First Solar, the world’s leading low-cost manufacturer of solar modules, a key part of solar power systems, is reporting that they cannot meet this year’s demand, according to Reuters. Three of China’s largest solar producers-Suntech, Yingli, and Trina-have also announced that they are sold out. At long last, a bit of sunshine for what’s otherwise been a dark six months for the environment. First, last December’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Copenhagen was, by all accounts, a bust. The world was waiting for ‘Hopenhagen.’ Instead, we got a cold dose of Nopenhagen. Next, polls showed that the number of Americans who believe climate change is actually occurring has dropped. Same goes for Brits. Thirdly, raise your hand if, in your heart of hearts, you actually believe the United States will pass an energy bill this year. Even if the White House and Capitol Hill manage to coalesce around a passable piece of legislation, will it have any teeth? And don’t forget the underwater Krakatoa gushing crude oil in the Gulf Coast. But fear not, eco-warriors, there is hope-this solar panel shortage is a tiny, but critically important bit of […]