What energy investors should know about the next phase of solar growth

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — Young America Capital took part in The Future of Solar Energy: Trends and Innovations, a conference hosted by Srđan Sokolović of Sowa Solutions. It brought together developers, investors and technology specialists to discuss how solar markets are changing and where capital is likely to go next.

Mark Chlapowski spoke for YAC on the firm’s work advising lower-middle-market companies on M&A, capital raising and strategic transactions across energy and infrastructure. He also covered Latin America, where strong solar resources, rising electricity demand and supportive energy transition policies are driving new development and investment.

Trend oneSolar technology is advancing faster than power systems can adapt

Panel efficiency has risen from roughly 15 percent to more than 25 percent over the past decade. Better hardware keeps improving the economics of solar generation, but speakers agreed that technology is no longer the main constraint. Grid connection timelines, market structures and system integration are now the central problems for developers and investors.

Trend twoDeployment is expanding into agricultural and hybrid applications

Agrivoltaic systems put solar panels and crops on the same land. They can cut irrigation demand and shield crops from weather. As panel designs and materials evolve, these projects may open new markets for solar in agricultural regions.

Trend threeSupply chain security is becoming a strategic priority

Solar supply chains are still concentrated in a small number of regions. Developers and policymakers are focused on domestic manufacturing capacity and reliable access to critical materials such as polysilicon. Expanding production and building resilient supply chains now weigh on long-term infrastructure investment decisions.

“Early growth was driven by cheaper equipment and better panels. The next stage depends on grid integration, supply chain stability and access to capital for large-scale infrastructure.”

Young America Capital, research note

Young America Capital continues to work with companies and investors pursuing opportunities across solar energy, infrastructure and Latin American energy markets.

DownloadsResearch note and conference presentations

• Solar Energy Market Research NoteYoung America Capital · March 2026
  Download ↓
• Navigating the Solar Market: A Guide for Latin American CountriesSrđan Sokolović, Sowa Solutions · 28 pages
  PDF ↓
• Innovating Beyond Technology: Rethinking How Solar Projects ScaleDr. Verónica Bermúdez · 15 pages
  PDF ↓
• Crop-Specific Solar Panels for Optimized Agri-PV DeploymentNick Kanopoulos, Ph.D. · 27 pages
  PDF ↓
• Solar Grade Polysilicon Material Project in the USAFebruary 2026 · 10 pages
  PDF ↓
• Building a Greener FutureMel Peh, Climate Finance Specialist, Independent Consultant of UNEP FI · 8 pages
  PDF ↓