The discussion focused on solar energy as the leading industry in renewable energies, but the talk also covered recent market trends, how the recent nuclear crisis in Japan will affect the industry, and how innovative financing can impact the development of the global solar energy market.
Present as panelists were Thomas Nyheim (REC), Kristina Peterson (Mayflower Capital), Thomas Nielsen (Suntech) and Rune Hansen (SPG Solar). Combined, these speakers hold expert knowledge on topics like project management, finances, market analysis and installation of solar energy products.
The talk turned into an interesting discussion about how the solar energy market has been able to grow and transform itself despite the global financial crisis. At the same time, prices for solar energy have dropped some 70% in recent years. These developments have led to interesting opportunities for the industry actors, but also created financial challenges for companies that invested in solar energy when the prices were higher.
Around 50 participants joined the panelists for the compelling debate, which was hosted at the Norwegian Club of San Francisco. The audience included investors, solar energy actors, as well as Norwegians and Americans who are interested in the topic.