We can see what investor (primarily stockholders) have done to distort the stock value of thousands of US corporations who are pressured to increase dividends at any costs. There is no reason to think that it won't happen to the PV industry as well.
Consider the fact that a PV installer or distributor, not in California or New Jersey, will not be allowed to buy BP Solar modules from the manufacturer or BP authorized distributors. A certain Texas based PV reseller/installer, a faithful and exclusive BP reseller for almost 20 years can no longer buy BP mods from BP or their authorized distributors. They must buy thru other second-tier distributors, driving the cost even higher for the consumer.
Their reason, or is it an excuse, is that there is a module shortage. Well when the day comes that a half trillion dollar corporation like BP cannot afford to build another module manufacturing plant in North America to sustain a growing market like the US is experiencing, that is the day that manufacturing is being constrained to keep prices high. Never forget, BP stands for British PETROLEUM.
And in pro-union states like Cal, we are seeing the heavy handed intrusion of the IBEW (electricians union) in the solar installation industry. This has pitted the largely independent PV installers industry, the people who birthed and developed the RE industry in the US, against a super wealthy, powerful and fundamentally corrupt special interest group.
History shows that union installed PV systems, all other things being equal, are 1/3 to 1/2 more expensive for the customer. Now this special interest money is working to weaken California legislation that is designed to help the PV industry grow and become more affordable.
Where is the outrage?
Just food for thought, its going to happen, I have seen it starting to happen here in Texas already. arcandspark
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