Description
What Recession? Solar Surfs to 139% Growth Worldwide, 91% in U.S. Falling PV module prices and robust subsidies fuel the market. Europe still dominated the global PV market in 2010 but growth is shifting to North America as European feed-in tariffs decline and U.S. state renewable portfolio standards ramp up. Utility-scale development grew to 242 MW commissioned in 2010 – more than 1,000% growth from just two years earlier. This 36-page double edition examines what’s behind the industry’s growth in 2010 and explores the trends and market drivers that will shape the solar business going forward, with a focus on the U.S. market. All three solar technologies are covered in-depth: photovoltaic power, concentrating solar thermal power and solar water heating.
This 36-page double edition examines what’s behind the industry’s growth in 2010 and explores the trends and market drivers that will shape the solar business going forward, with a focus on the U.S. market.
Inside this edition:
- U.S. PV market grows fastest in the Southwest, with utility-scale projects in the lead; Northeast markets surge on favorable SREC prices.
- Environmental consulting services in high demand for utility-scale projects but growth wave may have crested.
- Concentrating Solar Power has fallen behind PV on costs for utility-scale power but CSP developers look to market their technology’s grid benefits against PV and even supply peak and baseload power as storage technology proves out.
- Community solar ventures in Colorado and Washington follow different models, but both could be replicated nationwide.
- Wholesale distributor AEE maintains position among top three while expecting more consolidation.
- Southern California Edison drives enormous growth in SoCal PV market but triggers opposition with shift away from rooftop strategy.
- Solar-as-service offerings by Solar City, SunRun and Sungevity light the residential market on fire.
- Black & Veatch vets module manufacturers for investors and lenders.
Firms and Organizations:
2020 Environmental Group, Brightsource, CA Public Utilities Commission, Cleantech Group, CSP Today, Electric Power Research Institute, Enfinity, Environmental Management and Planning Solutions Inc., Environmental Science Associates, European Solar Thermal Industry Federation, GTM Research, IHS iSuppli, Institute for Local Self Reliance, Marcus Evans, NERA Economic Consulting, REN21, RES Americas, SENER, SkyFuel, SolarBuzz, Solar Electric Power Association, Solar Energy Industries Assoc., Solar Rainbow, Solyndra, SREC Trade, Tangerine Power, Tioga Energy, Verdigris Capital and many others.
