San Francisco -- Consulting firm Deloitte is teaming up with the Cleantech Group to develop new information and research services reporting on the latest trends in clean tech.

The companies, which made the announcement at the this week’s 21st Cleantech Forum,
plan to interact with investors via the Cleantech Group conferences, webinars and other member services.

Deloitte, which provides audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services, joins forces with Cleantech Group to report quarterly on investment flow in the clean tech category in the U.S., Europe, India and China and in high potential international markets; and to cover technology innovation in specific sectors. Together, the two groups will leverage some of the brightest minds tracking technologies such as solar PV, solar thermal, biofuels, batteries, fuel cells, energy efficiency and lighting.

Attending today's conference were members top financiers who gave their predictions for the 2009-2010 investment landscape. Predicted trends include improving fuel efficiency with diesel or gasoline fuels, according to Michael Goguen of Sequoia Capital, building retrofits thanks to the economic stimulus bill, the smart grid, green building, and of course, solar power.

“Solar will never replace fossil fuels, but it’s a great peak load offset technology,” said Jeff Leonard of the Global Environment Fund, who believes the recent dropping costs of silicon make solar an even more attractive venture. Plus, it is an industry the public can really support. “It’s great because it engages the American people. It’s bite-sized enough so consumers can get involved.”

Whitney Rockley of Nomura, which focuses on raising capital, corporate advisory, research and sales, has confidence in the future of solar power. “I am a big believer in solar thermal, but more in the fresnel lense side of things. Some German companies are bringing the cost down significantly.”

In spite of tough economic times, attendees at this week’s conference evoke cautious optimism and especially because of the economic stimulus bill, firmly believe that cleantech will remain a hot industry for the next decade.