BUSINESSANALYSIS
Globally Wired: Solar Power on Verge of the Sunbelt Boom
While some wait for global metrics such as grid parity to be reached, a recent report from the EPIA highlights the fact that some areas of the planet will benefit from solar power quicker than others. The report suggests that solar power is on the edge of a boom for the sunbelt regions. Chris Burns, Senior Consultant at Cambre Associates put together this report to highlight the opportunities building in the sunbelt regions.
electrification for 1.5 billion people who don’t have it now, and a “supergrid” wired to the industrialised world for round-the-clock power anywhere.
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According to a study by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), the world’s largest, solar photovoltaic energy (PV) is on the verge of a massive boom powered by rising global electricity demand, falling PV prices and rapid economic development in so-called ‘’Sunbelt’’ countries, those located within ±35° around the equator, with China and India leading the way.
The 53-page report, titled ‘’Unlocking the Sunbelt Potential of Photovoltaics”, says PV can compete today with diesel generators, will be competitive with gas and oil by 2020 and with coal by 2030. Falling photovoltaic systems prices can help the
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magine solar farms spanning sun-drenched countries around the equator, with
Sunbelt generate power locally, and the industrialised world will be able to power itself by connecting continents with a network of solar farms spanning the globe. The study comes at a critical time as nations debate how much to invest in renewable energy and whether to build new coal-powered and nuclear plants. The billions, even trillions, about to be spent on energy generation worldwide could be more sustainably spent on solar panels.
Thus the EPIA’s bold push in a race against time with conventional energy sources – often subsidised - and so-called ‘’bridge technologies’’ to compete for investment and political support. The study says energy demand in the Sunbelt is expected to grow 150 percent in the next 20 years. How that demand is met will have direct impact on efforts to control global warming and foster social development in the region.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue IX 2010
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