The second quarterly report from SEIA (Solar Energy industry Association) is in, and the numbers show yet another sunny quarter for the solar industry. The second best yet in terms of overall capacity installed, namely 832 megawatts. For comparison purposes, that's roughly the equivalent of a coal or nuclear plant, i.e. we can replace a coal or nuclear plant with solar every three months. And this race has only just begun. It was the utility sector that saw the biggest gains with a jump of 42 percent over the previous quarter. And huge solar installations like Ivanpah are coming online by the end of the year. However GTM Research still believes that, "Distributed generation is the big story in the U.S. solar market this year. We expect significant growth, especially in the residential sector. " The residential PV market remained stable in the second quarter, but the real news was that California PV installations increased 7 percent despite the end of the California Solar Initiative rebate program. A welcome sign that solar is becoming increasingly competitive with fossil fuel sources of energy. SEIA also reports the solar industry is about to reach a number of milestones. The 100,000th individual solar system will be installed soon, and with 4.4 gigawatts of PV capacity expected to be added in the second half of this year, total installed solar capacity will surpass 10 gigawatts by year's end. Another encouraging trend the SEIA report highlights is how solar service companies are increasing the rate at which they install PV systems. This allows them to negotiate better equipment supply contracts and access lower cost of capital. While both SEIA and GTM research are optimistic about solar, they also warn of looming risks for the market. Particularly the threat from utilities that are trying to eliminate Net Metering, which fairly compensates homeowners for the electricity their PV panels feed into the grid. This is the cornerstone policy that created successful solar markets across America. In fact, it's so successful the utilities are worried by the competition, and they're starting to challenge Net Metering by claiming non-solar customers are being charged more because solar customers aren't paying enough. Actually, research shows that Net Metering is a net benefit to consumers, because it reduces generation, transmission and distribution costs. The real problem for utilities is that it reduces their profits, because every home solar watt generated is a fossil watt that they didn't sell. The next 12 months will be crucial in deciding how to appropriately value home solar and maintain fair prices for all ratepayers. As long as Net Metering or similarly helpful solar policies are maintained, says SEIA President Rhone Resch, "America's solar energy industry remains on course to have another record-shattering year. Today, there's more than 9,370 megawatts (MW) of total solar electric capacity across the U.S. - enough to power more than 1.5 million American homes, including the White House. We're helping to create new jobs, grow the U.S. economy, strengthen our nation's long-term energy security and fight climate change. That's a win-win in anyone's book." Inexhaustible amounts of solar energy beamed everywhere, every day for free turns out to be good for business. Who knew?SHARE AND ENJOY * Facebook * Twitter * Delicious * LinkedIn * StumbleUpon * Add to favorites * Email * RSS The post SEIA's Q2 Report: Business is Beaming appeared first on Massachusetts Solar Finance.
MYTH 1: SOLAR TECHNOLOGY KEEPS ADVANCING, SO I SHOULD WAIT. Fact: Solar panels are not like a computer. Although the media continuously hypes new technologies, it is important to know that we have been using the same solar technology since the 1960's. Due to the fact that solar has become only slightly more efficient over the years, the time to become a solar homeowner is right now. With this consistent solar technology, a 30 percent federal solar tax credit, and many state incentive programs, there is no better time, like the present. Arizona Public Service will be ending their tax incentive program in 2016, so you definitely want to want to take advantage of that before it ends.MYTH 2: SOLAR ONLY WORKS IN A "SUNNY" CLIMATE. Fact: Solar panels work just fine in a cooler, cloudy or even foggy climate. They can actually be more efficient when in cooler temperatures. For a little perspective, consider this; Germany is currently a world leader in residential solar usage having much less sunlight on average than let's say, Arizona. According to the Washington Post, 15 of the 20 largest solar power plants in the world are located in Germany, and the country continues to invest in new solar technology.MYTH 3: YOU CAN STORE ANY EXCESS SOLAR ENERGY GENERATED IN BATTERIES. Fact: Batteries "can" be used for storing excess energy, but they are large and expensive with the life expectancy of only 5 to 10 years, creating an added expense and waste. Most solar panel systems are grid tied, connecting them to a conventional electrical grid. As your system generates power throughout the day, the energy that you don't use for your home is then fed back into