Renewables 2007 Global Report: Perceptions and Realities

In 2007, an estimated $71 Billion was invested in new renewable power and heating capacity worldwide, of which 47% was for wind power and 30% for solar PV.  Yet perceptions lag behind the reality of renewable energy because change has been so rapid in recent years. The report referenced below reviews many statistics but more importantly captures the realities of markets, investments, industries, and policies worldwide.

Of particular interest to the American homeowner is the fact that rooftop solar heat collectors provide over 50 million homes with hot water worldwide. Existing solar hot water / heating capacity increased by 19% in 2006 to total over 105 gigawatts-thermal (105 GW). This is more than total wind power (95 GW), more than total grid-connected PV (only 7.7 GW), and more than all other categories like biomass/geothermal/small-hydro combined.

While utility-scale wind and PV generated electricity dominated the growth figures, capacity increases, and the published news as discussed in the report, we should recognize there are packaged Solar Water Heating Systems available in the U.S. to allow average homeowners to invest and benefit from renewable energy on an individual personal scale. The VELUX Solar Water Heating System can be considered a leader in proven performance and practicality in this market.