U.S. Solar Market Grows To $7.05 Billion, Including Environmental Consulting & Engineering Services

July 2011, San Diego, Calif.- Revenues for the U.S. solar energy rose to $7.05 billion in 2010, an 95% increase from 2009, according to research published by Climate Change Business Journal® (CCBJ). The U.S. represents just 7% of the $95 billion global solar energy industry that grew 91% in 2010. Unlike other estimates of the solar industry's revenues, CCBJ numbers include electricity sales, power value, specialty services and the consulting & engineering (C&E) services associated with planning and permitting utility-scale solar power development.

Purchase this 36-page Solar Industry edition (22,000 words; 29 charts) for $150
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The 2010 CCBJ estimate of the U.S. solar industry includes:

  • $1.33 billion for U.S. Solar Planning, Design & Installation
  • $1.17 billion for U.S. Solar Electricity Value
  • $4.54 billion for U.S. Solar Systems and Equipment

While the growth rate for the solar photovoltaic (PV) segment in Europe increased last year due to the upcoming expiration of feed-in-tarriff programs in Germany the world's largest market and Italy and Czech Repuplic, U.S. growth increased more due to lower module costs, state renewable portfolio standards, federal loan guarantees, stimulus funding and tax credits. Utility-scale solar projects grew fastest, with growth ramping up in California-long the largest market-and continuing to spread to other states with solar "carve-outs" in their renewable portfolio standards.

For utility-scale solar, PV gained on concentrating solar power (CSP) in 2010 based on lower capital and electricity costs. CSP will only regain its advantage by proving out storage technologies that can allow the technology to deliver base-load and even peaking power.

Opportunities for C&E firms: The U.S. consulting business focuses on environmental permitting and analysis for utility-scale and some smaller-scale projects for project developers, independent power producers, utilities and public agencies. Only the largest firms such as RMT, TetraTech and URS participate in solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), competing with in-house EPC capabilities of solar developers like First Solar and Sun Power.

"Some executives believe demand for environmental consulting and engineering services by U.S. solar developers has peaked, but others predict that California's 33% RPS will drive growth for several more years at least," said CCBJ editor Grant Ferrier. "Renewable energy capabilities are also driving merger and acquisition activity among consulting firms."

The CCBJ solar edition offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of global and U.S. solar industries in 2010, including analysis and estimates of global markets and leadership in PV, CSP and solar water heating. Also covered are the solar-as-service business that now dominates the residential space, and emerging business models such as community solar, as well as developments in venture investment and M&A, industry consolidation and utility procurement. Market researchers interviewed and cited in this edition include Cleantech Group, GTM Research, IHS Emerging Energy Research, IHS iSuppli, Photon Consulting, SolarBuzz and others.

Purchase this 36-page Solar Industry edition (22,000 words; 29 charts) for $150.

View list of CCBJ back editions

 

Editors: For comment and access to research, contact:

Grant Ferrier, President, EBI Inc.

619-295-7685 x 15; gfatclimatechangebusiness.com

 

About CCBJ

Climate Change Business Journal® (CCBJ) is a business research publication launched in 2007 which provides high-value, strategic business intelligence on the Climate Change Industry. In each edition CCBJ presents thorough analysis of a specific segment or business issue. The CCBJ climate change industry research service is primarily for companies providing services, technology or making investments in: Low Carbon Power & Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), Energy Storage, Energy Efficiency and Demand Response, Green Building, Transportation, Carbon Markets, Climate Change Adaptation, Consulting & Research

 

About EBI

Founded in 1988, Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego, Calif.) is a research, publishing and consulting company that specializes in generating strategic market intelligence for emerging markets. EBI publishes Environmental Business Journal®, the leading provider of strategic information for the Environmental Industry, and Climate Change Business Journal®, which covers nine segments of the Climate Change Industry. EBI also publishes in-depth environmental industry market reports and performs contract research for the government and private sector. EBI stages the annual Environmental Industry Summit for environmental executives, now in its ninth year.