the grid system which is called net metering. This in turns spins your meter backwards and your local utility company will credit you for any additional energy that you do not use. This is not only convenient, it is more economical.MYTH 4: SOLAR PANELS REQUIRE EXTENSIVE MAINTENANCE. Fact: Solar Panels do not have any moving parts; therefore they require no regular maintenance. Most solar homeowners choose to let the rain do the cleaning for them, which has proven to be effective. If you have any large debris in the solar panels it is best to remove it as soon as possible. There is now solar monitoring software that knows when your system is not operating at its optimal capacity. This makes it very easy and convenient to make sure you are getting the most efficiency from you solar panels without the worry.MYTH 5: SOLAR PANELS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY ROOF. Fact: Solar Panel can actually help preserve the life of your home by protecting the area of your roof they are installed on. The panels are installed on a mounting system, so they are not attached directly to your roof. This is very convenient if the situation may arise that you have a problem with your roof. Panels can then be easily removed for maintenance or repairs. It is best to make any necessary repairs to your roof prior to installing new solar panels. The post 5 Common Myths About Solar Panels appeared first on www.pursolaraz.com.
People need to start relying on oil and other fossil fuels today. Solar energy will play a result. This post can definitely help you great tips on using solar energy to your advantage. The amount of energy produced depends on the efficiency of your solar panels you have and their efficiency.You may have to spend some time calculating the number of solar panels for your situation. You may get away with having fewer panels instead of many less efficient ones. To maximize the effectiveness of your solar panels, check out the systems that do not rely fully on the sun's schedule. This is especially useful if you use lots of power at night. If you want to lease a solar energy system, make sure your contract offers you the ability to transfer your lease. Don't let a high pressure sales pitch when you anything. You must spend sufficient time gathering information if you are to make the right decision. Buying immediately from any high pressure person can mean making the price and wasting your money. Be certain to install your solar panels you choose are installed in the most advantageous way for sun exposure all year round. If you are not sure of how you should place them, spend some time tracking the sun's path. Photovoltaic panels are going to work most efficiently in areas with at least 5 hours of sunlight uninterrupted sunlight. Solar water heating can reduce your bill if you have a pool that is heated. You can be free of the grid when you use solar power. You have the ability to be independent if you are ready to invest in a battery and a backup generator. You can say goodbye to your monthly utility bill or have the electric company if you produce excess power that they buy from you. If you're still paying off a mortgage, the panels can mean more financial obligations that may make you lose both if you can't pay for your home. Pathway lighting is a simple and affordable means to take advantage of solar power. These little lights soak up the sun's rays during the day and then illuminate throughout the night. They are very simple to install and offer charm to your outdoor area a nice look. You may wish to install your panels possible since they are costly. Hire someone to come into your home to perform an energy audit. This will show you identify where you can save energy so that you can make the appropriate changes. This means you reduce the number of panels installed. Older solar panel styles may be a cheaper but do not pay off as well. Pay close attention to the weather when you initially begin considering a solar panels. Solar panels are a good option if there are five hours of sunlight each day. You may want to look into other choices if your area is cloudy or snowy in winter. You should hire a professional to inspect your solar panels checked twice a year. During this inspection, the technician can check connections, the angle of your panels are correct and the power inverter is working properly. Solar power is an excellent option if you are located in the southwest. This is one of the nation is ideal for a solar energy system. You should start comparing prices and learning more about the total cost up front. Prior to determining whether solar panels are a good fit for your needs, determine how much shade is around your house. Solar power is not a good option for you if your house receives full shade. Shade can inhibit the amount of the sun's energy you are able to capture, rendering solar panels rather ineffective. We need to make some improvements when it comes to energy sources if we want to save money and the environment. Why should you wait until this power becomes standard? Research the options now to see how much you could save and how you can reduce your own carbon footprint.
