Association of Commercial Energy Assessors

Introduction

Solar power is estimated to have enough physical potential to cover the world’s entire energy needs some 1,800 times over making it by far the most abundant power source on earth with around 10 times more potential than all the other power sources (both conventional fossil fuels and renewable sources) combined. The trick is to harness this potential economically. For now, the technology remains costly compared with conventional and other renewable power sources but the industry is working hard to lower the generation costs. In spite of this cost gap the industry has enjoyed very strong growth rates in recent years and, following a potential slump in demand this year, the sector is forecast to resume its strong volume growth from 2010. After first describing briefly the different technologies, the solar value chain and the prospects for solar power, this second article of Investing in Renewable Energy will focus on the European and UK listed companies predominantly active in solar power, either as supplier of equipment to the industry or as manufacturers of solar power components or as developers and installers of systems or projects.