Goldman starts U.S. solar sector with neutral
Goldman Sachs expects present factors like the euro volatility, declining subsidies in existing markets in Europe and financing uncertainty to resolve into a positive trend for the solar industry.
Analyst Mark Wienkes started First Solar Inc with a "buy" rating and named the stock his top pick, mainly on its low cost structure, while MEMC Electronic Materials Inc was initiated with a "sell" on its sub-peer margin recovery.
"In an increasingly competitive global market, solar panel manufacturers will need to lower costs by investing in R&D and capacity growth," Wienkes wrote in a note to clients.
Shares of solar power companies have been hit hard this year by a weak euro and concerns about Europe's stability, but demand has surged ahead of scheduled subsidy cuts in top markets of Europe.
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Washington County planning officials develop proposed recommendations for solar farms
WASHINGTON - Incentives for establishing solar farms at industrial spaces instead of on prime farmland are among the ideas the Washington County Planning Commission is recommending for the county to update its policies regarding solar farms.
Potential incentives would include tax breaks on solar equipment and requiring developers to put power-grid connections and line extensions underground, Planning Commission members said during a Monday meeting.
The tax break could make it more attractive for a developer to put a solar farm on a roof or over a parking lot, which could cost more than putting it on farmland, said Commission member Dave Kline,…
