Last week the Anaheim Convention Center in California, the largest on the West Coast, was packed with every avenue of the solar industry. The exhibition hall, the length of two football fields, was full with over 600 exhibitors from all over the world. From small solar installers, to solar mapping software designers, solar financiers, and utility scale solar giants; it was all represented at Solar Power International (SPI). This impressive slice of the solar industry and our wonderful week in California led us to several conclusions about where the solar industry is going.
First, solar is here to stay. The solar industry is widespread, diverse, and growing. Solar now employs more people than Google, Twitter, and Facebook combined –174,000 people. Vice President Joe Biden spoke at SPI to reaffirm the Obama Administration’s support of solar power and the need for action against climate change.
Second, the solar industry is still in its adolescence. This industry has seen growth of at least 30% every year in the last 5 years, with no sign of stopping. The Clean Power Plan set out by the Obama Administration will spur solar and other renewable development for years to come, as will the ITC Federal Tax credit if it is renewed. We were impressed to see rigorous legislative and grass roots work by the Solar Energy Industry Association and other organizations to extend the ITC.
Last, solar is growing, and will continue to grow. With the indisputable reality of climate change, and the growing recognition of the threats it poses, solar and other renewable energy sources are being recognized as the energy systems of the future. We are proud to be part of this incredible industry, and plan to keep harnessing the power of the sun for years to come!
