Confidence in the future of the clean energy sector can be seen through several trends that have evidenced themselves repeatedly over the first half of 2012. Financial institutions remain bullish on investment in the clean energy sector and continue to make substantial commitments to investments in the development of both clean technology and renewable energy. Increasingly common corporate sustainability initiatives show that companies are committed to reducing their carbon emissions throughout their operations. And states and municipalities continue to develop local incentives toward the development of renewable energy sources. Contained herein are highlights of six key trends in the clean energy sector we have identified as prevalent themes during the first half of 2012, including:

• Banks and developers see big profits ahead with investments in clean energy;
• Corporate sustainability initiatives prove more than just a way to generate positive PR, providing significant benefits across sectors;
• States and municipalities have forged ahead on carbon reduction strategies in the face of continued uncertainty of federal programs;
• Trade conflict over solar panel manufacturing between the world’s two largest energy consumers will continue to create uncertainty in the market;
• The popularity of solar energy continues to rise, especially distributed generation capabilities for residential and commercial developments; and
• Renewables aren’t just for wealthier countries any more as developing countries increase their investment in emissions free energy.

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