The tipping point for solar PV is today… Are you ready?
After decades of idealism and activism, the technology of solar photovoltaics is proven. Reliability is no longer in question, and the cost of the energy produced from solar PV today sits dangerously close to conventional, fossil based resources. In several markets across the U.S., plans for new nuclear and natural gas fired power plants are being scrapped in favor of solar pv power plants. Not because of environmental or safety concerns as many would expect. These decisions were made purely based on finances. Solar is cheaper.
Globally, grid connected PV capacity increased from 16.6 gigawatts (GW) in 2010 to 27.7 GW in 2011, bringing the total global installed capacity to almost 68 GW, producing over 80 billion kwH of electricity. This makes PV the third most implemented renewable energy after hydro and wind power across the globe. (source: EPIA)
While installed capacity and production numbers are impressive, perhaps more important to those of us who don’t sit at the helm of global solar players is the local growth rates. Across the globe, solar photovoltaics grew at a rate near 70% year over year. The United States surpassed that rate slightly, making solar pv the fastest growing industry in the country.
Growth is the only way to repair the economic damage seen over the past decade. Photovoltaics have led the way, mainly due to an imbalance between U.S. subsidy levels and the rapid decline in solar panel and equipment costs, which nobody had forecast, even the most seasoned analysts.
Gaia Worldwide tracks and analyzes the global shift from old-economy energy infrastructure and technology to the modern platform, based on diversified resources and high-tech distribution, which will become the standard for the future. This shift is one of North America’s most promising economic opportunities.
Our domain expertise is in global solar photovoltaics, from polysilicon manufacturing to local privately owned businesses. Our strategic focus is helping our clients understand and capitalize on the opportunities that these global dynamics have on the North American renewable energy market. We understand the policy, technology, economics, and people that are driving the emergence of photovoltaics in North America. We share our knowledge, contacts, creativity and resources with the client, giving them the what they need to establish themselves in North America.
Of course, as every other game changing technology has, today solar PV is experiencing a broad scale shakeout. While countless technologies and even more businesses have proven themselves viable, the emergence of the solar powerhouses has just begun, along with the inevitable demise of the least effective, efficient, and recognizable brands in the space. Today we decide who wins and who loses in solar.
The time is now.
Consider this… Today there are over 70 automobile manufacturers. How many can you name?
The future of energy, the largest economic opportunity in history – belongs to the winners the renewable energy competition that is just beginning to unfold today. Environmentalism and idealism are antiquated and unimportant factors in solar, a new generation of highly educated, well trained businesspeople has taken a growing proportion of the solar market, and will only increase their leadership as costs continue their rapid decline and market opportunities develop.
Gaia Worldwide offers a unique value to solar businesses focused on winning the North American market. We offer the ability to lower your upstream supplier costs while enhancing your brand value to downstream customers. As a partner, you will get data-driven information on the North American market. The geographic and economic opportunities make your initial move into the market successful. You will build a North American presence based on hard data and in-depth knowledge of the current and future opportunities that exist in this extremely lucrative yet complex and nuanced market.
From your strong platform, we will help you establish your customer perception and build your brand. In North America, particularly the U.S., brands matter.
If you are in the U.S. solar business, you have a choice… Establish yourself as a trusted brand or compete on price alone.
Surviving the shakeout means competing in a rapidly changing market with an edge. Understanding economics, policy, and markets in North America and becoming a trusted, bankable partner. Gaia Worldwide helps businesses large and small find the best opportunities and capitalize on them.
Don’t waste your effort and budget. Maximize your North American opportunity. Partner with Gaia Worldwide to optimize your North American growth initiative.
Somebody’s going to win…