Much of the world is switching to solar power. Global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity will more than triple by 2020. There are multiple reasons. First, post- Fukushima, the market share of nuclear power is shrinking. In Western Europe, for example, renewable energy is steadily displacing nuclear power. To meet carbon emissions targets and reduce fossil fuel dependency, European nations are beefing up their renewable energy generation — PV, wind, biomass, hydro, tidal, etc. — but limiting the growth of nuclear power in the face of widespread public opposition. The power market share of Western European nuclear power is predicted to drop to 11.3 percent by the end of the decade, while renewable power’s share is expected to grow to almost 50 percent.

Second, climate change can impact the energy infrastructure. The National Climate Assessment, the most comprehensive peer-reviewed analysis of climate change in the United States, gave stark reminders that “Climate change, once considered an issue for a distant future, has moved firmly into the present.” Not only will extreme weather events continue to disrupt the infrastructure, but also sea level rise will flood a “significant portion” of the nation’s energy production and delivery system. The Gulf Coast is particularly vulnerable, as are many of California’s power plants. Distributed, renewable power generation can help improve grid security.

Third, in the past decade solar PV technology has become commercially viable, showing robust growth even during the economic downturn. Solar PV converts solar energy into electricity using arrays of PV cells installed on rooftops, on the ground, as a building façade, or integrated into the building itself. Technological advances and growing demand for clean and sustainable energy have made solar power a rising force.

Constantly evolving and more efficient technology at lower prices, combined with a need for energy security and independence, will ensure the continued growth of solar PV across the world. The global cumulative installed capacity is expected to reach 330 GW by 2020.

Germany accounts for around 32 percent of global PV installed capacity, maintaining its position at the forefront of market development and technological progress through various policies and programs.

Where is Maine’s in this solar boom? Maine needs a Feed-in Tariff bill that will encourage solar energy and a distributed grid, instead of the current proposal to punish people who are wresting control of their energy futures away from giant monopolies and fossil fuel generators. Such a law will create jobs, help reduce our fossil fuel dependency, encourage energy conservation, and improve the reliability of our electric supply — PV systems are not vulnerable to tree branches falling on power lines.

PAUL KANDO is a founding member of the Midcoast Green Collaborative. He lives in Damariscotta.