323

Million KWh's

Over $1 billion (p. 26) in sales in 2020

50.75%

Increase

7.75% CAGR in Gibraltar’s Renewable Energy and Conservation segment between 2017 and 2020

16.26%

Reduction

2,500+ solar energy fields (p. 15) installed across the US since 2015

View Our Analysis

The Path to Drawdown: 

PV Solar

Solving climate change and remaining below 1.5ºC of global warming requires a wholesale shift away from fossil fuels and toward using 100% emissions-free sources.

The most powerful source of this clean energy is the sun. Photovoltaic or PV solar panels (the kind you see on rooftops) have emerged as the predominant way of capturing the sun's energy and turning it into electricity. This industry has been growing fast: as of 2020, solar panels are the cheapest source of electricity in most places on earth.

Solar produces ~2% of global electricity today. According to Project Drawdown, to be on a path to remain under 1.5ºC of warming, utility scale solar (as opposed to rooftop solar) will need to be generating a combined ~26% of global electricity by 2050.

To get there, the PV solar industry needs to keep massively scaling over the few next decades:

  • <::marker> 720 TWh of solar electricity was generated in 2019
  • <::marker> 28,200 TWh is needed by 2050
  • <::marker> That’s a CAGR of 12.56% from 2019 - 2050


Analysis from the IEA also predicts that, to reach a 100% clean electricity grid by 2050, annual solar panel manufacturing capacity will need to scale from 737 GW in 2020 to 4,956 GW in 2030 (p.198).

What We Want to See Improve

Electrify Operations

We applaud Gibraltar’s effort to completely power one of their manufacturing facilities by renewable energy. But the company is still dependent on fossil fuels. Gibraltar Industries reports (p. 9) that they purchase natural gas and electricity from suppliers near their operations, and there’s no mention of transitioning to low- or zero-emission alternatives for their vehicles. We want to see Gibraltar switching more parts of their operations and transportation to zero-emission fuel and energy sources as soon as possible.

Disclose Sustainability Metrics

Nowhere on Gibraltar’s website or reports is there any mention of sustainability. On behalf of investors who deeply care about the private sector’s contribution to fighting climate change, we urge Gibraltar to disclose their sustainability metrics, particularly direct and indirect GHG emissions and energy consumed by source. These metrics should be reported in an annual sustainability report.

Set Emission Reduction Targets

Finally, we also want to see Gibraltar setting proactive targets for reducing their GHG emissions within this decade. These targets should be in line with the global goal to stay under 1.5°C of global warming, and should be accompanied by strategies of how to achieve them. Ultimately, Gibraltar should look long into the future, planning how to achieve zero absolute emissions by the year 2050.

Related Solar Energy Stocks in the Climate Index

View All Climate Index Stocks →

Allocated Company Description

2.00%

Enphase Energy (ENPH)

Enphase makes micro-inverters, which are critical components in making rooftop solar more efficient. It's a key solution to expanding rooftop solar

1.18%

SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG)

SolarEdge makes power optimizer, solar inverter and monitoring systems for rooftop solar. These are key equipment in making solar power more efficient

0.82%

First Solar (FSLR)

First Solar makes innovative solar panels from a single glass substrate, making it possible to make panels in one factory in 4.5 hours

0.76%

Sunrun (RUN)

Sunrun makes and installs residential solar energy systems. Solar is a crucial centerpiece of electrifying everything

0.36%

Daqo New Energy (DQ)

Daqo makes high-purity silicon that goes into solar panel. This is a critical ingredient in converting sunlight into electricity

0.36%

Sunpower (SPWR)

Sunpower offers residential and commercial solar power systems and solar storage. Rooftop solar PV is one of the keys to an emissions-free energy system

0.33%

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. (SHLS)

Shoals makes all of the components necessary for solar PV systems to connect to the grid. They’re helping expand solar energy

0.31%

Sunnova (NOVA)

Sunnova provides residential solar and energy storage systems in the United States. Both are critical for electrifying the energy system

0.17%

Array Technologies, Inc. (ARRY)

Array Technologies offers machine learning-based solutions that track the sun so that solar PV systems can generate more electricity

0.17%

Jinko Solar (JKS)

Jinko Solar is the largest solar panel maker in the world and heavy investor in solar R&D. They’re a key player in expanding solar energy

0.16%

Canadian Solar (CSIQ)

Canadian Solar makes and ships solar panels all over the world. This is critical for electrifying everything

0.14%

Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (ROCK)

Gibraltar Industries makes the mounting racks for solar panels that are tailor-made for the buildings and fields where solar systems will be placed

0.07%

Azure Power (AZRE)

Azure Power develops solar power for central and state government utilities in India. Solar power is a key centerpiece of a zero-emissions energy system

0.07%

Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. (MAXN)

Maxeon Solar Technologies makes solar panels and related solar system components worldwide - a critical piece in a zero-emissions energy mix of the future

0.05%

FTC Solar, Inc. (FTCI)

FTC Solar offers solar tracker systems so that solar PV systems can produce more electricity. Expanding solar energy is key to a decarbonized world

0.03%

Renesola Power (SOL)

Renesola Power develops utility-scale solar projects in over 10 countries. This is the type of effort needed to scale solar power to electrify the grid

0.02%

iSun, Inc. (ISUN)

iSun is one of the biggest commercial solar developers in the US. They’re a valuable contributor to expanding solar power

0.02%

Orbital Energy Group, Inc. (OEG)

Orbital Energy offers engineering, construction, and maintenance for utility-scale solar systems. They help expand solar power

0.02%

SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (SPI)

SPI Energy develops solar PV solutions for businesses, residential, government and utility customers. Expanding solar is key to a clean energy system

0.02%

Sunworks (SUNW)

Sunworks makes solar power systems for a wide range of markets. Solar is a key zero-carbon energy source

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