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‘Explosive growth’ for solar energy in Latin America

By | January 9, 2013, 10:16 AM PST

Wondering where we might see the next solar photovoltaic energy boom? Look to Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to NPD Solarbuzz, a market research company, the region is poised to see “explosive” annual growth of 45 percent through 2017.

“Historically, PV demand was confined to rural off-grid and niche applications, but new renewable energy policies and incentive programs are now opening up the region for strong PV deployment,” said Chris Sunsong, an analyst at NPD Solarbuzz, in a statement. “Set against a backdrop of strong economic growth, expanding energy demand, and increasing electricity prices, the conditions for PV adoption appear particularly attractive.”

Thanks to solar-friendly policies like net-metering, renewable portfolio standards, and other policies, three countries in the region will dominate the solar market. Chile, Brazil, and Mexico are expected to account for about 70 percent of PV demand by 2017.

“Having a successful market-entry strategy for Latin America is now essential for leading PV suppliers before key markets develop in the region and supply-chains and purchasing channels are established,” said Sunsong.

Get the full report here.

[h/t Clean Technica]

Photo: Flickr/Lance Cheung

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Tyler Falk

About Tyler Falk

Tyler Falk is a contributing editor for SmartPlanet.

Tyler Falk

Tyler Falk

Contributing Editor

Tyler Falk freelance journalist based in Washington, D.C. Previously, he was with Smart Growth America and Grist. He holds a degree from Goshen College.

Follow him on Twitter.

Tyler Falk

Tyler Falk

Tyler does not have financial holdings that would influence how or what he covers.

He writes for SmartPlanet and is not an employee of CBS.

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