The First Quarter of 2013 Shows Brilliant Growth in U.S. Solar Installations

June 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The steady growth of solar energy installation continues in a steep trajectory, as shown in a first-quarter report for U.S. solar.  In the first three months of 2013, 723 megawatts of new solar capacity were installed.  This number represents a 33% increase over the first quarter of 2012, which was a huge year for solar.  Of the new electrical generating capacity installed in the first quarter in the U.S., 48% was solar energy.solar panels

Largely because of the increase in distributed or “behind the meter” installations, solar is quickly becoming a significant part of the energy picture in the U.S.

The following facts and statistics show that solar’s time has arrived in the U.S.:

 

·         From 2010 to 2012 alone, there was a 670% increase in utility solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.

·         In 2012, 1,769 megawatts (MW) of utility PV was connected to the grid; this amount comes to 59% more than all prior years’ cumulative total.  There was substantial growth in residential and business solar installations, but the amounts were still far behind growth in the utility market.

·         Total cumulative operating solar PV capacity in the U.S. is now 7,962 MW.

·         There has been steady incremental quarterly growth in residential solar installation.  For example, Q1 2013 grew 53% over Q1 2012 and 11% over Q4 2012.

·         A slow demand for the non-residential market is apparent, since the market shrank 20% quarterly and annually.

·         Twenty-four utility PV projects were completed in this year’s first quarter; year-over-year the utility market has more than doubled.

·         From the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2013, prices of residential PV systems fell 15.8% from $5.86 per watt installed to $4.93 per W; and, on average, non-residential system prices fell below $4.00 per W.  Installed prices dropped by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter.

·         In most major residential markets for solar, prices came down, including in New Jersey, California, and Arizona.  At this time it isn’t unusual for final installed prices to be in the range of $4 per W.

·         Solar PV, which directly converts sunlight into electricity, continues to be the largest area of U.S. solar market growth.solar panels

·         The residential solar market has grown steadily and incrementally with no market volatility or seasonality showing up on a national basis.  In 12 of the past 13 quarters, the residential market has seen quarterly growth ranging from 4% to 21%, and the first quarter of 2013 is in the middle of that range.

·         The top three notable residential growth markets for Q1 2013 as compared with Q4 2012 are:  California, up 39%; Hawaii, up 2%; and New Jersey, up 11%.

·         The utility market is difficult to measure; it is dependent on individual project timelines and is basically too volatile.  While utility installations were down in Q1 2013 as compared with Q4 2012, they were up 130% as compared with Q1 2012.

·         For non-residential systems, prices dropped from $4.64 per W to $3.92 per W, which is a 15.6% decrease year-over-year.  Quarter-over-quarter, installed prices dropped by 8.1%.  In Texas, non-residential systems went from a cost of $6.36 per W to $3.23 per W, while installed prices in Massachusetts and New Jersey stayed flat.

Whatever else may be happening in the U.S. economy, the forecast for solar is bright and sunny.

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5 Common Misconceptions about Solar Energy Related to Costs and Expenses

May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment

solar energyNow is a great time to take a fresh look at solar energy, for anyone who has doubts about related costs and expenses.  There has been a huge movement toward solar in recent years; and, as a result, solar installation has become more and more affordable. Once various myths and misconceptions about solar are dispelled, it becomes as clear as a sunny, cloudless day that solar is an investment worth making. The following are some common misconceptions about solar related to expenses and costs:

Misconception #1 – Solar PV Systems are too Inconsistent to Cut Energy Costs

As long as they are properly installed, solar electric systems can actually be more dependable than utility companies.  Off-grid systems are immune to power outages; and there are no moving parts on solar systems, which makes them very reliable.  Today’s solar technologies are so dependable, in fact, that many critical systems are powered by the sun, including railroad crossing signals, navigational buoys, and aircraft warning lights.

The efficiency of a solar system can, however, be negatively impacted; for example:

  • Shade from dense foliage, leaves, dust, and other debris can cause significant energy loss; regular maintenance can prevent these situations from becoming an issue.
  • Solar panels can become damaged when excessively stressed by hail, snow, and even high winds.
  • Over the years, expansion and contraction of the metal in solar panels caused by extreme swings in weather temperatures can cause connectors to break.

Misconception #2 – Solar Power is Inefficient

Since the 1970s, solar panel efficiency has quadrupled, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Technology is continually advancing the efficiency of solar products.  At this time, the majority of solar panels convert approximately 15% of the sun’s energy into electricity, which is about the same efficiency range as the gasoline in a car.

Certain kinds of experimental solar PV panels used for large-scale solar power generation have proven to convert as much as 40% of the sun’s power into electricity.  Researchers are relentlessly seeking to improve solar efficiency, and there is continual progress.

Misconception #3 – If they’re even Available Where I Live, Taking Advantage of Rebates and Financial Incentives is Probably Too Complicated

Solar PV System

The cost of Solar PV Sysemts have dropped making it an affordable energy option for most homeowners.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy shows that 48 states offer solar energy incentives.  In addition to that, a 30% federal tax credit is available.  It is not difficult to apply for the various rebates and incentives designed to encourage homeowners and businesses to go solar.  In fact, in most areas, there are environmental groups who devote themselves to the task of helping people go through all of the steps to qualify for assistance.  The more homeowners learn about available incentives, the more they agree that it makes the most sense to invest in solar energy.

