Solar panels atop a house in Riverside, CA (photo attribution: Jim Sun, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
Community Solar Garden or Solar Farm of Clean Energy Collective at Cowdery Meadow Community Solar Gardens (attribution: Susan Sun Nunamaker, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
Visitors at a Westmill Solar Cooperative Open Day at Westmill Solar Park (attribution: MrRenewables, Westmill Solar Cooperative, Ben Cavanna, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
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Today, California has become the first U.S. state to require solar panels on nearly all new homes and low-rise apartment buildings, starting in 2020. The California Energy Commission voted 5 to 0 to approve the new building standard/requirement that residential buildings up to three stories, including single-family homes and condos, be built with solar panels installations starting in 2020. About 117,000 new single-family homes and 48,000 multi-family units will be built in 2020. The commission endorsed this requirement after building representatives, utilities, and solar manufacturers and advocates voiced their support. It still needs the final approval from California’s Building Standards Commission (which usually adopts the energy panels’s recommendations when updating the state’s building codes). This is California’s latest step to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The technical director for the California Building Industry AssociationRobert Raymer called it a “quantum leap.”This requirement would only be applied to newly constructed homes, although many homeowners are choosing to install rooftop solar panels with help from various rebate programs. The California Energy Commission estimated that adding solar panels would boost construction costs by $9,500 for a single-family home but save homeowners about $19,000 in energy cost and other expenses over 30 year period. The price of solar has dropped dramatically in recent years, therefore, it is a no-brainer that it is cost effective for all homeowners to install solar. The amount of solar power required by the new standards is minimal and not enough to meet all the energy needs of most homes, therefore, most homes would still have to draw some of their power use from the power grid.
The regulations exempts solar panels installations when it is not cost-effective or feasible (such as for homes shrouded in shade). Community solar generation would be an option for such circumstances.
According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), California is already the nation’s leader in solar installation, with more than 5 million homes in the state using solar power. California has set the goal of all residential buildings being “zero net energy”, meaning producing as much energy as they consume. California has positioned itself as the leader for clean energy in USA, pushing more electric vehicles on the roads and lower emissions from homes and commercial buildings.
California Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister said, “This is a step, a very important step, in a long trajectory that we have been planning for and telling the world….This is not a radical departure. It’s a step in the right direction to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve our air, which for many, many decades California has been doing better and better each time.”
Perhaps it is high time for rest of the 49 states to also follow the California lead, for it is both economical and environmentally friendly for homeowners to install solar.
Gathered, written, and posted by Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker
This is a repost from our sister publication, Windermere Sun, below:
wind surfing (photo by Olga Shevchenko, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
sunset sun rays (photo by Susan Sun Nunamaker, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
wind turbine (photo by Paul Davison, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
solar panels reflecting the sky (photo by: Debbie Mous, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
wind farm (photo by Drew Broadley, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
solar energy (photo by: Alla Leitus, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
Oh my God dis is my favourite 🙂 (photo by kenchu, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
Solar Panels on Space Vehicle (photo by: SpaceX, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
wind energy (photo by Arno Nym, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
solar panels (photo by Rainer Berg, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
windmill (photo by Christophe Grasseau, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
skyscraper solar stone (photo by: Valerij Zhugan, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
windmill (photo by Dora Mitsonia, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
solar (photo by frederico pinto, presented at: WindermereSun.com)
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monthly net electricity generation from selected fuels (Jan.-March, 2017, credit: U.S. EIA), presented at: WindermereSun.com
monthly net electricity generation from selected fuels, in % (Jan.-March, 2017, credit: U.S. EIA) presented at: WindermereSun.com
In March of 2017, according to a new U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, ten percent of all of the electricity generated in United States came from wind and solar power. This milestone demonstrates that renewable energy are becoming significant source of electricity in U.S. and no longer need to be classified as “alternative” energy. Texas is the biggest wind power producer while California is the largest solar producer in USA.
Below, in italics, is taken from EIA report on June 14, 2017)
For the first time, monthly electricity generation from wind and solar (including utility-scale plants and small-scale systems) exceeded 10% of total electricity generation in the United States, based on March data in EIA’s Electric Power Monthly. Electricity generation from both of these energy sources has grown with increases in wind and solar generating capacity. On an annual basis, wind and solar made up 7% of total U.S. electric generation in 2016.
