• News
  • Press Releases
  • Renewable News
  • Wind

The world’s solar industry can play a critical role in post-COVID-19 recovery, creating growth, jobs and a greener future


Industry associations in Asia, Europe and Italy set out their proposed measures to get solar PV companies back to business post-Covid-19 and stimulate investment in clean power

IRENA says COVID-19 recovery packages that place renewables and solar energy at the heart of policies can set a path towards sustainable growth and prosperity

Global Solar Council survey of PV companies in over 60 countries shows disruption to operations, reduction in orders and damage to investment climate

April 24, 2020 – The social and economic disruption brought about by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are having serious impacts on the solar PV industry globally – both in terms of day-to-day operations and investments – but the sector stands ready to resume its long-term growth trend and contribute to a green economic recovery that protects the climate, creates jobs and ensures inclusive growth.

The condition of the PV industry today and the outlook for how to move forward from the current challenging situation was discussed in a webinar convened today by the Global Solar Council. The event was an occasion to get an update from important regions, provided by the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA), SolarPower Europe and ITALIA SOLARE. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) presented its recently published Global Renewables Outlook, highlighting the role of solar PV and other clean technologies in the profound shift towards renewables in the global energy system that is required to reach the objectives of the UN SDG Agenda 2030 and of the Paris Climate Agreement by 2050.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, commented: “COVID-19 recovery packages can put the world on a path towards sustainable growth and prosperity. The Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Agenda present a medium-term vision for a more resilient and inclusive future that can serve as a framework for the national stimulus measures needed today. IRENA’s Global Renewables Outlook shows that by placing the ongoing energy transition—and the increasing role of solar energy—at the heart of the recovery, we can grow the world economy, create millions of jobs, and improve the lives of people everywhere.”