Joint Forces for Solar, the most successful solar networking event worldwide, hosted the 8th edition of its signature event “PV Briefing & Networking Forum USA” in Orlando. Guest solar experts, market analysts, and installers discussed the significance of the regional solar industry in Florida as well as the potential for development in the entire US solar market which has enjoyed an average growth rate of 73.9% in recent years.
Market experts are of the opinion that Florida, currently ranked 6th in the top 10 US markets, has the best prerequisites for the production of solar electricity with an excellent geographical location and high solar radiation levels. Yet market development is lagging behind other regional markets such as California, New Jersey, Arizona and Nevada. Furthermore, Florida is the third largest energy consumer in the USA and has relatively high electricity prices which should speak in favor of installing solar.
Quality falls victim to the price war
Kunal Phalpher, Consultant at 360|Consult, presented an overview of market drivers and barriers current to the Florida market. Where there were only a few projects planned in 2008 under one MWp, this year alone is set to reach installations of approximately 117 MWp. This growth is for the most part dominated by the large-scale segment with installations adding up to 76 MWp.
Eric C. Romano, Strategic Marketing Manager at DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, provided valuable insight on how materials impact PV performance and project yields in large-scale systems. Bill Gallagher, President of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association agreed with the analysis provided by 360|Consult and emphasized that change is needed in Florida’s regulatory framework in order to stimulate sustainable development in the regional solar market. The panel as well as the attendees were unanimous in their view that the “it is a solar market that has to learn to walk”
This, attendees believe, lies not only in market consolidation but also in the more stringent quality control of solar systems which has, according to experts, suffered recently under the tough price war. A downward price spiral has led to the increased use of low-price components which, attendees believe, will be reflected in long-term financial returns. The next event is scheduled to take place on November 15 in New Jersey. Further information can be found online.
Information on Joint Forces for Solar
The organizers of the „8th PV Briefing & Networking Forum USA“ thank the premium sponsors CSUN and DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, gold sponsors Q-Cells, SolarWorld and KACO new energy as well as the media partners pv magazine, Sun & Wind Energy, PV-Tech.org und Renewable Energy World Network and the TV media partner SolarPV.TV. Furthermore, thanks to the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the German American Chambers of Commerce and the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA).
If you would like to know more about the Joint Forces for Solar, please contact Daniel Fuchs (+49 228 429 6645 | fuchs@jointforces4solar.com).
Further information on Joint Forces for Solar can be found on the website: www.jointforces4solar.com.
Market experts are of the opinion that Florida, currently ranked 6th in the top 10 US markets, has the best prerequisites for the production of solar electricity with an excellent geographical location and high solar radiation levels. Yet market development is lagging behind other regional markets such as California, New Jersey, Arizona and Nevada. Furthermore, Florida is the third largest energy consumer in the USA and has relatively high electricity prices which should speak in favor of installing solar.
Quality falls victim to the price war
Kunal Phalpher, Consultant at 360|Consult, presented an overview of market drivers and barriers current to the Florida market. Where there were only a few projects planned in 2008 under one MWp, this year alone is set to reach installations of approximately 117 MWp. This growth is for the most part dominated by the large-scale segment with installations adding up to 76 MWp.
Eric C. Romano, Strategic Marketing Manager at DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, provided valuable insight on how materials impact PV performance and project yields in large-scale systems. Bill Gallagher, President of the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association agreed with the analysis provided by 360|Consult and emphasized that change is needed in Florida’s regulatory framework in order to stimulate sustainable development in the regional solar market. The panel as well as the attendees were unanimous in their view that the “it is a solar market that has to learn to walk”
This, attendees believe, lies not only in market consolidation but also in the more stringent quality control of solar systems which has, according to experts, suffered recently under the tough price war. A downward price spiral has led to the increased use of low-price components which, attendees believe, will be reflected in long-term financial returns. The next event is scheduled to take place on November 15 in New Jersey. Further information can be found online.
Information on Joint Forces for Solar
The organizers of the „8th PV Briefing & Networking Forum USA“ thank the premium sponsors CSUN and DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, gold sponsors Q-Cells, SolarWorld and KACO new energy as well as the media partners pv magazine, Sun & Wind Energy, PV-Tech.org und Renewable Energy World Network and the TV media partner SolarPV.TV. Furthermore, thanks to the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the German American Chambers of Commerce and the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association (FlaSEIA).
If you would like to know more about the Joint Forces for Solar, please contact Daniel Fuchs (+49 228 429 6645 | fuchs@jointforces4solar.com).
Further information on Joint Forces for Solar can be found on the website: www.jointforces4solar.com.