Electricity generation from wind and solar follows seasonal patterns that reflect the seasonal availability of wind and sunshine. Within the United States, wind patterns vary based on geography. For example, wind-powered generating units in Texas, Oklahoma, and nearby states often have their highest output in spring months, while wind-powered generators in California are more likely to have their highest output in summer months.
Monthly solar output is highest in the summer months, regardless of location, because of the greater number of daylight hours. About half of all utility-scale solar power plants in the United States use some form of sun-tracking technology to improve their seasonal output.
Based on seasonal patterns in recent years, electricity generation from wind and solar will probably exceed 10% of total U.S. generation again in April 2017, then fall to less than 10% in the summer months. Since 2014, when EIA first began estimating monthly, state-level electricity generation from small-scale solar photovoltaic systems, combined wind and solar generation has reached its highest level in either the spring or fall. Because these seasons are times of generally low electricity demand, combined wind and solar generation also reached its highest share of the U.S. total during these times of year.
Based on annual data for 2016, Texas accounted for the largest total amount of wind and solar electricity generation. Nearly all of this generation was from wind, as Texasgenerates more wind energy than any other state. As a share of the state’s total electricity generation, wind and solar output was highest in Iowa, where wind and solar made up 37% of electricity generation in 2016. In addition to Iowa, wind and solar provided at least 20% of 2016 electricity generation in six other states.
In almost all states, wind makes up a larger share of the state’s total electricity generation than solar. Among the top dozen states, only California and Arizona had more solar generation than wind in 2016. Three states in the top 12—Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota—had no generation from utility-scale solar plants in 2016 and relatively little output from small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
EIA analyst Owen Comstock said state renewable goals are one of the biggest reasons how wind and solar are able to reach this milestone. Most states require a certain portion of their electricity to be generated from renweables. States such as California is currently setting its goal to obtain 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, and lawmakers in CA are debating about the possibility of expanding that to 100% by 2045.
For those of us in Florida, even without with any government incentive or mandate, due to the dramatic dropping of cost in solar and wind, as long as we pay attention and take actions, we will be on our way to hit the 100% renewables goal before 2045. Based on SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), Floridians have installed 725.1 MW solar by 2016 (404.7 MW was installed in 2016). More will be provided in the next post.
Photographed, gathered, written, and posted by Windermere Sun-Susan Sun Nunamaker
More about the community at www.WindermereSun.com
Is it true that the wealthy elites do not want you to go solar?
In the interview with Brendan Fischer, General Counsel of Center For Media and Democracy, Screwed News reporter commented, there is a new solar power installation every 3 minutes in United States (according to SEIA, Solar Energy Industry Association) and much of the growth of solar power is on the local level. The above is a candid discussion in why and how individual rooftop solar is seen as a threat to the centralized production business model and therefore has been running into much resistance. More in-depth discussion on various topics pertaining to distributed individual rooftop solar may be obtained from Institute For Local Self-Reliance.(such as Walton Family Undermining Rooftop Solar, ILSR Finds, Energy Self Reliant States.) As we progress from an outdated centralized utility model into a new age of more distributed and greater local self-reliant model, be it applied to power generation or broadband, I encourage any one and every one to increase understanding how important local self-reliance in these matters is. I would further implore those truly interested in the future of solar/renewable energy to have better understanding of Value of Solar, for this is a much more fair and efficient way to distribute power than Net Metering. For better understanding of Value of Solar, please refer to these posts below:
Floridians for Solar Choice Coalition Discusses Future of the Coalition and Opposition to Misleading Utility-Backed Petition
Solar supporters highlight how utilities’ campaign was designed to confuse voters
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 11, 2016) Today, Floridians for Solar Choice joins other parties in filing briefs with Florida’s Supreme Court opposing the utility-backed constitutional amendment, which proposes to maintain Florida’s regulatory status quo for solar energy. Calling the utility-backed solar amendment misleading, solar supporters note the utilities’ proposal was launched only to confuse voters and counter the success of the broadly supported grassroots campaign launched by Floridians for Solar Choice.
“It is a cynical proposal designed to confuse voters. Its ballot language falsely tells voters that the amendment gives people the right to make a solar energy choice, when in fact it gives them nothing more than what they already have under the Florida Constitution’s basic rights and under general law – the ability to own or lease the solar equipment they use to make electricity at their homes and businesses,” said Bill Garner, attorney with Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A.
