According to an article completed by the Solar Energy Industries Association, for decades those in the solar energy industry have worked to enter the ‘major leagues’ of the energy market—to be acknowledged and employed as a typical and popular energy source. That goal has now been achieved, according to the article; as of last year, solar energy power generating capacities in the United States accounted for the second largest group of new units installed in the nation. As a result, the solar energy industry now employs more workers than the domestic coal industry.

With this goal achieved, the industry is looking forward, in the hopes of winning what the SEIA deems as the World Series of the energy industry—becoming one of the top three sources of energy in the world. According to the article, several facets need to be achieved for this to happen. The industry needs to attract more capital to continue to expand its reach. More jobs need to be created, which will, in turn, draw in more companies and customers. Finally, the industry must develop incentives and market rules that support responsible, competitive growth; it is believed that the quickest way to create both of these facets is to make solar power more profitable for more market participants.

The SEIA has decided the next year will be their time to work to achieve this goal. A vision and a plan must be drawn up, creating a path to a world where solar energy is one of the top three energy sources globally. If this plan and vision is created and followed through, the SEIA hopes that the industry can continue to be one of the fastest growing in the world today.