Solar panels typically account for only about the third of the cost of a single-axis power plant, thanks to a plunge in photovoltaic module prices in recent years.

FORBES: Can Solar Robots Cut The Cost of Renewable Energy?

Mr Schroeder has ignored warnings from US leaders and forged, in effect, a rival axis of power and diplomacy.

BBC: Analysis: Schroeder challenges the US

The global market may be shifting toward a different axis of power, but the modern American employee is evolving to compete in this new world, regardless of where its center lies.

FORBES: U.S. Is On Cloud 9 When It Comes To Competition