The Floridians for Solar Choice coalition acknowledges that the utilities’ multi-million dollar misinformation campaign has succeeded in confusing voters and preventing Solar Choice from gaining a slot on the 2016 ballot. However, the coalition’s goal remains unchanged: to open the solar market in Florida and encourage the development of clean and affordable energy through smart solar policy. As petitions are valid for 24 months from the date of signing, the coalition continues to explore options to qualify for the 2018 ballot and Solar Choice volunteers and partner organizations continue to collect petitions around the state.
“Florida is ranked third for rooftop solar potential by the solar energy industry, and yet remains far behind other states in installed solar because of our utility monopolized environment,” said Tory Perfetti, chairman of Floridians for Solar Choice. “It is unfortunate that Florida continues to treat solar energy differently and continues to maintain barriers to free market growth of this energy source. This coalition and I will keep fighting to provide more choice to the citizens of this great state regarding their energy future.”
Although Florida’s is ranked third in the nation for rooftop solar potential by the Solar Energy Industries Association, there is a dearth of installed solar throughout the Sunshine State. The lack of extensive solar energy systems largely stems from regressive energy policies, many of which are supported by monopoly utilities wary of losing their captive customers in an open energy market.
“My experience on Florida’s Public Service Commission makes it clear that removing regressive energy policies in order to open and more-fully develop the solar market in Florida makes good sense both for Florida’s consumers and for our state’s economy,” said E. Leon Jacobs, Jr., legal counsel to the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association. “The utilities’ claims against the proposed Solar Choice amendment are simply not based in fact.”
Although the utility-backed campaign called Consumers for Smart Solar has described itself as a “diverse coalition of business, civic and faith leaders,” financial filings reveal they are entirely backed by utilities and their front groups. Electric utilities contributed more than half of the $5.9 million collected since last summer, and December’s filing are expected to demonstrate continued utility support.
“This misleading ballot amendment is bad for consumers, bad for the environment, and bad for Florida. That’s why we’re challenging it in court,” said Earthjustice attorney Bradley Marshall.
The affirmation of Solar Choice’s dedication to their goal and their strong opposition to the utility backed proposal are timely given the start of the 2016 legislative session tomorrow, and the coalition remains confident that the voice of the people who want more solar in the Sunshine State will be heard.
“The Floridians for Solar Choice coalition is stronger today than ever before and we remain unwavering in our focus to open the solar market in the Sunshine State,” said Dr.Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “Yes, the utilities have more money, but their positions are on the wrong side of this issue. Deception and unethical manipulation of Florida’s voters will not win in the end. We trust the Supreme Court will see through the monopoly utilities’ chicanery and deny the false petition from ballot access.”
Below is the video of Floridians For Solar Choice Press Conference that took place on Jan. 11, 2016:
So, essentially the take-away from this post is that there is still more time ( 754-307-7451, jennifer@flsolarchoice.org). Floridians are not giving up the opportunity for bringing in Sunshine to our Sunshine state!
Gathered, written, photographed, & posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any suggestions, concerns, questions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Homepage: http://www.sunisthefuture.net
For more on solar energy topics, please feel free to check into links below:
Miracle on Pennsylvania Ave (photographed & photoblended by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Sunshine Coming Through (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
I could’t decide on which of the two images above (Miracle on Pennsylvania Ave or Sunshine Coming Through) to use for this post. Perhaps we should have you all, the readers, vote on it. Let me know via sunisthefuture@gmail.com
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
It’s great to be back after taking care of some family matter to report such terrific news! Thanks to one of our dear readers asking a very important question concerning the current status of our federal tax credit for installing solar.
For those of you who may need a bit of refresher on all the renewable energy & energy efficiency tax incentives throughout 50 states of USA, please click–>DSIRE. For U.S. Territories’ tax credit programs, please click U.S. Territories . For U.S. Federal tax credit programs, please click Federal . Just a few weeks ago, an extension of the U.S. ITC (Investment Tax Credit) seemed unlikely and solar businesses globally were getting ready to base their future business strategies on the tax credit stepping down to 10% on January 1, 2017, and expiring entirely for individuals. Just at this nick of time….I should have known since my first time viewing the Miracle On 34th Street….many miracles may take place here in USA….even in Washington, D.C….
