The heroin industry has much to teach us about the adoption of solar power. The story of how this illegal industry grew and thrived despite numerous obstacles can inspire us to tackle the challenges of scaling up solar energy. In this blog post, we will examine the lessons that the heroin industry can teach us about solar power.

The heroin industry is a multi-billion dollar illegal business that has thrived despite efforts by governments and law enforcement agencies to stamp it out. It is a decentralized industry that operates through a network of suppliers, distributors, and retailers. The heroin industry has shown remarkable resilience in the face of government crackdowns and other challenges. The key to its success has been its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative ways to circumvent obstacles.

One of the most important lessons that the heroin industry can teach us about solar power is the need to adapt to changing circumstances. The heroin industry has survived by constantly evolving and finding new ways to produce and distribute its product. Similarly, the solar industry must be able to adapt to changes in technology, government regulations, and market conditions. By remaining flexible and innovative, the solar industry can continue to grow and thrive.

The end of the solar feed in tarrif in the UK in 2019 saw solar adoption by households fall by 94%. Since it’s inception in 2010, more than 800,000 houselds installed solar panels. Fortunately, the Smart Export Guarantee and ECO4 schemes were introduced to subsidise homeowners utilising renewable energy.

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Another lesson from the heroin industry is the importance of finding new markets. The heroin industry has expanded into new territories and markets, finding new customers and increasing its profits. Similarly, the solar industry must continue to explore new markets, such as emerging economies and developing countries. By finding new customers and markets, the solar industry can increase demand for solar energy and accelerate its adoption.

The heroin industry has a resilient supply chain that allows it to continue operating even when one part of the chain is disrupted. The solar industry must build a similarly resilient supply chain to ensure that it can continue to operate even in the face of disruptions caused by natural disasters, political instability, or other factors. This requires careful planning and coordination between all parts of the supply chain, from raw material suppliers to equipment manufacturers and installers.

The heroin industry has faced numerous regulatory obstacles over the years, but it has found ways to circumvent them and continue operating. The solar industry faces similar regulatory obstacles, such as government subsidies for fossil fuels and zoning restrictions on solar panel installations. By working with policymakers and other stakeholders, the solar industry can overcome these obstacles and create a more favorable regulatory environment.