Is solar poised for shale-like breakthrough?

Declining oil prices may be slowing the U.S. shale boom. But there's no denying that the nation will remain a leading global producer of oil and natural gas well into the future, thanks to advances in drilling technology.

So, what's next when it comes to big breakthroughs in U.S. energy supply?

The Scotland-based consultancy Wood Mackenzie sees solar energy as the best candidate now for such change.

In a new study called "Is Solar the Next Shale?", Wood Mackenzie says steep reductions in the costs of making solar modules put...