SunPower (SPWR +0.00%), SolarCity (SCTY +0.00%), and First Solar (FSLR +0.59%) have all seen stock prices soar in 2013 and there appears to be no ceiling to the potential in the solar industry. But there are risks for solar companies, as we've seen play out in just the last few years.
First Solar was once the cost and technology leader, only to see that lead evaporate to Chinese competitors. SunPower now holds the technology lead but a new wave of more efficient product may be on its way.
SolarCity doesn't make panels, but it has a lot of risk in its current business model. If consumers begin buying systems instead of leasing them its entire infrastructure could be upended. Joel South sat down with solar analyst Travis Hoium to see what risks face these leading solar companies in the future.
