Hello everyone! If you’re looking for the latest scoop in the world of solar, you’ve dropped by the right corner of the internet. Today, I’m discussing some of the trending stories in the solar industry and how they might affect you as potential solar panel buyers. Let’s dive right in!
One of the most significant matters currently being discussed is the possibility of the bifacial exemption being revoked by the Biden Administration due to a petition led by solar company Qcells. For those who may not know, a bifacial solar panel is a type of solar cell that allows sunlight to hit it from both sides, doubling the energy it can produce. The exemption allowed these solar panels to avoid tariffs, making them a desirable option over traditional monofacial panels.
In other news, for the first time since 2021, quoted prices for solar panels for your home decreased by 3.5% to $2.80 per watt. It’s reassuring to see a drop in prices, making it easier for homeowners to invest in a solar array for home use. Remember, investing in solar not only reduces your energy bill but also contributes to a sustainable future.
Policy-wise, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently released a roadmap to advance interconnections of renewables. This roadmap contains 35 solutions developed to improve the existing infrastructure and ensure the smooth integration of renewable energy sources, including solar, into the grid.
Shifting our attention to Puerto Rico, the territory’s law that extended net metering for solar until 2031 is at risk. This policy allows solar energy system owners to feed electricity they do not use back into the system. Losing this could be a major setback for solar companies and customers in Puerto Rico.
While it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in our field, the solar market is proving to be increasingly critical and prevalent across various states. A recent Q1 report finds many states, along with Washington DC and Puerto Rico, taking action related to distributed solar policy and rate design, marking a consequential shift towards greener policy.
Whether you’re just hooking up a new solar panel to your home or making the switch to a solar array for home, it’s essential to stay updated with these changes. Overlaying the intricate web of market trends, tariffs, and policies is the simple truth that going solar is an investment in our collective future. This is a remarkable time to be part of the solar industry as we navigate these policy changes, technological advancements, and shifts in prices, and it’s clear we’re on the brink of something incredible in the world of solar. More updates to come soon – stay tuned!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/04/19/u-s-solar-industry-week-in-review-6/
