The solar industry has wagered its success on the principle that US investors who make big profits need tax breaks. And for the last several years, it has been a winning bet. But what happens when the economy crashes and few make a profit? That is the dilemma faced by the US solar industry today, as it finds the pot emptying of investors ready to make tax-driven deals.

"The deals that were cut are falling by the wayside," says Craig Moyer, chairman of the energy, environment & natural resources