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Iran is usually in the news for its misguided nuclear ambitions, but recently Iran has been in the news for sprucing up its solar image. Iran is home to the world's fourth largest proven oil reserves and the world's second largest natural gas reserves. Now Iran is starting to cut its teeth on the fledgling solar industry. Iran wants to substantially increase its solar capacity, from about 100 - 200 megawatts to 5,000 megawatts from solar and wind in the next five years. It has allocated $60 million for next year alone to bolster its solar energy industry. Although Iran has stated its proposed program is for peaceful purposes, sanctions have cut into refining and production due to western fears. While it is easy to be skeptical towards the country's intentions behind its new-found interest in solar energy, one has to admit that solar energy is a natural for a country like Iran with remote populations and lots of sun. What's interesting to watch is how far the Islamic Republic's cuts on subsidies for gasoline will extend. Countries investing in solar like Iran are a telling sign of what may be in the near future for governments who are willing to spend now to save later especially during a time where foreign-manufactured solar panels continue to drop in price.
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