On December 18, 2015, the U.S. Senate has passed an omnibus spending bill which includes extension of the 30% federal ITC for solar (PTC for wind). Under this extension, the ITC will stay at 30% through 2020, and then decline gradually for two years before falling to 10%. The legislation also allows for PV projects to claim the credit for the year in which they begin construction. This bill includes the lifting of a 40-year ban on oil exports (this 40-year ban came into existence during the time when U.S. was having shortage of oil so it is now graduating from being a poor policy to being an exceptionally poor policy because U.S. is now an exporter rather than an importer of oil). So the elimination of this 40-year ban with ITC extension for solar (PTC for wind) is truly a win-win for both oil producers and renewable/solar producers of USA alike. It has passed both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, with the final Senate vote being 65-33. This was the final vote needed before the bill will be signed by U.S. President Obama (who supports it).
In a SEIA/Bloomberg report, without the extension of ITC amounts to an additional 69 GW (gigawatts) of solar deployment between 2016 and 2022,
SEIA’s analysis of data using NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)’s JEDI (Jobs and Economic Development Impacts) model and BNEF (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)’s data covering the ITC (Investment Tax Credit)’s impact on jobs and economic investment between 2015-2022. (credit: SEIA, NREL, BNEF)
solar industry stands to lose 80,000 jobs (Solar jobs derived from NREL’s Jedi model represent demand-side jobs-years, not comparable to the Solar Foundation’s job census which accounts both demand and supply-side jobs and uses a different methodology. For more information please click: ) http://www.nrel.gov/analysis/jedi/ and http://www.thesolarfoundation.org/solar-jobs-census/ ) in 2017 and an additional 20,000 jobs in related affected industries, for a total loss of 100,000 American jobs. With the ITC extension, it would yield 61,000 more solar jobs in 2017 and 58,000 more jobs in 2021, etc. It is projected that the total solar investment in the US economy between 2016-2022 will be more than $124 billion, $39 billion more than if the ITC expires.
Truly, the ITC extension will provide solar businesses the regulatory certainty to invest in their operations and hire new employees. Who’d thought that it is a result of negotiating from lifting a 40-year ban on oil export?! Solar For Oil! It is truly a time of Miracle On Pennsylvania Avenue! The longer I am alive, the more I have to believe in Miracles….how can one not :)….
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, photographed & photoblended, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Just a quick reminder for you all, Solar Enthusiasts, that Solar Power International 2015 will be held on September 14-17, 2015 at Anaheim, CA, at Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA, at 800 W Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802, (714) 765-8950. This is an exciting time for solar industry in USA: 8 gigawatts of solar PV will be installed this year (2015), with California being in the forefront, having more installations than Australia, India, and Canada combined.
The above is the video of Rhone Resch, President & CEO of SEIA, inviting you all to attend the Solar Power International 2015. There will be more than 600 exhibitors from around the globe, 24 hours of networking, 100+ educational opportunities, hands on training labs, and solar strategy sessions for businesses. There will also be the Startup Alley at SPI2015. An example of a business/company in Startup Alley at Solar Power International 2015, below:
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Solar Power Advocacy Network (credit: Solar Power Advocacy Network)
(Please click on red links and note magenta)
Did you know that placing Solar on U.S. Schools’ Rooftops would help to reduce the same amount of carbon emissions every year as taking 100,000 cars off of our roads? According to a recent new report released by The Solar Foundation and SEIA, Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools, at least 450 school districts could save a million dollars with solar! Can you imagine what a million dollars could buy for your local schools: hiring more teachers, improving teachers’ salary, better classroom facility and updating school equipments.
So check out this report and ask your school administrators not to miss this amazing opportunity to save money and to help protect our environment….for the students of today and the generations of tomorrow!
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your questions/comments/suggestions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Cowdery Meadows Community Solar Garden at CO (credit: Clean Energy Collective)
Just received an email of SEIA’s press release from yesterday, to be shared with you all below:
Solar Energy Primed to Help U.S. Meet Future Energy Needs
May 27, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set to announce new air quality standards for coal and natural gas-fired power plants on Monday, June 2, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) today released a comprehensive report, “Cutting Carbon Emissions Under §111(d): The case for expanding solar energy in America.” The report offers a detailed, point-by- point case as to why states should take advantage of clean solar energy as part of their efforts to comply with §111(d) of the Clean Air Act. This year alone, solar is expected to generate enough electricity to effectively offset 13.8 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
This month’s release of the National Climate Assessment report clearly spells out the growing dangers of climate change to the U.S. economy and the environment. According to study after study, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – especially from existing power plants – is a critically important step in combating pollution. Once the new EPA emission standards are in place, each state will be required to create a compliance plan, which must be approved by federal regulators. Failure to do so could result in a more restrictive EPA-mandated plan.
