Australia's dependence on nonrenewable energy sources is decreasing at a rapid pace. Why? The increased number of homeowners installing solar panels. The increase is contributed to the decrease in the cost of solar panels and homeowners’ desire to take control of their electric bill. The numbers have set records, and they are expected to continue their drastic climb.
Studies indicate an investment trend among women and Millennials to invest their money in socially responsible companies that align with their personal set of values. If a search reveals human or animal rights violations, health and safety risks, or environmental violations they pass and seek out companies combating the world social and economic inequities. It’s good news for future generations.
Large American companies are now big consumers of solar and wind power. The sudden change since 2013, is due to the fact that renewable energy is now much cheaper. Solar and wind technology has improved, and people are more environmentally conscious.
French manufacturing reached a 6 year high, despite French manufacturers raising their prices. The picture is the same in Germany. Meanwhile, Ireland, the fastest growing economy in Europe, has seen the biggest rise in its exports in 2 years.
Some of the biggest pension funds are looking for deals in India's solar power business. India has big plans for expansion of its solar power projects, and so pension funds are eager to invest in this growing market. India is Asia's 3rd biggest economy, and the demand for electricity, including solar electricity, from India's growing urban population will be enormous.
In Australia 12 new solar panel plants have now received the green light for construction after it was announced that they would receive government grants and administrative approval. And 6 other, privately funded, plants are in being set up, showing that solar power is becoming an attractive for Australian investors, despite the government reducing its grants to solar power.