Why invest in solar?

TL;DR

Foresight Group CEO discusses the growth and potential of solar power, highlighting the decreasing costs and increasing efficiency of solar cells.

Transcript

hello today i have with me bernard fehrman ceo and founder of asset manager foresight group thank you for joining me bernard thank you first of all could you please tell us what foresight group is what it does and how it generates returns yes i started foresight group in 1984 a long time ago at that time we just did venture capital but now we've go... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Foresight Group manages renewable energy infrastructure assets, regional private equity investments, and a capital management business.
• ❓ The company offers investment options for retail investors interested in solar energy, such as the Foresight Solar Fund and solar-focused investment trusts.
• ☠️ Solar power is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25%, driven by decreasing costs and advancements in solar cell technology.
• 🥺 Ongoing research and development aim to improve the efficiency of solar cells, potentially leading to higher power outputs and improved economics.
• 🤩 Mass production and cost reduction are key factors driving the growth of solar power.
• 🗺️ Hydrogen is expected to complement solar as a fuel source for travel.
• 💦 Prof. Martin Greene is working on stackable solar cells, which could further increase power output and technological innovation in the solar industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Foresight Group and what are its main areas of focus?

Foresight Group is an asset management company that focuses on renewable energy infrastructure assets, regional private equity investments, and capital management. They manage a total of nearly 8 billion pounds, divided into these three areas.

Q: What options does Foresight Group offer for retail investors interested in solar energy?

Foresight Group offers the Foresight Solar Fund, an investment trust listed on the London Stock Exchange that owns solar parks in the UK, Australia, and Spain. They also have solar-focused investment trusts, such as OIX, which allocate a portion (15-20%) of their assets to the solar sector.

Q: What is the growth trajectory for solar power according to the International Energy Agency?

The International Energy Agency predicts a 25% compound annual growth rate for solar power in the coming years. This growth is attributed to the decreasing costs of solar technology, as well as advancements in solar cell efficiency.

Q: What is the outlook for the solar industry in terms of technological innovation and power output?

While current solar cells are only around 18% efficient, there is ongoing research and development to improve their efficiency. The development of stackable solar cells and other technological advancements could lead to a significant increase in power output and further cost reductions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Foresight Group is an asset management company that focuses on renewable energy infrastructure assets, regional private equity investments, and capital management.

• The company offers options for retail investors interested in solar energy, such as the Foresight Solar Fund and solar-focused investment trusts (OIX).

• Solar power is expected to continue its growth trajectory with a 25% compound annual growth rate, driven by decreasing costs and advancements in solar cell technology.