Total Eclipse of the Chart

Let’s Talk Solar

If you were humming along to Bonnie Tyler’s anthem during Monday’s eclipse, you likely weren’t alone — several solar company CEOs were also crooning in hopes that their stock prices would “turn around.” Solar stocks took a dip across the board the day of the eclipse, but most analysts aren’t blaming the moon, instead placing blame on a a trade suit involving potential tariffs on foreign solar panels. Zooming out, Monday’s stock price slip is effectively eclipsed by the gains solar stocks have made this year (Guggenheim Solar ETF ($TAN) is up 20% since we published our Renewables Outlook post election).

While we’re generally bullish on renewables as a source of outsized financial and environmental/social returns, it’s important for investors to discern which trends will drive or inhibit performance within the space — from supply chain risks to trade suits. Without a nuanced view, you could miss what’s lurking in the moonshadow.

Jeff Seidl, Analyst

Decentralized power, meet decentralized ledger. Solar Bankers is working with the Chinese blockchain technology company ShellPay to promote the complete decentralization of electricity production, transmission, and exchange infrastructure. They’re launching an ICO in November.

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M-Kopa is a Kenya-based startup that provides affordable solar electricity to micro businesses or living areas, with payment enabled through mobile devices. Startups like M-Kopa are providing electricity to millions in the developing world who otherwise could not afford to power their homes.

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Google now has an interactive tool to estimate your savings from solar installation. It’s also a neat way to visualize how much sunlight your roof captures.

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