Autonomous Mind Consulting: Wisconsin solar energy professionals optimistic about growth prospects

Contact: Joseph Pagano

(608) 698-8216

joe@autonomousmind.com

Survey Results Reveal Expectations for Strong Growth, Interest in Formal Business Planning Training and Support

Madison, Wis. — 82 percent of solar energy professionals in Wisconsin expect the solar energy market in the United States to grow by more than 30 percent annually during the next 3 to 5 years, according to a recent survey. Respondents also expect strong growth in active business revenue, with 46 percent expecting growth to exceed 30 percent annually over the same period.

These and other results from the Wisconsin Solar Professional Survey 2009 indicate broad optimism among Wisconsin solar professionals, despite concerns about overall economic uncertainty. The survey also indicates a strong interest in business planning training and support to solar business professionals meet their growth expectations.

The survey was conducted in January/February 2009 by Madison-based consulting firm Autonomous Mind Consulting, LLC, with partial funding provided by Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy. It asked 450 solar professionals in Wisconsin about their market and revenue growth expectations as well as their opinions about the importance of business planning.

* 82 percent of respondents expect the solar energy market in the United States to grow by more than 30 percent annually during the next 3 to 5 years; fully 36 percent expect growth to exceed 50 percent or more.

* 46 percent of respondents expect active business revenue growth to exceed 30 percent annually during the next 3 to 5 years; fully 27 percent expect revenue growth to exceed 50 percent.

* More respondents expect to achieve their revenue objectives by supporting new and additional solar technology than through any other strategy. Other popular strategies include adding new employees, expanding operations, and optimizing operations.

* More respondents identify economic uncertainty as an obstacle to growth than any other obstacle. Also identified frequently are customer acquisition and customer education.

* 68 percent of respondents believe specific knowledge of strategic management and business planning is helpful to develop their business.

* 38 percent of respondents identify lack of time as the greatest obstacle to business planning. Lack of understanding of business planning concepts (19 percent) and lack of funding to conduct formal business planning (16 percent) are also commonly identified obstacles.

To receive a free electronic copy of the Wisconsin Solar Professional Survey 2009, please email Joseph Pagano (joe@autonomousmind.com).

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About Autonomous Mind Consulting

Autonomous Mind Consulting, LLC is a business planning and communications firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm provides business planning, marketing communications, and website design services to help startups, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations develop their vision and articulate it to customers, investors, and stakeholders.

For more information about Autonomous Mind Consulting, please call (920) 217-0720 or visit http://www.autonomousmind.com.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote instate economic development, protect our environment, and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas.

For more information, call (800) 762-7077 or visit http://www.focusonenergy.com.