European and Asian companies are sniffing all around the West for opportunities to invest in solar power generation in a region with millions of acres of open public lands ideal for the large collectors needed. Here in the Northwest, solar manufacturers are gearing up to meet the growing need of this expensive but clean alternative energy source.

Even though solar power is expensive its peak period is in the hot summer, the time when Idaho and other western states' power needs rise. Solar plants might not be on all the time but they may soon meet part of the peaking needs of power users across the region.

Marples Pacific Northwest Newsletter says it estimates that $3 billion of investment for solar-related businesses has already been made in the region. Idaho has at least a part of this with the $390 million Hoku Materials polysilicon production plant in Pocatello.

Hoku would supply Sanyo, the world's fourth largest manufacturer of solar panels, with polysilicon. The company is forging long term relationships with the city of Pocatello and neighboring businesses like Great Western Malting that appear to show it could expand once its current plant is finished. It already has increased its investment and is looking for even more money.

The company not only manufactures materials but also makes finished photovoltaic systems in Hawaii. It also has a division that has developed proprietary fuel cell membranes and other parts for fuel cells, another promising new energy technology.

Hoku has some similarities to Micron. It plants to produce a basic commodity of the solar industtry.

Hoku faces tough competition worldwide from seven existing solar giants who have already grabbed most of the market. But this is a giant new market that could allow Hoku to turn big quick.

Marples calls the plant a long shot.

Marples highlights Oregon’s efforts to attract alternative energy businesses with a business energy tax credit of up to $40 million a year that covers 50 percent of eligible costs for solar and other energy businesses up to five years. Whether Idaho wants to go the tax break route or another alternative to attract some of this new business, solar appears to be an opportunity the state can’t ignore.