solrico has developed the International Solar Index (ISOL Index) which reflects the business climate in the global solar heating & cooling industry. The first survey, conducted in the spring of 2010, included responses from 222 component manufacturers and suppliers from 41 different countries. The results were published in Sun & Wind Energy 6/2010.

Download the results of the first ISOL Index survey.

Semi-annually evaluated according to a standardised process, the ISOL Index has been designed to be a long-term indicator of national and international market development in the solar thermal sector.

The ISOL Index is based on six questions relating to the current business climate and the expectations for the next six months (download the questionnaire). The question query the level of satisfaction with the sales volume and the return on investment as well as the level of current and planned investments.

solrico calculates the ISOL Index by weighting the responses according to a points system, which allows to calculate an individual ISOL Index between 0 and 100 points for each company. The business climate for a particular country or region can be assessed by averaging the indices of the individual company (see chart above).

If you are interested in participating in the next index survey, find further information here.