Solar vendors strive to lower costs amid setbacks

Solar vendors strive to lower costs amid setbacks Amid uncertain markets and policies, solar panel makers are gearing up factories with an objective of pulling down costs to a competitive level. One market watcher said she will review her forecasts for solar panels according to the financial crisis in the U.S., along with uncertainty about renewal of federal tax credits and a pullback of major solar plans in Spain. "Without incentives, we don't have a market," said Paula Mints, principal analyst, Navigant Consulting, speaking at a solar event sponsored by the IEEE Other speakers also gave their insights about a lack of federal funds for research in solar energy. Tim Anderson, associate dean of research at the University of Florida, said he hopes this scenario will change soon. "The impact in the academic community is that no... [read full story]