I’ve always kept an eye on solar technology in general. Its interesting to watch as the price/performance ratio improves, as well as overall adoption. Obviously some of the government incentives are accentuating this, but I think that even without those it would grow an a decent rate.

One of the primary indicators I track is major/large companies that begin spending increased dollar amounts on various technologies. The one currently on my radar is Alcoa, which is an aluminum giant.

There have been quite a few climbing onto the solar bandwagon lately (solar sites are even spawning up near my home in oregon– one of the rainest states). This increased volume of solar supporters is a good sign for the future of the technology.

Heres an NY Times blog entry for some more details on the Alcoa solar arrays – http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/aluminum-maker-eyes-solar-industry/