Solar Industry reported good news for solar and other forms of clean technology. 

According to the report, cleantech venture and corporate investments around the globe totaled $8.99 billion in 2011, a 13% increase over 2010, according to research firm Cleantech Group's preliminary results for last year. In addition, cleantech mergers and acquisitions reached record highs in 2011, with 391 deals and a dollar volume of $41.2 billion, a robust 153% growth over 2010.

The report states that throughout 2011, investment totals grew while the number of deals declined by 7% compared to 2010, an indication that average round size is increasing, according to Cleantech Group Investments in North America grew 30% from $5.20 billion in 2010 to $6.81 billion in 2011 – while Europe and Israel took a step back, with $1.30 billion invested in 2011 compared to $1.84 billion in 2010.

According to the report, solar was the leading sector.