The gears of the global economy are moving very slowly these days; yet, the renewable energy industry is still performing better than many other industries. However, the path out of the global credit crisis will be long and steep, making it more difficult for developers and financiers in the renewable energy industry to do business over the next six months to a year.

With the recent eight-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit for solar, many professionals are predicting rapid growth in the solar industry. However, because of problems in the tax equity market and other issues with state solar programs around the country, those predictions many not bear out in the short-term.

In this podcast, we'll look at some trends playing out in the U.S. solar market and how they may impact demand for PV over the coming year.

Then, we'll have some interviews from the Greenbuild Conference and Expo on building-integrated wind and PV systems, living roofs, and how renewable energy companies and traditional contractors are working together to increase the deployment of cleaner building materials, sustainable design techniques and renewable energies.