.The global solar PV market is poised to have a banner year. according to the recently published market outlook from GTM Research:.2010 Global PV Demand Analysis and Forecast, . but some trade suppliers will encounter difficulty navigating the forthcoming ebb and flow of subsidy programs and increasing module overcapacity.
In one town in New Jersey, solar panels have been placed on every utility pole along the larger highways. Good idea. To coincide with that, electronic devices should always have power as the first constraint on their design. Supply professionals can help by aiding designers find as many sources of low-power components as possible.
The increase in solar energy from solar farms may also contribute to the lower standing in Germany's solar power market. Regions outside of north and central Europe that have large desert areas can support large-scale centralized solar energy production. Europeans might be able to make use of solar collectors on ocean and even ice platforms, but I haven't seen much of this. In any case, southern latitudes can collect more energy with stationary horizontal panels.
Another point I was pondering. How much would the solar industry benefit, if at all, from the near disaster at the nuclear installations in Japan? I would assume the shift would be more in the direction of conventional thermal power plants.
Until the recent decision by the European governments to cut back on incentives for solar installation, Europe had the edge on growth and adoption. As a result it represented one of the best locations for investors. However, I don't think geography is the main factor to use for deciding where to invest (Contact your financial advisor) but other growth regions are quickly catching up. In fact, China is likely going to be the fastest growing market in the near future. And North Africa may prove to be highly popular.
For investors, the best way to look at the market would be to see which companies are supplying products, parts and installation services for the solar industry. These guys play in all markets, fast-growing and maturing. I would not rule out Europe even now. With the nuclear disaster in Japan some European countries may reconsider their decision to cancel incentives for solar products.
Is there any study identifying the best places, geographically, to invest in solar power? I am sure that matters and would like to have pointers if any.
It's unlikeky the market will feel any direct impact from any shortages that might come up unless a major blow up occurs. I believe the industry is able to handle the current market demand without any hiccup. That may change if things worsen - we hope they don't.
This is good news for homeowners who want to invest in their homes and save on the heating cost especially in the cold months. But how wouldd the shortage in electronic supplies and semiconductors impact this growth especially in the US?
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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