Spending in the U.S. dropped 41% from the second quarter of the year to just $5.5 billion, leading to an overall year-over-year decline of 20%. Cheap natural gas has diverted U.S. investment and lower subsidies in Germany and Spain coupled with a decline in Chinese spending on wind power are the main causes for the decline.
One bit of good news is that the installation of new solar photovoltaic systems is on track to set a record of 36,700 megawatts of new capacity in 2013. The rise in capacity comes at the expense of the solar PV industry where ever-falling prices offset the increases in new capacity.
Solar makers like First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) have come to depend on their project businesses to help offset the declining costs of solar modules. SolarCity Corp. (NASDAQ: SCTY) has recently made two acquisitions that increase their vertical integration in the solar installation market. For the moment at least, going vertical seems to be the path to whatever profits exist in the solar market.
Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts
Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.
It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.
We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today. Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
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