A Decade of Corporate Solar Procurement

The past decade has witnessed a rapid rise in corporate solar procurement, redefining the energy landscape. A few takeaways I wanted to highlight from the video:

Early Adopters vs. the Early Majority - One of the key insights from the last decade is that ‘early adopters’ of technology often differ significantly from the larger ‘early majority’. Policies that incentivized rooftop solar for retail businesses in 2014, for example, addressed a vastly different set of challenges and opportunities than the policies aimed at gigawatt-scale solar farms powering datacenters in 2024. Recognizing and adapting to the developmental phase of energy technology is essential for effective policy design.

Exponential Growth and Power Laws – In recent years, the pace of solar deployment has shattered previous records, with achievements that once seemed herculean now becoming routine. This trend isn’t just a reflection of advancements in commercialization; it’s a testament compounding. In this environment, the “biggest-ever” projects will continue to be eclipsed in increasingly shorter intervals. As the data shows, policymakers, financiers, and developers must brace for a future where yesterday’s milestones are tomorrow’s starting points.

The Rise of Energy Strategy as a Corporate Imperative - Many corporations are evolving into sophisticated power companies in their own right. With multidisciplinary teams dedicated to regulatory compliance, research and development, financing, and procurement, securing energy resources is clearly a strategic function for many firms. These capabilities are not just shaping the corporate approach to sustainability but are also influencing the broader energy industry. Companies that once viewed energy as a utility bill now see it as a critical asset, driving innovation and competitiveness.

As corporate solar procurement continues to grow, the implications for the energy sector are profound. Policies must be agile, recognizing the unique needs of each developmental phase in energy technology. Stakeholders should anticipate and plan for a future where records are routinely broken, ensuring that infrastructure and regulations can keep pace. Energy strategy will increasingly become a cornerstone of corporate planning, shaping not only individual companies but also the trajectory of the industry.