“For many states struggling to reduce their carbon emissions, solar can be a real game changer,” said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. “We have a very simple message to state regulators: Do the math. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the 13 GW of solar currently installed in the United States generates enough pollution-free electricity to displace 14.2 billion pounds of coal or 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline. Put another way, it’s the equivalent of taking 2.7 million passenger cars off U.S. highways each year.
“Today, solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in the United States, employing 143,000 Americans and accounting for nearly 30 percent of all new electric generation capacity installed in 2013 – second only to natural gas,” Resch continued. “All totaled, solar is now generating enough clean, reliable and affordable electricity to effectively power nearly 2.5 million homes. We’re doing our part to help fight climate change, but we can do a lot more in the future – and that’s something we will be stressing to state regulators once the new carbon rules for power plants are announced.”
According to the report, which was prepared by SEIA staff in consultation with member companies, solar has already proven to be a key part of many states’ energy mix – as demonstrated on March 8 when solar provided a record 18 percent of California’s 22,700 megawatt (MW) demand.
“Solar energy is a solution technology that can provide a cost-effective, economically beneficial and integral part of a state’s effort to regulate carbon emissions from the electric sector,” the report states. “Solar energy’s rapidly falling prices and rapidly growing generating capacity, as well as the volatility of fossil fuel prices, give solar energy the potential to transform compliance with both new carbon emission requirements and other existing requirements under the Clean Air Act.”
The report goes on to note, “Historically, air pollution emission reduction from the electric sector has been achieved primarily through pollution control equipment at power plants. Today, the EPA and states recognize that the reduction of carbon emissions from the electric sector requires a new approach that treats the production and delivery of electric power as a broad system, in which power plant modifications, demand side reductions and renewable energy all contribute to emission reductions.
“Solar contributes to a balanced portfolio of energy resources, and can help achieve an optimal long-term strategy for each state’s economy and environment. By including solar energy as part of their §111(d) compliance plan, states can cost-effectively meet their Clean Air Act requirements while reaping a wide range of additional benefits.”
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About SEIA:
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
Dear Friends, Visitors/Viewers/Readers, (Please click on red links below),
Solar Energy Reduces Carbon Emissions (credit: SEIA, with Ethelbert Reinhard Carpio)
Sharing the 148-page National Climate Assessment (NCA) report that was released by a non-partisan committee of experts yesterday (May 7, 2014), warning us about the danger of climate change. The report concluded, “Although some additional climate change and related impacts are now unavoidable, the amount of future climate change and its consequences will still largely be determined by our choices, now and in the near future.” Seriously, we’ve all got to combine our efforts in combating pollution. This realization led me to begin Sun Is The Future in 2011, contributing my part to the picture of Solutions. I simply cannot think of any better form of energy than Solar Energy to resolve our earthly challenge of Pollution-Energy-National Security. U.S. solar industry has done its share in combating climate change and will continue to do so in the future.
According to SEIA:
Today, we’re generating enough clean, reliable electricity to power nearly 2.5 million homes. When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the 13 GW of solar currently installed in the United States generates enough pollution-free electricity to displace 14.2 billion pounds of coal or 1.5 billion gallons of gasoline. Put another way, it’s the equivalent of taking 2.7 million passenger cars off U.S. highways. That’s a huge plus for our increasingly-fragile environment.
Yes, Sun/Solar Is The Future and the sooner there are more of us coming to this realization the better chance we all have in combating our energy and pollution problem throughout our planet earth.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your comments/suggestions/questions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
New Report: U.S. Solar Market Grows 41%, Has Record Year in 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. AND BOSTON, MA – Continuing its explosive growth, the U.S. solar industry had a record-shattering year in 2013. According to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) Solar Market Insight Year in Review 2013, photovoltaic (PV) installations continued to proliferate, increasing 41% over 2012 to reach 4,751 megawatts (MW). In addition, 410 MW of concentrating solar power (CSP) came online. Solar was the second-largest source of new electricity generating capacity in the U.S., exceeded only by natural gas. Additionally, the cost to install solar fell throughout the year, ending the year 15 percent below the mark set at the end of 2012.
