Hello fellow solar enthusiasts,
Today, we’re diving into the rising trends of solar in the USA—specifically focusing on the key changes being brought forth in 2023. The solar industry is booming, and more solar companies are swiftly entering the arena. One of the prime objectives of these solar companies is to make solar panels for your home—not to mention larger scale solar array for home— as affordable as possible, without risking the quality and efficiency of the energy produced.
In the pursuit of affordable solar options, job opportunities in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities, and energy transition finance are popping up all over the place. This bodes well for upcoming professionals in the field and evolution of the solar industry. However, as professionals stir the pot of renewable energy, key decision-makers are revising how homeowners and businesses are compensated for their rooftop solar energy, a system known as net metering.
The changes in net metering—first in California, and now possibly Idaho—pose significant uncertainties for the solar industry. Many are left wondering whether these adjustments spearhead a detriment to the rooftop solar industry or new gateways for other solar schemes.
On the technical front, solar companies are delving into progressive module designs to reduce production costs and boost efficiency. A major topic: Reducing the glass thickness in Photovoltaic (PV) modules. It comes with its advantages and potential risks. The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) explained the possibility of it leaving a deep impact across the spectrum- from PV module and tracker suppliers to engineering, product, and construction companies, and PV plant owners.
Moreover, the operations and maintenance front of solar energy is being reimagined, with Cleanleaf Energy leading the change with a focus on solar and battery energy storage projects. This rebranding indicates the shifting dynamics of solar and their broader impact on renewable energy as a whole.
In summary, the top ten most read articles in U.S. solar this year circulate around shifting state policies, solar power curtailment, equipment longevity, and more.
So, if you’re considering a solar array for your home or researching solar panels for your home, keep an eye on these developments. They confirm that the solar industry is changing rapidly and therefore, there could be new opportunities and better deals around the corner.
Stay tuned for my next update and always, keep it sunny side up!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/04/sunrise-brief-idaho-cuts-rooftop-solar-compensation-rates/
