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

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

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. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's Energy expertise into the articles, video, and social content B2B marketing buyers in your industry are searching for. 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

Fitch downgrades utility sector outlook as $240B capex wave collides with affordability backlash

Fitch downgrades utility sector outlook as $240B capex wave collides with affordability backlash

Fitch Ratings has downgraded the outlook for the utility sector to 'deteriorating'. The sector is facing challenges due to a $240 billion capital expenditure wave coupled with affordability issues that threaten cost recovery.

  • 01Fitch Ratings has downgraded the utility sector outlook to 'deteriorating' due to affordability pressures.
  • 02The utility sector is dealing with a $240 billion capital expenditure wave.
  • 03Affordability concerns could impact the sector's ability to recover costs.

Jul 24, 2026

Utilities set to spend $1.1T on grid infrastructure as electrification drives five-year investment surge

Utilities set to spend $1.1T on grid infrastructure as electrification drives five-year investment surge

Utilities are expected to spend approximately $1.1 trillion on grid infrastructure over the next five years, largely in response to increased electrification demands. The Edison Electric Institute anticipates an investment of $208 billion in 2025 as part of this significant build-out effort. This surge underscores the critical role infrastructure will play in supporting future energy needs.

  • 01Utilities plan to invest $1.1 trillion in grid infrastructure over the next five years.
  • 02A projected $208 billion will be spent on grid upgrades in 2025 alone.
  • 03Electrification is a major driving force behind these substantial investments.

Jul 23, 2026

Utilities face a $240 billion capital squeeze as affordability pressure mounts

Utilities face a $240 billion capital squeeze as affordability pressure mounts

The utility sector is experiencing a financial crunch with a $240 billion capital requirement. Fitch has downgraded the sector's outlook, and EY highlights the need for significant investment as operators struggle with rising demand and the challenge of recovering costs. The industry faces pressure from both capital needs and affordability concerns.

  • 01The utility sector requires a $240 billion investment to meet new demands.
  • 02Fitch has downgraded the utility sector's outlook due to financial challenges.
  • 03Operators in the utility sector are caught between rising demand and the risk of rate recovery.

Jul 22, 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