Abstract
The U. S. solar energy market has been soaring for the past three years, as
production, shipments, installations, and sales have skyrocketed between 2005
and 2007. With many factors aligned in its favor-ever-higher nonrenewable
energy prices, ever-lower solar prices, climate change, energy security, a
solidifying market structure, solar stocks on fire, and the federal government
finally beginning to get behind solar-the upward trajectory appears set to
continue. Yet looking to 2008 and beyond, obstacles and challenges remain to
be addressed and overcome before the solar power market begins to reach a true
take-off stage into the mainstream.
This SBI study examines the dynamics both pushing solar forward and holding it
back. Comprehensive data on shipments, along with sales estimates and
five-year projections, are offered for all three major solar categories: solar
electric (PV), solar thermal, and concentrating solar power (CSP). Companies
competing in the multitude of solar segments and niche areas are listed and
discussed, with five major competitors profiled.
Key trends-including technological, investment, financing, and government
involvement-are analyzed, and the developing solar distribution structure is
explained. The overall picture that emerges is of a market set to create
conditions for a new industrial boom cycle.
Research Methodology:
This study is based on a wide variety of sources, both primary and secondary.
Primary data sources include the Department of Energy' s Energy Information
Administration (EIA) and PV Energy Systems (Prometheus Institute). Information
and analysis is based on numerous secondary sources. These include Renewable
Energy Access, Clean Edge, Greentech Media, Green Wombat, C-Net, Grist, and
many other web-based research and journalistic Internet sites. Other
information was gleaned from proprietary information searches and popular
journals. On-site inspections of solar distributors and dealer/installers also
added depth to our analysis.
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