Solar industry growth continues to surge, especially in the Lone Star state, and it’s causing some significant shifts in our everyday electricity supply. For those considering getting solar panels for your home, buckle in; you’ll want to read this.
Recently, Texas has been leading the way in solar installations, and it’s projected that this trend will continue at least through the next five years. In fact, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is estimating over 40 GW of capacity addition in that time. To fully grasp the magnitude of these numbers, consider this: the entire United States had just 40 GW of total cumulative installed solar capacity back in 2016. That’s right, what the entire country did in a year, Texas is expected to achieve in just a few short years.
This solar boom in Texas is making real, measurable changes to how we source our energy. No longer are we solely dependent on fossil fuels; solar power, often paired with flexible battery energy storage, is stepping in to meet the fluctuating energy demands of the population. This shift is helping to push natural gas plants out of the limelight.
However, this doesn’t mean that natural gas is completely off the grid. We still face what is known as the “duck curve”, a distinct ty mismatch between supply and demand in the evening, typically between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm – right around dinner time for most of us. You see, as solar power generation wanes in the late afternoon, natural gas steps in to bridge the gap. Thankfully, with the rise of energy storage solutions, the need for natural gas is decreasing.
Energy storage is quickly becoming a key player in managing this evening deficit and eliminating the need for burning gas. Many of the energy storage projects currently in Texas have the ability to power homes for between one to four hours, effectively covering the largest energy demand spikes.
So, why does all this matter to you? The rise of solar and accompanying decline in reliance on fossil fuels has substantial implications for homeowners. If you’re mulling over investing in a solar array for home use, this growth in sustainable, renewable power and the gradual move away from gas should be immensely encouraging. Solar panels for your home may not just be a smart move for the environment, but a financially beneficial decision too.
In short, the shift towards solar power production is steadily increasing, creating a bright future for solar companies. If there was ever a time to consider exploring solar company options for your home, it is now. With solar on the rise, there’s never been a better time to soak up the sun.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/09/solar-is-beginning-to-sunset-natural-gas-use-in-texas/
