Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEnergy

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Solar Energy Industry

Like every industry the world over, the solar energy industry has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with reopening in full swing and a new normal on the horizon, the solar industry is looking to return to pre-pandemic levels of growth and advancement. In this video, Safari Energy Chief Commercial Officer Kirk Edelman…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Energy teams put it to work with Customer Stories & Case Studies.

Share

Get featured

Want to get featured in MarketScale Energy?

Create a free MarketScale workspace and get your company's expertise featured across our Energy coverage. No credit card, no demo required.

Request an invite

Like every industry the world over, the solar energy industry has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, with reopening in full swing and a new normal on the horizon, the solar industry is looking to return to pre-pandemic levels of growth and advancement.

In this video, Safari Energy Chief Commercial Officer Kirk Edelman outlines the overall changes and shifts the industry has experienced during this unprecedented period.

“At the onset of COVID, some states put limitations on construction activity. In limited cases, we saw some temporary slowdown,” he said. “However, by and large, solar projects are considered essential services, and the majority continued unabated after adding the appropriate health and safety precautions.”

Edelman said some projects even accelerated during the pandemic by leveraging solutions such as virtual inspections and fast-track permitting.

Safari is a “leading, nationwide commercial and industrial solar developer” that aims to “support the growth of distributed energy resources” and advance a sustainable energy future.

Now, with businesses reopening around the globe, Safari and Edelman believe that the future of the solar energy industry is a bright one.

“Of all the new global power generation added last year, nearly half – 45% — was solar,” he said, adding that some experts believe there are 145 gigawatts of additional solar production capacity in the United States.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Your experts belong here

Every story in MarketScale Energy starts with a company putting its field engineers, operations leads, and project developers on the record. Buyers are already reading this topic. The only question is whose experts they find.

Developers and operators shortlist on credibility, and your engineers give your sales team something real to send.

Get your team featuredSee how it works15 minutes, straight to a calendar.

Follow Energy Insights

Get new expert content in your inbox.

Energy: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Energy buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Energy expert. Your company is full of them.

This article was produced through MarketScale. The same platform turns your field engineers, operations leads, and project developers into the articles, video, and social content Energy buyers are searching for. Create a free workspace and see it with your own people. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Energy Insights

Europe's 2026 summer heatwave is simultaneously cutting nuclear output, spiking spot prices, and forcing rationing across multiple countries

Europe's 2026 summer heatwave is simultaneously cutting nuclear output, spiking spot prices, and forcing rationing across multiple countries

A severe heatwave in Europe in the summer of 2026 is causing multiple challenges for energy systems. The heat is affecting nuclear power output and leading to increased spot energy prices and rationing. This situation is impacting several countries including France and Moldova.

  • 01Extreme heat in Europe is reducing nuclear power output.
  • 02Spot energy prices are spiking due to the heatwave.
  • 03Countries are resorting to energy rationing as a response.

Aug 12, 2026

Data center energy demand is forcing a redesign of power grids, and emerging markets like Andhra Pradesh are already building the institutions to manage it

Data center energy demand is forcing a redesign of power grids, and emerging markets like Andhra Pradesh are already building the institutions to manage it

Data center energy demand is reshaping power grid designs globally. Emerging markets like Andhra Pradesh are proactively establishing institutions to manage this shift. Global data center spending is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030.

  • 01Global data center spending is expected to reach $7 trillion by 2030.
  • 02Emerging markets like Andhra Pradesh are building institutions to manage increased energy demand.
  • 03Data center energy demands are leading to redesigned power grids.

Aug 11, 2026

Rolls-Royce reports 50%-plus order surge in data center energy as AI infrastructure demand reshapes power procurement

Rolls-Royce reports 50%-plus order surge in data center energy as AI infrastructure demand reshapes power procurement

Rolls-Royce reported a significant increase in data center energy orders, exceeding 50% growth in the first half of 2026. This surge is attributed to a rise in demand for AI infrastructure, prompting changes in power procurement strategies. Additionally, AI-native platforms are being integrated into renewable energy and battery research and development at a larger scale.

  • 01Rolls-Royce's data center energy orders increased by over 50% in the first half of 2026.
  • 02AI infrastructure demand is reshaping power procurement strategies.
  • 03AI-native platforms are significantly contributing to renewable and battery R&D workflows.

Aug 11, 2026

Explore More Energy Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Energy.

Browse Energy Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Energy and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512