Unveiling the Flaws in Solar Energy Forecasting

Energy forecasting has been at the forefront of investment strategies and policy-making, yet the solar industry reveals a glaring inefficiency in these predictions.

Energy forecasting has been at the forefront of investment strategies and policy-making, yet the solar industry reveals a glaring inefficiency in these predictions. This critical flaw has been brilliantly visualized by The Economist, echoing the concerns we raised at the EIT Manufacturing Days in Vienna recently: energy forecasting for the solar industry is fundamentally flawed. This inefficiency has led to billions in misallocated investments. The question looms large: would Germany's once-thriving solar industry still lead the world if it had access to more accurate forecasts? While we may never know, our mission is to prevent such misallocations in the future.

In the emerging Power-to-X (P2X) sector, we observe a similar pattern. Despite its promise for industrial decarbonization, P2X remains economically uncompetitive for energy storage. Our message to strategic stakeholders is clear: pay close attention to fuel cells and electrolyzers. The historical trajectories of solar PV and battery technologies demonstrate exponential growth, and we are witnessing similar investment trends in electrolyzer technology, even as hydrogen project investments lag behind. Thousands of companies worldwide, the leading industrial innovators on the globe, are all working on improving Power-to-X technology. We are convinced that this combined global R&D effort will pay off as a critical mass is surpassed.

But there is a dark side to batteries and solar panels as well: As highlighted by HBR this week, millions of tons of toxic waste will be created. The recycling processes need to improve tremendously in the next decades.

The Pathway to Global Net Zero by 2050
Achieving global net zero emissions by 2050 hinges on delaying the inevitable transition from exponential growth curves to S-curves as long as possible. We are convinced — Net Zero is possible.

Our Approach to Solving Energy Forecasting Challenges and Supporting Strategic Decision Making
Advanced Search Tools: We leverage the best search tools to construct the most comprehensive and accurate picture of market dynamics. We are not satisfied with capturing just 60% of market activities. We prioritize the essential groundwork of tracing and collecting all available projects with the highest level of accuracy.

Continuously Updated Datasets: By maintaining up-to-date datasets, we ensure our clients are never caught off guard, providing them with the most realistic and actionable insights.

Striving for Perfection
Our Power-to-X market intelligence product is designed to deliver unparalleled coverage and insight. From the first day of your subscription, our platform continually evolves, adding new features and expanding coverage. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each day marks an improvement over the last, providing you with the most robust and reliable market intelligence available.

As we navigate the complex landscape of energy forecasting and investment, our goal remains steadfast: to provide the most accurate, actionable insights that prevent the misallocation of resources and drive the sustainable growth of emerging technologies. The pathway to global net zero is fraught with challenges, but with the right tools and data, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.