[samfpetersen]

Is this not just a symptom of oil prices dropping? Solar has to remain competitively priced or the industry is screwed

[mtgx]

No, solar installations have doubled every 2 years, which would be inline with the price dropping in half every 2 years, too.

http://cleantechnica.com/2014/07/22/exponential-growth-globa...

[RivieraKid]

I'd guess that the profit margins were minimal before oil price drop, so lower demand for solar should not result in producers lowering their margins.

But perhaps the inputs for manufacturing solar energy are dependent on oil price (transportation etc.).

[TheCoelacanth]

Natural gas maybe. Oil probably not since it is rarely used for electricity.

[ohitsdom]

An entire industry can't just lower prices to meet a competitor.

[rhino369]

Without subsidies an industry can't not just lower prices to meet a competitor.

Especially with the sort of auction pricing in energy markets. If the going rate for energy is 5 cents a KW*hour, then you can't sell it for 6 cents.

Solar survives off subsidies in the USA. Though in places like Dubai it might be a competitive energy provider.