Solar Energy Marketing

March 10, 2012
Now that the data collection on the Solar Energy study has been wrapped up, Delta is charged with making sense of it all.  The report is just about ready, and some trends are surfacing that may shine light on the reasons behind solar’s lagging market presence.
 
Cooperation.  Cohesion.  Organization.  These are all adjectives that too poorly describe the manufacturers and sellers in the solar industry.  This is the weak link, and it needs to change before solar can become a serious energy alternative.
 
We all saw the resurgence of the coal industry a few years ago when a huge marketing campaign hit billboards and televisions across the nation, telling us the wonders of “clean coal” and the necessity of protecting our beloved coal industry.  They had organization, strong communication, and an official spokesperson.  They had the leadership required to get their message out to the public.
 
Now solar needs to get on the ball.  Specifically, non-utility dependent solar panels that get people off the grid to power themselves independently.  At the moment it is a cottage industry looking for a leader to spearhead a marketing initiative.  They’ve got the substance, now they need to sell it.