"Today the solar power sector has united to fight climate change," says Bruce Douglas, Chairman of the GSC. "The recent launch of the International Solar Alliance spearheaded by India demonstrates the consensus that solar power will become the principal source of electricity generation. Solar has a hugely important role to play in the international efforts to ultimately eliminate carbon emissions from the power sector."  

The GSC aims to convey 3 key messages about solar power. Firstly, it claims that solar power is already one of the cheapest forms of electricity globally and provides a cost-effective means of fighting climate change today. Secondly, the Council claims that solar power is the most versatile form of electricity generation and can be used for both developing and developed countries alike. It therefore argues that solar has great potential for poverty alleviation and rural electrification. Lastly, the GSC argues that in order to avoid a greater than 2ºC increase in global temperatures, it is imperative to strongly accelerate the deployment of solar power. A 10% share of global power generation by 2030, from less than 1% today, is possible, states the GSC, given the right market conditions. 

"Our goal is to encourage the wide-scale adoption of solar energy through cooperation, education and training," said John Smirnow, Secretary-General of the GSC.  

The principal members of the organization are national and regional solar associations from both established and emerging markets, including the world's largest markets of Australia, China, Europe, India and other Asian countries, Middle East, South America and the United States.  "The GSC will provide a coordinated, international voice on behalf of these organizations," said Smirnow.