Solar Industry
Discover how data, policy and innovation are shaping the solar industry
Our CEO and cofounder Andrew Birch (“Birchy”) has created a model that helps us understand how the solar industry will evolve and grow in this, the solar decade of 2025 to 2035.
The model predicts that trillions of dollars (yes, trillions) will change hands in the coming decade as the world’s move to electrification accelerates.
The key to realizing an electrified world is the creation of a level playing field for solar, to compete with polluting energy sources. That level playing field starts with bold policy.
Birchy also founded SolarApp+, a technology-based non-profit which is spreading rapidly across the USA.
SolarApp+ enables local governments to streamline solar permitting. Working with key code officials, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ’s), and the solar industry, SolarApp+ has created standardized plan review software that can run compliance checks and process building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems in a matter of minutes, instead of weeks.
This slashes costs for the solar professional, enabling lower costs to be passed on to the customer, and improved profitability for solar businesses.
If SolarAPP+ is available in your area, you can sign up and connect it to OpenSolar. If it’s not yet available, many jurisdictions are considering adopting it. If you have strong ties to your city’s building officials or leadership, you can play a key role in bringing SolarAPP+ to your community. To help facilitate an introduction, reach out to the SolarAPP+ team at [email protected]. You can also advocate for automated permittingSolarAPP+ adoption nationwide.
