How New Financing Models Could Make Solar the Facebook of the Energy Industry

http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2011/12/30/how-new-financing-models-could-make-solar-the-facebook-of-the-energy-industry/

"Much the way community-supported agriculture operates, community solar gardens would enable local residents to pay to be members of the garden. Rather than fresh local produce, those members would receive credit from the local utility for generating solar energy."

"The solar garden idea isn’t just about making everyone feel like they’re a part of the solar energy push, it also makes small-scale solar developments less risky for banks."

Summary/Conclusion - DIY Flat Plate vs. Concentrator Performance

http://georgesworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/12/conclusions.html

from a fellow blogger

Solar Paint Could Power Your Future Home

http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/solar-paint-could-power-your-future-home-20111226/

Government? Who Needs Government?

http://news.thomasnet.com/green_clean/2011/12/14/government-who-needs-government-private-companies-reach-deal-to-build-solar-panels-for-military-houses/#_normalStart

Solar City and BOA team up

Ikea Adding Solar Panels to 10 More U.S. Locations

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/546072-Ikea_adding_solar_panels_to_10_more_U_S_locations.php

"This investment by Ikea reinforces the company's long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic technology," Ikea said in a release.

Solar Energy Rebates in Jeopardy

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/only_on_fox/solar-energy-rebates-in-jeopardy-12-5-2011

“Incentives were not designed to last forever. They were designed to stimulate the industry which it has.”

“Do you think they really want me out there putting $50 million worth of solar on the roof? Is that good for their business? They are the competition. You have McDonalds managing Weight Watchers here. That’s what you've got,”

He’s got a full time staff of 14, whose primary responsibility is to hound the utility companies for unpaid rebates. Getting reimbursed, he says, can take months and the added cost often gets passed onto the consumer.