February 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Two recent reports from the world of e-commerce and renewable energy provide valuable insights for businesses aiming to navigate the competitive landscapes of handmade goods and sustainable practices. eRank’s 2024 Etsy Buyer Survey and RatedPower’s 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report shed light on consumer preferences and industry challenges as they emerge.
The 2024 Etsy Buyer Survey conducted by eRank offers game-changing insights for sellers on Etsy, one of the premier platforms for handmade goods. With input from 1,000 U.S. buyers across various age groups and locations, the survey reveals what today’s consumers truly value. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and excellent communication topped the list of buyer priorities. Other significant preferences included personalization and the search for one-of-a-kind finds, underscoring the diverse motivations driving purchases on Etsy.
Among the most prominent product categories identified were items reflecting originality and craftsmanship, where transparency and superior customer service continue to play pivotal roles. Perhaps surprisingly, the survey also indicated the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on consumer purchasing decisions. Notably, 61% of respondents expressed they were "open to" or "might contemplate" the idea of buying AI-created products, highlighting a shift toward integrating technology without compromising the cherished artisanal spirit of handmade items.
Starla Moore, eRank Manager and Etsy Coach, commented, "The 2024 Etsy Buyer Survey provides invaluable data for handmade sellers. It reinforces the importance of personalization, exceptional customer service, and adapting to the trends to stay competitive." eRank’s survey encapsulates actionable insights for sellers to optimize product listings and refine search engine optimization strategies to meet buyer expectations effectively.
Meanwhile, RatedPower's 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report delivers insights from over 140 renewable industry experts, exploring the current state and future potential of the sustainable energy sector. Professionals surveyed expressed strong optimism about the renewables’ future, identifying storage, solar power, and green hydrogen as the leading growth aspects over the next five years. According to the responses, the U.S., China, Australia, Brazil, and India are expected to lead the charge with the highest renewable growth potential—an important indication for stakeholders invested in these markets.
The survey also brought to light pressing challenges the sector faces, with 60.1% of respondents citing grid saturation and instability as pivotal problems. Notably, this concern mirrored sentiments from the previous year, though responses indicated slight optimism, with diminishing figures reflecting confidence in tackling these challenges moving forward.
Diego Lobo-Guerrero Rodriguez from SENS - Iqony Sustainable Energy Solutions noted the transformative role of technology, including AI, machine learning, and digitalization, stating, "I expect many steps forward toward faster development of technologies and services, but doing it safely is Critical." His perspective underlines the necessity for the industry to be poised for the rising energy demands fueled by the rapid proliferation of new technologies and data centers.
Analyzing the findings, notable data points emerge: 93.7% of respondents expressed confidence in the renewables industry, with storage leading at 48.3% for growth potential, followed by solar power at 30.8%. The adoption of bifacial modules has surged, which dominated simulations across all quarters of 2024, accounting for 94.46% of simulations by the last quarter. Meanwhile, hybrid solutions are gaining traction, showcasing the industry's adaptability to new methodologies.
Andrea Barber, VP of Power & Renewables at Enverus, welcomed the report's fifth edition, remarking on the industry’s evolution and the impact of innovative technologies. She said, "It has been a pleasure to produce the report for five years running... we're energized by the possibilities ahead and are proud to be part of the transformative path to a greener future." This comment reiterates the collaboration between technological advancement and industry growth as key ingredients for sustainability.
Both reports serve as pivotal resources for their respective sectors, guiding handmade sellers and renewable industry professionals alike toward informed strategies and decision-making. The importance of leveraging these insights cannot be overstated as market dynamics continue to shift rapidly. By staying attuned to consumer preferences and industry challenges, businesses can seize opportunities for growth and sustainability as they prepare for the future.