Sarah Travers
The solar power sector, including major companies like SolarEdge Technologies and Sunrun, has experienced a significant decline in stock prices due to persistently high interest rates. However, there is optimism that the situation may improve as Wall Street anticipates a potential decrease in interest rates by September.
Interest rates, currently at a two-decade high, have made borrowing expensive and challenging. This has severely impacted financing for the residential solar sector, leading to inventory backlogs for companies. High interest rates have not only made loans for solar installations costly but also complicated leasing options, as companies themselves struggle to secure the necessary financing to operate.
In 2024, SolarEdge Technologies, one of the leading manufacturers of rooftop panels and other solar power equipment, saw its stock price plummet by 76%. In stark contrast, traditional energy giants like Exxon and Chevron have witnessed rising stock prices. The residential solar industry faces additional hurdles with significant regulatory changes in the critical California market, which have reduced the value of electricity generated by rooftop solar systems. The sector’s sensitivity to state policy changes has further compounded its challenges.
The Solar Energy Industries Association has projected that 2024 will remain a challenging year for the residential solar market. The first quarter of the year was particularly weak, marking the most lackluster performance in two years. SunPower, once a major player in solar technology with a market value of $10 billion, recently filed for bankruptcy. The company’s stock suffered a 73% decline in 2023 and continued its downward spiral in 2024, losing an additional 90% and trading for less than $1.
In response to these challenges, SolarEdge Technologies announced in July that it would lay off 400 employees due to an inventory backlog. This decision followed an earlier announcement that a customer had filed for bankruptcy and might not be able to settle an $11.4 million debt.
Despite the overall sector’s struggles, FirstSolar has managed to buck the trend. The company’s stock has risen, bolstered by subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law in 2022. These subsidies have provided a much-needed boost, allowing FirstSolar to thrive where others have faltered.
Projections for solar energy growth at the beginning of 2024 were strong. The Energy Information Administration forecasted that solar power generation in the U.S., alongside wind power, would lead growth in the broader power generation sector. Solar power generation is expected to increase by 75% between 2023 and 2025. While other power sources will continue to dominate the energy mix, coal power generation is anticipated to decline, with natural gas and nuclear power generation remaining flat.
The anticipated interest rate cuts are expected to alleviate some of the financial pressures on consumers and businesses alike. Most home solar projects rely heavily on financing, with homeowners often taking out loans for installations or signing leases for equipment. Lower interest rates would make these financing options more affordable, potentially revitalizing the sector.
As the solar industry navigates these turbulent times, the hope is that the expected decrease in interest rates will provide the necessary relief to stimulate growth and recovery. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the sector can overcome its current challenges and return to a path of robust growth.
