Hello there, fellow solar enthusiasts and inquisitive minds! I know you are all eager to learn about the latest happenings in the solar industry, and that’s precisely what I am here to discuss.
Coming up in April, there is an exciting astronomical event that will have some considerable implications for solar array owners. There’s going to be a total solar eclipse spanning across regions from Mexico to New England. What does this mean, exactly? Simply put, areas subjected to “totality” (where the moon entirely blocks the sun) can expect a brief 100% loss in solar energy generation during this spectacle. However, this is a rare occurrence and your solar panels for your home should be back to producing clean energy once it ends.
Solar companies often take such rare natural events into consideration when providing consumers solutions. Case in point, let’s talk about how the solar industry is booming in South Dakota. The noteworthy surge of this renewable energy source can largely be attributed to the activation of the state’s first utility-scale facility, showcasing a remarkable increase of 3600% in just over a year. South Dakota is also gearing up to double its solar capacity once again in 2024 with the installation of an even larger, second utility-scale solar plant.
Now, transitioning from a statewide to individual level adoption, let’s talk about designing your dream home with solar energy in mind. Selecting the roof of your home for optimal solar energy production can have massive benefits. Proper planning to have all the ventilation and plumbing on the north-facing side, for instance, can help maximize system size and minimize any energy losses from shading. Adding a carefully planned solar array for home use isn’t just sensible, it can help future-proof your property.
But what happens when the sun goes down? The answer lies in energy storage. Seeing a remarkable leap from $200 million in sales in 2021 to over $2.2 billion in 2023, energy storage has been the unsung tool in a successful solar puzzle. By collecting battery cell-level data, we can create high-performing grid-scale storage that ensures consistent and reliable power supply, even after sundown.
As you might have guessed, the solar industry is as dynamic as it is promising. Continued investigation into its potential benefits and improvements ensures we’re well on our way towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. I recommend staying tuned for more updates on solar companies, technologies, and practices to optimize the use of solar panels for your home. The future is bright, and it’s powered by the sun.
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/29/sunrise-brief-south-dakota-solar-up-3600-in-2023/