Mass-marketing Solar: How Soon and Who are the Industry Giants?
Rapid growth in the solar industry has recently caught the attention of mega semiconductor companies. Intel, National Semiconductor and IBM are the big three in today’s market. With these giant hitters in the game, the playing field will never be the same.
The big attraction is solar’s 40 percent annual growth. These chip giants want a piece of the pie since their businesses grow only about 5 percent annually. You do the math. Now would be a good time to call your stock broker and invest in chip stocks.
Photo Credit: Sergio Alvaré Peláez
Back to the story. So why is the solar industry in bed with the semiconductor industry?
It’s a natural fit:
1) Both solar and semiconductor industries depend on silicon.
2) They use most of the same processing technology and suppliers to make their products.
Chipmakers will be able to produce a much higher volume of product, which in turn will be cheaper to make. Solar will finally be competitive with grid power prices, and you can bet your bottom dollar the mass-marketing campaigns will ensue.
Photo Credit: Wayne National Forest
What the three giants have been up to
Intel spun off a new solar company called SpectraWatt. Plus, they’re investing $38 million in Sulfurcell, a German solar panel maker.
National Semiconductor bought Act Solar and it will be introducing its first solar product, SolarMagic, which could increase the efficiency of solar systems.
IBM revealed a system that will ultimately reduce the number of solar panels needed for residential and commercial installations. Last month, they came out with a new technique for thin-film solar that may increase efficiency and cut costs.
Posted on August 7th in Solar News by Beth.