Solar Energy Markets: An Analysis of the Global Solar Industry

Philip G. Jordan

Nov 2013 · Academic Press

About this ebook

This groundbreaking new book features holistic coverage of technological breakthroughs, financing trends, workforce development issues, and comparative regional case studies in solar energy. It provides a global bird's-eye view of the industry for scientists, engineers, business leaders, and policymakers — anyone seriously engaged in the rapidly evolving field of solar energy. The expert author's analysis includes primary data from the first comprehensive solar industry survey conducted in the United States, insights from key thought leaders in the energy sector, and case studies from international leaders in solar development. Solar Energy Markets examines six key drivers of the solar industry: 1) a new culture of environmentalism; 2) policy and markets; 3) financing and venture capital; 4) economics and cost-competitiveness; 5) innovation; and 6) labor. In a field too often marked by divisive over-specialization, this resource provides invaluable context, demonstrating how the solar field’s innovative triumphs and inherent challenges play out in the real global marketplace.

• Analyzes key drivers of the solar industry at international, national and local levels
• Synthesizes the first comprehensive surveys of the U.S. solar industry
• Uniquely ties together technological innovation with market implications for engineers, business leaders and policymakers alike
• Examines the evolving role of China in global solar markets

About the author

Philip Jordan, Vice President of BW Research Partnership and Executive Director of the Economic Advancement Research Institute, provides labor and market intelligence to the public workforce system, universities and colleges, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Further, he consults on various green workforce projects and programs across the US and conducts qualitative analysis of workforce to drive public policy. The former Director of the Cuyamaca College Center of Excellence and Director of Innovation Parnerships at Mass Insight Corporation, Jordan has served as a liaison with industry and government, conducted analysis for economic indicators focused on development strategy and determined occupational growth in various industry sectors.