2013 state of solar video series

Profit
When considering new asset classes for investment, investors typically seek low-risk, competitive returns, and returns which are uncorrelated with the stock market. A well-balanced investment portfolio is diversified among different asset classes that represent the appropriate risk/return profile for different investors. Solar investments can potentially lower overall portfolio risk by providing long-term fixed income with lower volatility.

In addition to being an emerging asset class, solar is also an impact investment which achieves social and environmental good while earning a competitive return. In fact, a report by J.P. Morgan and the Rockefeller Foundation highlights the momentum of impact investing and the potential for “multiple bottom-line returns and social good...with financial returns, ranging from concessionary to market-beating.”

Solar is also an investment in infrastructure. Bridges, highways, and solar panels are examples infrastructure and tangible forms of investment. Infrastructure currently appeals to investors due to its predictable and steady cash flows, low volatility, long-term assets that provide essential services, and minimal correlation with other asset classes (if the stock market tanks infrastructure is less likely to go down with it).

Solar is positioned to become an exciting new asset class for all of the reasons above. In addition, Goldman Sachs called renewable energy sectors “one of the biggest profit opportunities since its economists got excited about emerging markets in 2001.” Renewable energy investments are also gaining the attention of famous billionaires such as Warren Buffett, and powerful national economies like Germany, China and India. This asset class has very exciting implications for the future.

When you sit down and consider your different options for personal investment, you are rarely presented with such an inspiring balance of people, planet and profit. Solar as an asset class embodies all three of these pillars and ensures that anyone who supports solar can own solar.

Video by: Peter DiPrinzio and Mark Romanov

Photo credit: Mosaic

This article was originally published at Mosaic's blog.

Will Quinn is an environmental consultant with ICF International. He has a B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis, is a Blog Editor for the solar financing marketplace Mosaic, and is passionate about practical solutions to environmental problems. He believes people take action when personal benefits outweigh the barriers. And an impact investment that allows millions of people to go solar from their computers, just makes sense. He is excited to be part of the solar crowd and hopes you are too.