Solar power has become big business, with 131 billion invested in 2018, up from just 11.2 billion in 2004 but down from 171 billion in 2017 as unit costs fell. New installed capacity grew from 1.1GW in 2004 to about 107GW in 2018, a steady rise as solar begins to compete with fossil fuels on cost and to be built in nearly every country. This is a book for the solar workers of the future, a business book for those without a business or economics background and those simply curious about major shifts happening in the world energy economy. Key financial, economic and technical concepts are interspersed with the history of the first decade of cheap solar power, and the author's experience of being part of a successful startup in the clean energy sector. Related Link(s) How to Finance Solar Power — Solar finance expert Jenny Chase explains how business is as important as technology in making sustainable solar power an affordable reality Sample Chapter(s)

Chapter 1: Introduction



Contents: Introduction

Solar Technologies — The Basics

Startups

Startups: Case Study of a Startup (BloombergNEF)

Timeline of Relevant Milestones for Solar

2005–2008: The First Big Solar, Supply Constraints

The Magic of the Experience Curve

September 29, 2008: When the Solar Boom Went Bust

Forecasting Methods: Difficulties and Discontinuities

How Markets Set Power Prices

Networking and Other Stuff Not Taught at State Schools

Solar After the 2008 Crash: Finding a New Normal

Solar Failures 2009–2013: Case Studies

Project Finance and Calculating the Cost of Energy

2014 and 2015: Solar Auctions, Auto-Consumption and Sun Taxes

2016–2018: Solar Is Cheap, But What Does It Mean?

Technology Focus: Solar Thermal Electricity Generation

Technology Focus: Photovoltaics

Operating Solar Plants, and How Big Data Can Help

Trade Wars

Will Offgrid Solar Leapfrog in the Developing World?

Can Solar Save the World?

The Challenges of Intermittency, and Possible Solutions

What Next for Solar?

Readership: A business book written for people with an interest in energy, who do not necessarily have a finance or economics background; energy professionals, people considering a career in energy and those who simply want to be informed about major shifts happening in the world economy; general public.



"This is an essential book for anyone aiming to start a career in solar power or just seeking a deeper understanding. It’s also an entertaining read, salted with personal anecdotes and, in places, wry humour. Jenny Chase gives a lively account of how she rose through a precarious startup to become the head of solar analysis at Bloomberg. There is helpful career advice. At its core the book contains detailed analysis of the history, technology, economics, finance, and business practices of the photovoltaics industry and her views on its prospects. The style is relaxed and discursive, and the reader feels privileged to be enjoying a coffee and a friendly chat with someone who is uniquely well informed about this industry so vital for our future." Neil Hirst

Imperial College London

"This book is good for getting — and keeping — a job as a solar analyst." Francesco d'Avack

Solar Analyst

IHS Markits

"A must-read for anyone interested in renewable energy and the energy transition." Read Full Review Jason Deign

Jason Deign Associates S.L.

