subject: Solar Industry 2010 Recap [print this page] Solar Industry 2010 Recap Solar Industry 2010 Recap
Although the final numbers are still being tabulated, by all projections, the US solar installation market doubled in size during 2010. That's right, twice the 2009 figures, which was 435 MW's (megawatts). Depending on whose numbers you believe, everyone agrees that the 2010 solar market in the US was booming. The estimates for 2010 of people who buy solar panel are anywhere from 855 MW's to over 1 GW (gigawatt) of new solar installations., As the final figures shake out, the US still accounts for only 6.5% of the global solar demand. Many sources are projecting solar installations for 2011 to be 1.5 GW (gigawatts) or higher. One thing is for sure: Since 2000, when the US only installed 3.9 MW's compared to today's figures, the solar industry in the US is one of the fastest growing in the world today.
So what does this mean for our future? With panels, inverters and the balance of system components all dropping in price and improving in efficiency, I believe we are structured for further significant growth. As the price of installed solar drops, the importance of state for people who buy solar panel. Higher electric prices will continue to drive the consumer to more cost-effective alternatives like solar. Unstable oil prices have always stirred the consumer's interest in renewable energy.
Consumers are getting used to seeing solar panels and wind turbines in our surroundings and are less intimidated by these new objects. Not too long ago, people use to point out when they saw a solar installation in my area. Now it is difficult to drive two miles without seeing a new installation.
Based on the number of foreign companies offering new products and innovations in the US in the last six months, I believe we are poised for continued growth in the solar market for people who buy solar panel. Clearly, many companies from countries like China, India, Germany, and Taiwan are entering the US markets because the solar incentives are drying up in Europe and other markets. Most experts expect the US to be the next "big solar market".
Let me know what you think. How is your business looking for 2011?
