Sfrazier

**The Future of Solar Asset Management: How Technology is Transforming Solar Efficiency**

The solar industry continues to evolve rapidly, propelled by technological innovations that make solar energy more efficient, cost-effective, and widespread. If you’ve been researching solar panels for your home or considering investing in the industry as a whole, one company’s advancements stand out as a game-changer for how solar arrays are monitored, managed, and optimized.

In recent news, a solar technology provider announced $35 million in Series C funding to boost its efforts in solar automation, work management, and machine-learning insights. This development is an exciting milestone for solar companies – and an indicator of how important technology is in the transition to renewable energy.

Let’s explore what this means for homeowners, solar companies, and the future of solar asset management.

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### **What is Solar Asset Management – And Why Does It Matter?**

When you think about solar panels for your home, you’re likely considering their efficiency, durability, and ability to lower your monthly electricity bills. But on a broader scale, solar asset management involves the tools and technology that maximize the performance of entire solar arrays, whether they’re on private rooftops or sprawling solar farms.

Proper solar asset management

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/solar-drone-inspection-software-company-secures-35-million-in-funding/

**Big Growth in Commercial Rooftop Solar: What It Means for the Solar Industry in 2024**

As I closely follow the evolving solar industry, I see clear signs that commercial rooftop solar is becoming an increasingly important sector. While residential and utility-scale solar often steal the spotlight, the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment—though smaller—plays a critical role in reducing business energy costs and advancing decarbonization goals. Recent developments show that this market is set to grow significantly in the coming years, creating exciting opportunities for solar companies and individuals alike.

### Why Commercial Rooftop Solar Matters

A solar array for home use is a great choice for individual homeowners to lower energy bills and embrace sustainability. However, on the commercial side, the potential impact is even greater. C&I solar projects turn underutilized rooftop space on warehouses, factories, and office buildings into power-generating assets. These installations help businesses reduce their dependency on traditional energy grids, cut costs, and achieve sustainability goals.

Compared to utility-scale solar farms, rooftop systems generate clean energy where it’s used, avoiding transmission losses and grid congestion. For a forward-thinking solar company, the rooftop solar market offers an untapped gold mine. Businesses with large commercial spaces are

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/commercial-and-industrial-rooftop-solar-business-secures-847-million/

**California’s Delay on Community Solar Decisions Could Jeopardize Federal Funding and Home Solar Progress**

The solar industry is buzzing with frustration as California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced yet another delay in the rollout of its Community Renewable Energy Program (CREP). This comes at a high price: the potential loss of $250 million in federal “Solar for All” funds, a key resource intended to help underserved communities access renewable energy through programs like solar panels for your home.

### **What is the Solar for All Program?**

Announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2023, the Solar for All program was designed to provide access to solar for low-income households across the U.S. With $9 billion in funding, the initiative aims to encourage projects that prioritize disadvantaged communities, helping them benefit from affordable and sustainable power options. For homeowners and renters alike, solar panels for your home can drastically reduce energy costs while contributing to efforts to combat climate change.

California’s $250 million slice of this funding pie is now at risk. The state must demonstrate that the funds will be deployed within the first year of grant effectiveness—a requirement that is notably unlikely to be met if delays persist.

### **What’s Causing the Delay

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/california-public-utilities-commission-kicks-community-solar-deadline-to-2026/

**The Future of Solar Energy in the U.S.: Opportunities and Challenges**

Solar energy has proven itself as a key player in the nation’s efforts to transition to clean, renewable energy. With sustained growth projected through 2030, the industry is steadily carving out a larger share of America’s electricity mix, yet challenges remain. If you’re considering adding solar panels for your home, understanding these trends not only puts you ahead of the curve but also underscores just how essential residential solar installations are to a clean energy future.

### The U.S. Solar Industry in 2024: Record Growth with Room to Expand

The solar industry is achieving record-breaking growth. In Q3 2024 alone, the U.S. added 8.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity—a 21% increase compared to the same quarter in 2023. Solar energy now provides 64% of all new electricity added to the grid in the first three quarters of 2024, supporting enough capacity to power approximately 37 million homes.

These achievements are notable, but they also highlight how much further the solar sector can develop. Despite these numbers, solar electricity generation only accounts for less than 6% of America’s total electricity production.

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/five-charts-forecasting-the-future-for-solar-energy/

# The Growing Role of Domestic Steel Frames in Solar Panel Innovation

In the solar industry, innovations emerge continually to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster sustainability. One such advancement making waves is the use of domestically produced steel frames for solar panels. Today, I’ll explore why this shift is significant and how it could change the way solar companies operate.

When you think of solar panels for your home, the focus is often on the photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. However, the structure that supports these cells, known as the solar module frame, plays an equally important role in the durability and performance of the system. Traditionally, most of these frames have been crafted from imported aluminum. While functional, these aluminum frames are increasingly being replaced by steel as domestic solar companies explore more sustainable and cost-effective options.

### Why Steel Frames Are the Future of Solar Arrays

The shift to steel frames is gaining traction, thanks to pioneering efforts from innovators in the solar industry. Steel solar module frames offer several compelling advantages:

1. **Cost Savings**: Steel is more cost-effective than aluminum. With solar companies striving to make clean energy more affordable, the use of steel frames helps lower overall manufacturing expenses, which can ultimately translate to more accessible solar panels

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/unimacts-to-expand-houston-facility-for-steel-solar-frame-production/

# The Latest Job Moves in Solar and Cleantech Industries

The solar industry continues to buzz with energy (pun intended) as key professionals move into new roles, bringing their expertise to the table to shape the future of solar, storage, cleantech, and energy transition finance. Solar companies are evolving rapidly, and finding the right leadership is critical for ensuring the successful execution of solar projects, especially as demand for renewable energy soars. Here’s what’s happening in the careers of some movers and shakers in this space.

