America on Verge of Solar Power Boom

According to Niewerth, America is on the verge of a solar power boom just like the one he witnessed in Germany 5 years ago. “Within one year, solar business exploded in Germany . It became a social issue if you didn’t have a solar roof.” Today, almost all building construction projects throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland integrate solar technology.

While the American demand for solar energy is increasing, industry insiders say that the current supply chain is insufficient to meet the needs. A relative newcomer to the solar power game, the United States finds itself playing catch up, competing with established European industries for precious solar resources, specifically refined silicon, the primary element used in making solar panels.

SolarMarkt’s 22-year history in the field gives it the distinct advantage of worldwide access to solar products. With offices in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain , the company has shown a capacity for consumer satisfaction. “Our established relationships with manufacturers allow us to offer fast delivery of the highest quality materials at a competitive price,” says Niewerth. While contractors often wait up to one year for shipment of solar modules, SolarMarkt boasts a delivery time of 72 hours.

Niewerth expects SolarMarkt’s quick turnaround time and high-end products will appeal to American contractors. “The solar industry is growing, and contractors will have to offer solar products to stay in business,” says Niewerth. “Even those that don’t offer solar solutions now are welcome to start with us.” SolarMarkt supports newcomers to the field through providing products, training, technical assistance and accessibility to end clients.

With energy prices on the rise, SolarMarkt US is betting on photovoltaic, the generation of electricity from the sun. Since 1990, the cost of solar power has dropped by about 50%. Between declining manufacturing costs and rebate incentives, solar is an increasingly viable alternative to fossil fuel and nuclear energy, paying for itself within five to nine years. Once owners earn back their initial investment, they start saving money on energy.

SolarMarkt Germany CEO, Walter Leithold says, “As electricity rates increase, so does the demand for solar energy. Since 2000, SolarMarkt Germany has increased its business volume each consecutive year, from 1.5 million Euro in 2000 to over 30 million Euro.”

American industry is catching on. Studies show that in 2005, employment in the solar power field grew six percent in California . Niewerth says it’s not surprising. “In Germany, the growth of the solar industry created thousands of jobs, and we can already see the same thing happening here in the U.S. ”

Politicians are also taking note. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Million Solar Roofs Plan, which took effect in January 2007, is the largest solar program in the country and includes nearly 3 billion in incentives to California home and building owners who install solar electric systems. “My plan will provide 3,000 megawatts of additional clean energy and reduce the output of greenhouse gasses by 3 million tons,” says Schwarzenegger. Dubbed the California Solar Initiative by the California Public Utilities Commission, the Governor’s plan will lead to one million solar roofs in California by 2018.

Niewerth applauds the Governor for his vision. “My first energy consulting business in the U.S. was inspired by one of Schwarzenegger’s elections speeches. It was clear that the American tide was turning and that he was going to lead the way.”

SolarMarkt US, the company’s 6th office worldwide, opens in March 2007 in Oakland, CA , offering wholesale solar products and engineering support to American contractors and industrial retailers.