The price of solar panels is coming down so much that they’re becoming affordable to some consumers. This could ultimately benefit solar exchange traded funds (ETFs) as more people take their homes into the era of green.
The cost to install solar panels as a source of energy has dropped nearly 40% over the last year, which has made them more popular among consumers. The reason that these panels have fallen in price is twofold, states Kate Galbraith for The New York Times.
- The production of polisilicone, which is a major material used in these panels, has skyrocketed as more factories around the world are producing it and some of these factories are actually producing the panels themselves.
- Global demand for solar panels has slowed down. In particular, demand in Europe, which is the second-largest market for solar panels, has slowed down and is expected to drop 26% compared to 2008.
These cheaper prices, in conjunction with generous federal credits and innovative ways to finance the trend toward solar panels may be beneficial for the industry in the long haul.
- Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy Index ETF (TAN): down 7.2% year-to-date
- Market Vectors Solar Energy ETF (KWT): down 11.5% year-to-date
For more stories on solar energy, visit our solar energy category.
Kevin Grewal contributed to this article.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Lydon serves as an independent trustee of certain mutual funds and ETFs that are managed by Guggenheim Investments; however, any opinions or forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Mr. Lydon and not those of Guggenheim Funds, Guggenheim Investments, Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC or any of their affiliates. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.