Solar Revolution: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry

by Travis Bradford

An innovative analysis that shows how the shift to solar energy—in particular, the use of photovoltaic cells—is both economically advantageous and inevitable, and will rival the information and communication technologies revolution in its transformative effects. In Solar Revolution , fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues—on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models—that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. Solar Revolution outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur. Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. Bradford shows that PV electricity today has become the choice of hundreds of thousands of mainstream homeowners and businesses in many markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and the American Southwest. Solar energy will eventually be the cheapest source of energy in nearly all markets and locations because PV can bypass the aging and fragile electricity grid and deliver its power directly to the end user, fundamentally changing the underlying economics of energy. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come. Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be as transformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies.

Genres: Nonfiction

238 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Elizasdavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working in the renewables industry and having taken one of Travis Bradford's visiting lecturer courses, I was curious to travel back in time to his predictions from 2006. It's remarkable how much he was right about in terms of cost competitiveness and expansion of wind and solar and equally interesting where recent history has taken a different turn. EV adoption and battery storage have experienced much faster growth than predicted, while hydrogen and fuel cells seem to have taken a back seat compared to his expectations. What is remarkable is how his projections - at the time quite bullish - fall short of how rapidly wind and solar (and EVs and batteries) have ramped up in the past ten+ years. I came away appreciating his foresight but also very optimistic about the future of energy given how far we have come since he first wrote Solar Revolution. An enjoyable read for technical subject matter.

[Arya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for those seeking new possibility of having energy outside fossil-fuel, biomass, and other conventional energy sources. The book inspire us to go "back to basic" to the solar system energy. Earth-based energy sources have been too much depleted and can no longer withstand to suffice the need of all human societies living in the planet of earth.

[Jim Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, prescient book. I read this about 6 years ago & it prepared me well to see the qualitative changes coming in the energy industry - & exploit the opportunity as a writer, businessperson, and grad student in History at UNLV (solar focus). I'm re-skimming it as I finish my first book, "The Case of the Cleantech Con Artist: A True Vegas Tale."

[Harsimran Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on solar energy

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The truth foretold.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and nice analysis of solar energy, the advantages it has, and why it will be an important, if not dominant, player in energy generation in the relatively near future.