KWT tracks a group of global companies involved in photovoltaic and solar power, or the provision of solar power equipment/technologies and material or services to solar power equipment/technologies producers. TAN also follows global companies involved in the solar industry and the entire value chain.
Solar equities struggled as increased competition pushed prices lower while customers pushed off on purchases in hopes of further cheaper prices, especially with Chinese companies raising production.
The clean energy sector has found support under President Barack Obama as the administration pledged to fight against global warming and climate change through heavy subsidies into green technology. However, Trump, who called climate change a hoax perpetrated by China, pledged to cancel last year’s Paris climate agreement and remove Obama’s Clean Power Plan, could reverse years of supportive alternative energy policies.
Government subsidies helped green energy technology get its foot in the door, but lower costs will help the industry compete with fossil fuel. Economies of scale has been the top driver of falling prices – for example, the cost of solar power has plunged to 1/150th of its level since the 1970s and solar installation has surged 115,000-fold.
“De-regulation may actually help the green energy transition more than a potential negative Trump policy would hurt it,” according to See It Market.
For more information on the photovoltaic panel industry, visit our solar category.