Solar Industry Week in Review: GT Solar, SunPower

Written by Rachel Barron and Jeff St. John

It's been a hectic week. The markets have swung wildly and Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain have set out to win over undecided voters during a presidential debate. Meanwhile, the Solar Power International conference in San Diego brought in a record number of people.

Organizers said the event, which started Monday evening in San Diego, Calif., attracted 22,500 attendees from at least 70 countries. Last year, 12,500 participants attended the conference in Long Beach, Calif.

Participants got a chance to listen to market leaders and discuss the impact the financial market crisis and the recently approved eight-year solar tax credits will have on the solar industry.

For example, First Solar (FSLR Quote) CEO Michael Ahearn warned that the crisis could potentially result in the higher cost of building solar power systems, but he also said the recent passage of tax credits that help utilities, businesses and homeowners install solar energy systems will make it easier for companies like First Solar to expand in the United States.

California's "governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger also made an appearance to say that despite the economic tough times, a focus on solar and the environment must continue.