BE it short term , long term , or somewhere in between , trying to get a hold on what ’ s to come is vital for not being surprised or thrown out of wack . This is exceptionally true for the energy sector , as forecasts and predictions for the future shape policy being made today . In our cover story this month , we gaze into our crystal ball ( and by crystal ball , I mean reports and analysis ) and try to see the near future of the solar industry — whose size is set to double by 2020 . It ’ s set to be an exciting few years for the industry , as global solar is looking to become a major economic driver . Perhaps most exciting , though , is the novel ways solar power is being utilized and how that will shape the long-term future of the industry . Also this month we feature WindStream ’ s SolarMill — an innovative hybrid of a solar panel and a wind turbine that ’ s tackling a major issue in renewable energy . We ’ ll also look into biogas , a waste management solution that has the industry talking as they weigh its costs and benefits . Over in utilities , we discuss the potential for international expansion . Is it a growing utility ’ s best friend , or its worst nightmare ? Finally , we ’ ll look at the top 10 wind turbine suppliers by their market share .

Editor kevin . smead @ wdmgroup . com

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