1. ESIA in the News -
New and improved ESIA website launched -  www.emiratessolar  

2. Solar Energy News Brief -       

• 10 Solar Trends for 2012 - It is an understatement to say solar tech companies have suffered in 2011. The year has been marked by financial losses, layoffs, factory closures, trade complaints and bankruptcies afflicting solar manufacturers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The drama will continue in 2012, and here is a look at what to expect next year. 
• Solar Expansion in the Middle East 2011-12-20 - D.A. Barber, Even with the political changes happening in the Middle East, there are significant large-scale renewable energy projects moving forward for both local power generation, as well as for power export to EU. 
• Dark Times Fall on Solar Sector - WSJ , Dec. 27, 2011- At the heart of the industry woes are swiftly falling prices for solar panels and their components-polysilicon, wafers, cells and the modules themselves. The reason is simple: There are simply too many manufacturers trying to sell their wares.
• Why Solar Will Win - Forbes, Dec.2, 2011- Forget the fact that solar companies like Trina and Suntech have reported dismal earnings in recent weeks and fear that governments in North America, Europe and Asia will slash incentives for renewable energy. The solar industry will continue to grow, and likely even accelerate.
• Support grows in the UAE for green subsidies - The National, Nov. 27, 2011 - Calls are growing for the Government to support the fledgling clean energy sector through subsidies that have spurred the growth of renewables in other parts of the world.
• Balance of Power Shifting for Renewable Energy, SustainableBusiness.com News, Nov.2011, As policy-makers scramble to stop recession tightening its grip on major economies, demographic changes and growth in emerging markets are driving renewable energy investment, say Ernst & Young in their latest Country Attractiveness Index.  
• ESIA "Members Only" News, Research and Leads Extranet - GCC/MENA region solar project pipeline - contact information and project profile 

3.  Announcements, Events & Calendar -    

• Welcome new ESIA Members: Founding Members, Amonix Power Services, SunPower, and AlsaTech Solar and Corporate Member, PwC  
• Partner Event Promotion - Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association(SASIA) Breakfast Briefing & Discussion - January 15, 2012 (9:00 - 11:30 am) Hilton Garden Inn, Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  Register Now: 

  At this solar industry education and networking event you will have the chance to meet with representatives from the US Embassy Riyadh Commercial Service, the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) in Washington,DC and the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA). There will be a presentation and follow-up discussion on " The Business Case for Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia and USA". The USA is projected to become the largest market in the world for solar energy with 2-3 years; currently growning at 140%. Could Saudi Arabia follow a similar growth path?