Follow the Green Money: $898 Million Invested in Clean Tech in Q3, Solar Co. Going Public, Building Retrofits May Reach $15 Billion by 2014

According to a report from PriceWaterhouseCoopers, venture capitalists invested $898 million during the third quarter in clean tech start up companies.  This was an 89% increase in amount invested from the previous quarter and an increase of 16% in the number of deals made.  The clean tech sector is made up of renewable energy, pollution reduction, recycling and conservation industries.

Specialized Technology Resources (based in Enfield, CT) is making a move to become a public company.  Depending upon share price and number of shares sold, STR could raise between $184.5 million and $212.2 million in its initial public offering.  STR manufactures material that protects solar cells inside solar panels.  Customers for this product include First Solar and SunPower. (Jobs Openings at STR)

Non residential building retrofits could become a $15 billion market by 2014 according to a report from McGraw Hill Construction research.  The report concluded that the retrofit market could become a larger market than energy efficient new construction for designers and contractors.