Demand for Solar Power Is Fast-Growing, Sustainable Investment, Barron Partners CEO Tells EnergyPath Conference

 Solar Industry an Important Segment in the Challenge to Invest in Cleantech

 “Solar energy’s time to shine in the U.S. is right now,” Andrew Barron Worden, CEO of Barron Partners, told the audience at EnergyPath 2011, a two-day conference and educational event hosted by the Sustainable Energy Fund recently at DeSales University in northeastern Pennsylvavnia.

Prior to addressing the EnergyPath conference, Mr. Worden issued a challenge to all those financing Cleantech ventures to actively seek out and fund development of critical capacities capable of scaling up the adoption of promising cleantech energy alternatives across the U.S.

Addressing an audience of energy-industry experts, policy makers, regulators, business owners and executives, Mr. Worden focused on the opportunity to achieve scale in the adoption of solar technology. The solar industry reached a significant milestone this year, Mr. Worden said, where the rising cost of electricity from traditional sources has made solar a far more attractive buy. 

“We have never seen the kind of fundamental economic support we see today in this segment,” Mr. Worden continued. “Panel costs are decreasing, incentives to install remain in place and utility rates are on the rise.  The solar industry is in a cost-benefit ‘sweet spot’ and pent-up demand has a rational, cost-based outlet that is driving investment in this marketplace.” 

Mr. Worden used U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) statistics to demonstrate how the cost of solar electricity for a 20 kW commercial installation is coming into parity with traditionally sourced power this year.  By 2017, U.S. DOE estimates show solar electricity costs well under that of traditionally sourced power in the same application. 

Speaking of his own firm’s investment strategy in solar installation capacity, Mr. Worden said, “Investment in experienced, tested solar installation companies is structured to meet demand. My firm and many others are making investments today that will generate attractive returns over the long term.”

The Sustainable Energy Fund hosts the EnergyPath conference. The not-for-profit organization works with commercial entities including small businesses, municipalities, school districts, manufacturing facilities and transportation companies to reduce the consumption of energy from non-sustainable sources.

Barron Partners LP is an international private investment fund with a primary focus on profitable cleantech companies. Barron has invested over $450 million of its capital since its formation in 2002. Visit the website: www.barronpartners.com.

Contact:

Rebecca Baum, Director PR

Barron Partners, LP

730 Fifth Avenue, 26th Fl  |  New York, New York 10019  |  www.barronpartners.com  |  tel: 212.359.0204  |  fax: 212.359.0222  |  email: rbaum@barronpartners.com