This year has been a big win for those who have been rooting for a larger renewable energy industry and reduced dependence on carbon based fuels. There have been several initiatives, legislation, and events that are expected to invigorate the growth of solar, wind, and other alternative energy markets.

– In October, the 30-percent Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was extended for 8 years. Notably, this extension removed the low monetary caps for residential installations. Additionally, for the first time, publicly regulated utilities can now monetize the ITC, making direct investment into solar project assets less costly.

– In November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected a permit for a new coal-fired power plant in Utah. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also denied permits for two large coal-fired units. Each of these decisions results in a reduction of greenhouse gas pollution as well as questions the future of

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November 19, 2008 - Solar stocks to a hit on Tuesday on comments from J.P. Morgan’s Christopher Blansett about the potential for reduced subsidies for solar in Europe. Blansett said that 2008 may he thinks 2008 was a peak for solar energy subsidization and recommended First Solar (Nasdaq:FSLR) as a “safe haven.” We disagree with Blansett’s assessment and timing. We think his assessment is doesn’t account for the legislative realities in place in the U.S., Japan and Europe. And we think his timing to call for instability in solar stocks is extremely late. Here is our take: Blansett clearly isn’t impressed by Governor Schwarzenegger’s mandate for 33% renewable energy contribution in California, the potential impact and long-term stability in the U.S. market provided by the eight-year solar tax credit extension, and the expectation that Obama’s administration will likely accelerate the passage in Congress of a federal RPS. We think these ...

Hedge Fund Guide - CaliforniaGuide to Hedge Funds in CaliforniaHere is a short guide collection of articles on the hedge fund industry in California. I am always looking for more valuable online tools and resources to add to these geographical hedge fund guides to the hedge fund industry. If you have a white paper or PowerPoint that I can include here please send me an email and I will post it for everyone's benefit.If you are looking for specific details on San Francisco please see our recently published Guide to Hedge Funds in San Francisco.Pension Fund Investments in California. This ppt presentation (created ...