incubating nascent sub-sectors like offshore wind power.

This report focuses primarily on the state of the German PV and onshore and offshore wind power markets and the policy developments impacting their growth.

The solar industry is enjoying unprecedented growth with a record 2006 cell production of 2500 MW. As the industry grows and gains increasing market acceptance, it is beginning to address a growing number of end-user concerns and newer applications. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) promises to be a huge market (1.8 million privately-owned housing units starts in 2006 in the US alone) that naturally follows the initial success of solar PV. With increasing consumer awareness and marketing equity of solar PV, BIPV is seeing tremendous interest from the building owners, architects, construction industry and solar vendors.

Our report on BIPV takes a close look at the market, its surrounding conditions and the state of product technology and supply to determine a clearer picture of BIPV's potential impact. We examine various market factors including technology, regulatory policies and sensitivity to pricing. The report includes an extensive review of vendors and products participating in the race for dominance in this potentially huge market.