### Jake Neumann’s Promotion at LPL Solar LLC
Jake Neumann has been promoted to vice president/project executive at LPL Solar, where he has already played a pivotal role in driving large-scale solar developments. With over 12 years of construction experience—six of them focused exclusively on solar energy—Jake is a seasoned leader when it comes to managing solar portfolio growth. Neumann has supervised the development of over *3.2 gigawatts (GW)* of capacity across 19 solar power plants. That’s a staggering figure that highlights the scale at which utility-scale solar arrays are being built today.

For those considering solar panels for your home, figures like Jake Neumann’s accomplishments serve as an indicator

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/people-on-the-move-brightnight-nevados-lpl-solar-and-more/

**Why Plummeting Battery Prices Are Big News for Solar Enthusiasts**

The solar industry is at an exciting crossroads, and one of the biggest factors driving innovation and opportunity is the rapid decline in battery prices. For anyone exploring solar panels for their home or looking into a solar array for their property, this trend is reason to take a closer look at how solar energy is becoming more accessible and cost-effective.

### Battery Prices Hit Record Low

According to recent reports, lithium-ion battery pack prices have fallen by an impressive 20% from 2023 to $115 per kWh—the lowest ever recorded. This is the steepest annual decline seen since 2017. But what does this mean for homeowners interested in solar? Batteries play a crucial role in solar system performance, especially for those aiming to store excess energy for use during the night or in case of grid outages. Lower battery costs make it more affordable to pair batteries with your solar array for home use, enhancing energy independence and long-term savings.

### What’s Driving the Price Decline?

A mix of factors is fueling this drop, including overcapacity in battery manufacturing, economies of scale, and the use of lower-cost components like lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP)

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/bnef-lithium-ion-battery-pack-prices-drop-to-record-low-of-115-kwh/

## Overcoming Partial Shading Challenges in Solar Systems

When it comes to installing a **solar array for your home**, one of the most common challenges you may face is partial shading. Factors like nearby chimneys, trees, or debris can cast shadows on **solar panels for your home**, significantly impacting their performance. Luckily, exciting innovations and strategies are emerging to tackle this issue, as outlined in a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme.

The report sheds light on the effects of partial shading and offers solutions to help homeowners and **solar companies** maximize energy output. Whether you’re already working with a **solar company** or simply considering going solar, these insights can make a big difference in understanding how to optimize your setup.

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### How Does Partial Shading Impact Solar Efficiency?

Solar panels produce energy in direct proportion to the sunlight they absorb. However, even minor shading, such as a shadow from a tree branch or roof vent, can disproportionately reduce the output of your solar system. This is because traditional PV systems (photovoltaic systems) are often limited by the module with the least sunlight in the array, reducing the efficiency of the entire **solar array for your home**.

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### Innovative Technology

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/string-inverters-best-for-partially-shaded-pv-systems-says-iea-pvps/

**Why Energy Storage is Key to Supporting Solar Adoption in Homes**

When people think of solar, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the solar panels for your home. And it’s true—solar panels are the backbone of most residential and commercial clean energy systems. But there’s another critical piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked, and that’s energy storage. As California continues to lead the way in renewable energy adoption, projects like the Inland Empire Energy Storage facility are proving just how vital battery storage is to creating a reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy grid.

Recently inaugurated, this 70 MW battery storage project in Rialto, California, demonstrates how energy storage can bridge the gap between renewable energy production and energy demand. While large-scale utility energy storage grabs headlines, it’s also a concept that solar homeowners need to take to heart. If you’re considering solar panels for your home or thinking about installing a solar array for home energy independence, understanding energy storage is crucial.

### How Battery Storage Supports Renewable Energy

Solar energy production doesn’t always align with your home’s energy usage. You might generate the most power during the day when the sun is strongest, but if you’re at work or out running errands, you probably don

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/strata-cuts-ribbon-on-70-mw-inland-empire-energy-storage-project/

**Why Solar Is Gaining Momentum: From Home Use to Innovative Energy Storage**

Solar energy is making waves across the country, from helping homeowners cut utility costs to supporting groundbreaking innovations in energy storage. In this post, I’ll share recent developments in the solar industry, shining a light on new trends and opportunities that emphasize why investing in solar panels for your home, or even a larger solar array for home energy efficiency, might just be one of the smartest decisions you can make today.

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### Solar as a Prescription for Health and Savings
Here’s a creative use of solar energy that caught my attention: doctors in Boston are now *prescribing* solar power. The Boston Medical Center has launched a program to assist low-income patients by connecting them with solar energy options. This initiative aims to lower electricity costs while promoting healthier living environments—showing that solar is more than an environmental choice, it’s a community game-changer.

If you’ve ever wondered how solar could impact your pocketbook and well-being directly, this is a perfect example. Switching to renewable energy with a trusted solar company could reduce your dependency on traditional grid power, leading to cleaner air and major savings.

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### U.S.-Made Solar Products Drive Domestic Innovation
Another headline that gives

Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/11/sunrise-brief-nextracker-delivers-first-100-u-s-made-solar-trackers/