Electronics

Solar Power's Explosive Growth - Who Will Emerge Next?

  2008 NOV 24 - (VerticalNews.com) -- First Solar Inc. is probably the most exciting company in the solar power industry. It has remarkably low production costs, explosive growth and unique technology. Furthermore, this thin-film solar panel manufacturer is one of the first PV (photovoltaic, solar electric) companies to compete directly with the conventional energy industry.

  The entire PV industry has been experiencing tremendous growth, and that growth is expected to continue. In select regions that have the right combination of high electricity prices and good financial incentives, solar electricity already competes with conventional household electricity. As expected cost reductions continue, the size of these markets will continue to grow.

  According to Solar Annual 2008, a new report by PHOTON Consulting, by 2012, solar power may constitute 35% of all electric capacity additions, and thereby move from the fringe of the electricity sector to the mainstream.

  This subject and more will be discussed as part of the Searching for 'Second Solar'" Conference Series, a series of three conferences to be held in San Francisco on Dec. 2-4, 2008 by PHOTON Press, the world's largest publisher specializing in solar energy, and the Boston-based consulting branch PHOTON Consulting.

  PHOTON's 1st PV Start-up Conference, Dec. 2, 2008

  Just a few years ago, First Solar was of little importance. Today, hundreds of start-up companies in the PV industry are preparing for commercial production, many of which are based in California. The question is: Which manufacturer has the potential to become the second First Solar?

  PHOTON's 1st PV Thin-film Conference, Dec. 3, 2008

  Are the most promising candidates for becoming the next First Solar to be found among thin-film manufacturers? Which of the hundreds of companies worldwide has the best starting position?

  PHOTON's 1st TECAF Conference, Dec. 4, 2008

  As a whole, few people working in conventional energy companies have an appreciation for how quickly PV distributed on rooftops and open fields could make inroads in their regions by 2012. The economic challenges from displaced revenue, profits and possibly negative network effects combined with operational challenges and higher uncertainty all may combine to stress these companies beyond their ability to cope. To put it bluntly, if no accommodations are made, it's possible that Traditional Energy Companies are F*&$#d (TECAF).

  For additional information on these conferences go to www.photon-expo.com

  Press inquiries: A limited number of free admission tickets is available for journalists (prior registration required). For further information, please contact: Bill Kanzer, PHOTON Consulting, (617) 262-5701, marketing@photonconsulting.com

  PHOTON Expo: Exhibits and conferences: www.photon-expo.com

  PHOTON Press is the world's leading publisher of solar electricity magazines. Since 1996, it has been publishing PHOTON in German, which is the first and highest circulating German PV magazine, with a print run of 50,000 copies. Other publications include PHOTON International, the world's premier and highest circulating English-language PV trade magazine, as well as PV magazines in Italian and Spanish. PHOTON-Expo produces events around the globe specializing in the latest developments in PV. There are about 120 employees in 8 countries employed by PHOTON Press and PHOTON Expo.

  PHOTON Consulting serves the solar sector with extensive research, accurate data, robust models and unparalleled insight. The content covers key sector issues with pertinent information and statistics to allow for industry analysis and forecasting. Specifically, PHOTON Consulting details and projects supply, demand, cost, volume and price throughout the value chain in key current and emerging markets. PHOTON Consulting also tracks and evaluates technology, such as thin film, policy developments and convergence of PV with mainstream electricity. The consulting team has a broad spectrum of experience in the solar and energy sectors, advising leading global producers and the PV sector investment community.

  PHOTON Consulting research reports include Solar Annual 2008, Silicon Price Index, The True Cost of Solar Power and Detailing Demand. Retainer Consulting Services include Solar Monthly, Solar Demand Monthly, Solar Cost Quarterly, Convergence Quarterly and Silicon Monthly.

  PHOTON International: www.photon-international.com

  PHOTON Consulting: www.photonconsulting.com

  Exhibits and conferences: www.photon-expo.com

  Annual study on the PV world market: www.solarannual.com

  Keywords: First Solar Inc.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Electronics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Electronics via VerticalNews.com.