At the end of 2013 there were more than 440,000 operating solar electric systems in the U.S. totaling over 12,000 MW of PV and 918 MW of CSP.
FIGURE: New U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity, 2012 vs. 2013
Source: GTM Research, FERC
The U.S. installed 2,106 megawatts in the fourth quarter alone, 44 percent of the annual total. This makes Q4 2013 by far the largest quarter in the history of the U.S. market, exceeding the next largest quarter by 60 percent.
“Perhaps more important than the numbers,” writes Shayle Kann, Senior Vice President at GTM Research, “2013 offered the U.S. solar market the first real glimpse of its path toward mainstream status. The combination of rapid customer adoption, grassroots support for solar, improved financing terms, and public market successes displayed clear gains for solar in the eyes of both the general population and the investment community.”
FIGURE: U.S. PV Installations and Average System Price, 2000-2013
Source: GTM Research/SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2013 Year-in-Review
“Today, solar is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy in America, generating enough clean, reliable and affordable electricity to power more than 2.2 million homes – and we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of our industry’s enormous potential,” said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. “Last year alone, solar created tens of thousands of new American jobs and pumped tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy. In fact, more solar has been installed in the U.S. in the last 18 months than in the 30 years prior. That’s a remarkable record of achievement.”
California continues to lead the U.S. market and installed more than half of all U.S. solar in 2013. In fact, the state installed more solar last year than the entire United States did in 2011. Despite installing the second-most PV in 2013 with 421 megawatts, Arizona didn’t live up to its 2012 total of 710 megawatts. On the other side of the spectrum, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Georgia had major growth years, installing a combined 663 megawatts, more than doubling their combined total from the year before. On the whole, the top five states (California, Arizona, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and New Jersey) accounted for 81 percent of all U.S. PV installations in 2013.
FIGURE: US SOLAR INSTALLATION MAP
Source: GTM Research/SEIA U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2013 Year in Review
GTM Research and SEIA forecast another strong year in 2014 with 26% growth in the U.S. solar market. This will bring annual installations up to nearly 6 gigawatts and the cumulative total will be just shy of the twenty gigawatt milestone.
Report Key Findings:
The U.S. installed 4,751 MW of solar PV in 2013, up 41 percent over 2012 and nearly fifteen times the amount installed in 2008.
There is now a total of 12.1 GW of PV and 918 MW of CSP operating in the U.S
There were 140,000 individual solar installations in the U.S. in 2013, and a total of over 440,000 systems operating in total today.
Q4 2013 was by far the largest quarter ever for PV installations in the U.S. with 2,106 MW energized, up 60 percent over the next largest quarter (Q4 2012).
More solar has been installed in the U.S. in the last 18 months than in the 30 years prior.
The market value of all PV installations completed in 2013 was $13.7 billion.
Solar accounted for 29 percent of all new electricity generation capacity in 2013, up from 10% in 2012. This made solar the second-largest source of new generating capacity behind natural gas.
Weighted average PV system prices fell 15% in 2013, reaching a new low of $2.59/W in the fourth quarter.
We forecast 26 percent PV installation growth in 2014, with installations reaching nearly 6 GW. Growth will occur in all segments but will be most rapid in the residential market.
The U.S. installed 410 MW of concentrating solar (CSP) in 2013, increasing total CSP capacity in the U.S. more than 80%.
The wave of concentrating solar power installations slated for completion at the end of 2013 into 2014 kicked off with the 280 MWac Solana project and the Genesis Solar project’s initial 125 MWac phase. In early 2014, Brightsource’s iconic Ivanpah project also began operating and SolarReserve’s Crescent Dunes project began commissioning.
About U.S. Solar Market Insight:
The U.S. Solar Market Insight: Year-in-Review2013 report is the most detailed and timely research available on the continuing growth and opportunity in the U.S. The report includes deep analysis of solar markets, technologies and pricing, identifying the key metrics that will help solar decision-makers navigate the market’s current and forecasted trajectory.
About GTM Research:
GTM Research, a division of Greentech Media, provides critical and timely market analysis in the form of research reports, data services, advisory services and strategic consulting. GTM Research’s analysis also underpins Greentech Media’s webinars and live events. Our coverage spans the green energy industry including solar power, smart grid, energy storage, energy efficiency and wind power sectors. www.gtmresearch.com
About SEIA®:
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA and its 1,000 member companies are building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org
