If climate drove the uptake in alternative energy, then Saudia Arabia would be the solar electric capital of the world. Several studies have shown that all of the world's electricity consumption could easily be met by solar panels in the Saudi Desert. But Saudi doesn't do that because local fossil fuels are even cheaper and that's my point. For alternative energy, just like most other industries, economics trump everything else, every time. Take Europe for example and how the solar thermal market plays out there . . .

In the latest survey by the European Solar Thermal Industry Association Germany and Austria outpace by far the hotter European Mediterranean Countries (apart from Greece) per capita in their domestic penetration of solar powered hot water. This is principally because they can afford it and perhaps more importantly, they believe in it.

So this is Europe's Solar Paradox. Don't think you'll find solar power in Europe most where the sun shines most. There may even a be a reverse correlation. And the same observation can be made right across the world.