This segment is from Tuesday's edition of "Digging for Value," in which sector analysts Joel South and Taylor Muckerman discuss energy and materials news with host Alison Southwick. The twice-weekly show can be viewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It can also be found on Twitter, along with our extended coverage of the energy and materials sectors @TMFEnergy .
New investments into renewable energy projects globally are down significantly this year, as European uncertainty, and a late extension of renewable subsidies in the United States, curbed production starts. While cheap natural gas is also a hurdle for renewable energy starts, investors still have a few solid, growing options. SolarCity (SCTY.DL) continues to grow its solar panel leasing business, with 475 MW to 525 MW of installed capacity expected next year, from a base of 270 MW expected in 2013. Leasing competitor and high-quality solar manufacturer SunPower (SPWR 5.85%) continues to outperform its peers in 2013.
