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

Contact:  Joseph Pagano

(608) 698-8216

joe@autonomousmind.com

Survey Results Reveal Expectations for Strong Growth and Job Creation, Concerns about Increased Competition

Madison, Wis. — 74 percent of solar energy professionals in Wisconsin expect company revenue to grow by more than 10 percent annually during the next 2 to 3 years, according to a recent survey. Respondents also anticipate taking action in the next year to promote such growth, with 60 percent likely to increase advertising and 55 percent likely to add at least one employee.

These and other results from the Wisconsin Solar Professional Survey 2010 indicate broad optimism among Wisconsin solar professionals, despite concerns regarding increase d competition, lack of consumer knowledge, and overall economic uncertainty.

The survey was conducted in April 2010 by Madison-based consulting firm Autonomous Mind Consulting, LLC. It asked roughly 350 solar professionals in Wisconsin about their market and revenue growth expectations as well as their customer acquisition practices.

* 86 percent of respondents expect the solar energy market in the United States to grow by more than 10 percent annually during the next 2 to 3 years; 45 percent expect growth to exceed 30 percent annually.

* 74 percent of respondents expect their companies’ revenue to grow by more than 10 percent annually during the next 2 to 3 years; 31 percent expect revenue growth to exceed 30 percent annually.

* 60 percent of respondents believe their companies are likely to increase advertising in the next year.

* 55 percent of respondents believe their companies are likely to add at least one new employee in the next year.

* Customer referrals (38 percent) are most commonly identified as the most likely way for customers to learn about respondents’ companies.

* Lack of consumer knowledge about solar energy (26 percent) is most commonly identified as the biggest obstacle to customer acquisition.

* 71 percent of respondents expect that a potential increase in competition in the solar energy industry will moderately or significantly impact their companies’ ability to acquire new customers.

For full results and analysis, please view visit the survey results page (http://www.autonomousmind.com/survey/) on our website.

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About Autonomous Mind Consulting

Autonomous Mind Consulting provides business planning, website development, and communication services to small businesses, startups, and local government organizations. Our mission is to help our clients develop their vision and articulate it to customers, employees, investors, and stakeholders.

For more information about Autonomous Mind Consulting, please visit http://www.autonomousmind.com.