Misconception #4 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems are Too Expensive

The cost of solar energy installations is more affordable than ever before.  No matter what state you live in, a minimum of 30% is covered by federal incentives; and with state and local rebates and incentives which could be available where you live, as much as 85% of the solar system’s cost could be covered.  The cost per installed watt of solar electricity has reached an all-time low of $4.00 to $5.50 for basic roof-mounted systems depending on specific site circumstances.

Misconception #5 – If I Move, I’ll Never See a Return on an Investment in a Solar System

The value of your home is increased when you have a solar PV system.  According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for every $1,000 saved in annual electricity costs, the value of the home increases by $20,000.

Contact any of our NASS stores with your questions about solar power.  We are among those who like to help homeowners and businesses take advantage of available incentives to install a solar system.

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5 Common Misconceptions about Solar Energy Related to Weather and Equipment

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Solar EnergyAll the folks at North American Solar Stores (NASS) know first-hand the many benefits of solar.  From Springdale, Arkansas, to White River Junction, Vermont, and all NASS locations in between, we know that solar power is affordable, saves money on energy costs, and makes a huge contribution to a cleaner world.  In our Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, and other NASS stores, we frequently encounter consumers who have a lot of wrong ideas about solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.  The more facts homeowners and business owners know about solar, the more they share our excitement about the greenest source of energy there is.  The following are some common weather and equipment-related misconceptions about solar that we frequently help to dispel:

Misconception #1:  Solar PV Panels Aren’t Effective in Harsh Winter Climates. 

Solar panels, in fact, work very well in cold climates, including in snowy weather.  The effectiveness of the PV system can be hindered if too much snow covers the panels, but it’s usually easy to remove the snow buildup with a squeegee.  (Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and removing debris from the solar system.)  The dark solar panels help speed the snow melting process, particularly when the panels face south.  Tests have shown that snow sometimes helps to increase the amount of electricity generated by solar systems, in a way comparable to snow skiers getting sunburned on bright winter days.  Solar panels conduct electricity best in cold weather.

Misconception #2:  Solar PV Panels Aren’t Effective in Cloudy Environments. 

For solar PV systems to work effectively, UV light is all that’s required.  Even the cloudiest places on earth have proven to be excellent for producing solar power.  In fact, Germany ranks low on the number of sunny days they have every year, and Germany is the world’s solar energy capital.

Misconception #3:  Solar PV Panels Aren’t Effective Without Southern Roof Exposure. 

While south-facing solar panels are typically the most efficient, solar systems with east-west roof exposure are also effective.  Ground-mounted systems are another workable option; all that is needed is an unshaded area that is relatively flat.

Misconception #4:  Solar PV Panels Require Extensive Maintenance. 

Once a solar PV system is installed, maintenance and cleaning are rarely required; and there are no moving parts.  The average warranty on a solar system is 25 years, which is proof in itself that solar systems are incredibly durable.  We recommend that the panels be inspected several times a year, to look for debris or dirt that may have collected on them.  You can also schedule professional solar panel cleaners to periodically clean your solar panels.Small Solar Panels

Misconception #5:  Solar PV Panels are Large, Bulky, and Unattractive.

Technological advancements in solar have contributed to the overall effectiveness of solar PV panels and to their appearance.  Solar shingles are even available.  Solar panels can be combined with roofing materials such as metal, asphalt, slate, and fiber-cement and look aesthetically pleasing.

Check back on our website for five solar misconceptions that involve costs, expenses, and efficiency of solar PV systems.  Contact any of our NASS stores with questions about the benefits of solar power or for solar installation.

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The Solar Energy Industry Shines in New Report

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Solar Energy GrowthIt’s been a great few years for the solar energy industry, and the good news keeps on coming. According to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Energy Infrastructure Update, solar energy has accounted for all new utility electricity generation capacity added to the U.S. grid in March. In just the month of March 2013, more than 44 megawatts of new solar electric capacity was introduced from a total of seven projects across the U.S.

For the first quarter of 2013, solar energy added 537 megawatts of installed capacity which is up from 264 megawatts of installed capacity in the first quarter of 2012. Even better, coal, nuclear power, and oil did not provide any new generating capacity so far this year. In total, 1,886 megawatts of new domestic electrical generating capacity was installed in the first quart of this year, and 82% of it was from renewable energy sources. Solar accounted for 28% of all new installed generating capacity, giving the solar energy industry a glimmer of excitement.

There have been great strides in the solar energy industry since 2008 in both the affordability of solar energy systems and in new initiatives and legislations which help make solar a great choice for many residents and businesses. The amount of solar energy powering U.S. homes and businesses has grown by over 600% in the past 5 years, and the new FERC update suggests that solar can grow to be the nation’s largest new source of energy over the course of the next four years.

In just the past year alone, the U.S. solar market grew by 76% according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Solar InstallationsNew research from Stanford University also suggests that the amount of energy produced by solar power around the world has finally surpassed the energy required to make more solar power modules. Due to better design and manufacturing methods, less energy is required to produce and install solar PV systems and residents and business owners are getting more energy efficiency from their solar energy systems, making solar a viable and affordable energy option.

Because of the nation’s desire to address climate change, the inefficient cost of traditional energy for our residents, and state and federal initiatives and incentives for utilizing renewable energy sources, the solar industry has grown by leaps and bounds. It’s not hard to foresee that clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass will provide the bulk of U.S’s electrical needs in the next decade.

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