Jenny Chase, solar analyst with BloombergNEF, talks about solar panel adoption rates, raw material inputs, solar value chains, and misconceptions investors have about solar. They also touch on silver usage in solar panels, challenges in the solar industry, and the purpose of her book 'Solar Power Finance Without the Jargon'.
Solar panel adoption rates impact silver demand in the solar industry.
Technological advancements in solar panels influence silver consumption levels.
Long duration storage solutions are crucial for the energy transition in the solar industry.
Deep dives
Macro Ops Focus on High Risk-Adjusted Returns
Macro Ops, through their Value Hive Podcast, aims to generate consistent high risk-adjusted returns while emphasizing continuous learning and enjoyment. They attribute their high retention rates to offering unique research, theories, education resources, and a vibrant community of professional investors worldwide.
Importance of Sunscreen in Sun Exposure
Jenny Chase of Bloomberg NEF discusses the rise of photovoltaics, particularly in solar panels, as a major driver of silver demand in the solar industry. The photovoltaic demand has significantly increased as a percentage of total silver demand. This growth underscores the fundamental link between solar industry expansion and the demand for silver as a key component.
Evolving Technological Trends in Solar Panels
In the solar panel industry, technological advancements influence silver consumption levels. Innovative technologies such as TOPCON and HJT continue to drive the evolution of solar panel efficiency and silver demand. While improvements often aim to reduce material usage, TOPCON technology contradicts this trend by increasing silver consumption despite enhanced performance.
Long Duration Storage in Energy Solutions
Bloomberg NEF's recent report delves into long duration storage solutions, a critical aspect of energy transition. The analysis explores various storage technologies like gravity storage, Canadian redox batteries, and compressed air. These emerging technologies offer potential solutions for storing surplus energy and addressing challenges during periods of lower renewable energy generation.
Challenges and Opportunities in Solar Industry Growth
Amidst the growth of the solar industry, potential challenges arise, including forecast accuracy and the industry's competitive nature. Forecast models face difficulties in predicting solar installation rates accurately, leading to underestimations. Moreover, manufacturers continually aim to innovate, balancing cost efficiencies with material demands like silver to sustain industry growth and technological advancement.
And more!
I learned a ton and I know you will too. Make sure to follow Jenny on X @solar_chase and check out her work at BloombergNEF.
Finally, a big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode happen.
Mitimco
This episode is brought to you by MIT Investment Management Company, also known as MITIMCo, the investment office of MIT. Each year, MITIMCo invests in a handful of new emerging managers who it believes can earn exceptional long-term returns in support of MIT's mission. To help the emerging manager community more broadly, they created emergingmanagers.org, a website for emerging manager stockpickers.
I highly recommend the site for those looking to start a stock-picking fund or just learning about how others have done it. You'll find essays and interviews by successful emerging managers, service providers used by MIT's own managers, essays MITIMCo has written for emerging managers, and more!
TIKR
TIKR is THE BEST resource for all stock market data, I use TIKR every day in my process, and I know you will too. Make sure to check them out at TIKR.com/hive.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
