The team at Solar Design Studio has been honored to work in partnership with the Westside Housing Organization through KCP&L Solar on the restoration of an historic property in Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhood. Too often, solar implementation is out of reach for those with low or moderate incomes, but partnerships like this one are bringing solar power to diverse communities that can benefit greatly as a result. For this particular project, their largest yet, the dedicated staff at Westside Housing Organization set their sights on rehabilitating a dilapidated, abandoned building at 8th and Woodland. The historic property is being turned into a mixed-use commercial and residential space, with retail, restaurant, or office space on the first floor and 10 residential units above. The building was purchased for a small sum from the Land Bank and benefits from donations and investment from several partners in its transformation, including the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and Neighborworks America. Affordable Housing MattersIn a recent conversation, Warren Adams-Leavitt, the Manager of Strategic Energy Initiatives for Westside Housing, noted that Kansas City is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis. As development in the Downtown and Crossroads areas has displaced low and moderate-income families, the city is still short 23,000 housing units. The resulting increases in rent prices have made it difficult for these tenants to find adequate, affordable housing. “It’s actually getting worse (for low and moderate-income tenants), Adams-Leavitt says, “because buildings that were affordable aren’t anymore, which puts pressure on housing prices and rents as a result.” This $1.3M project will increase the stock of safe, affordable housing in the Northeast neighborhood, transform a dilapidated building into a community asset, and support city initiatives around renewable, sustainable energy development. Solar Energy Makes a Major ImpactBecause the building required major renovation, it became feasible to include multiple solar roof-top units into the project design. A grant from the ISC is funding the installation of 83 panels, which will generate enough power to supply 100% of the residential tenant’s energy needs. “We asked Solar Design Studio to design a way to plug solar panels through an inverter into 4 residential meters,” Adams-Leavitt says, because “we believe strongly that solar energy ought to be available for everyone in Kansas City and wanted to figure out a way to deliver it to our low-income tenants.” The addition of solar panels to this particular project will have a big impact on the residents of the building, who will not have to add an electric bill to their list of monthly expenses. Adams-Leavitt notes that energy cost spikes in the summer and winter are especially hard on low and moderate-income tenants, who may not be able to respond as quickly to price fluctuations during high-demand months. The Westside Housing Organization hopes to include solar energy in all future housing projects to remove this burden from tenants and to make sustainable, renewable energy available to a wider group of Kansas Citians. Solar Design for EveryoneThe Solar Design Studio team has embraced this exciting renovation and enjoyed working with the partners involved to show that solar energy can power low and moderate-income housing and make an impact on the lives of diverse communities. The project is not without its challenges. As Adams-Leavitt noted, “This is a messier process because of the age (110 years) of the building. The solar aspect has to work alongside the larger redevelopment project and respond quickly to decisions about electrical service and structural engineering, among others.” As a result, the solar design and installation had to be flexible and able to evolve to support the project’s changing needs. Luckily, we love a challenge and look for opportunities to problem-solve with our clients to determine how best to incorporate solar technology into their construction or renovation plans. We strongly believe in the power of solar energy to create sustainable development and ease the burden of energy prices on tenants, homeowners, and commercial buildings alike. We’re proud to work with the Westside Housing Organizations and other partners on the project at 8th and Woodland, and look forward to seeing how it positively impacts the local community and further sustainable development. This project proves the value of solar installation in low and moderate-income housing and will hopefully become a template for more projects and even wider impact in the future. Contact the team at Solar Design Studio to discuss your solar projects needs! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=736692&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fsolar-project-partnership-powers-low-and-moderate-income-housing
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In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico and caused the longest blackout in U.S. history. The island’s long and difficult recovery has raised questions about the best ways to provide better infrastructure security in the parts of the world that are at the greatest risk due to climate change. Would Puerto Rico rebuild an outdated system based on coal and diesel fuel, or embrace the future by creating a utility grid that relies on renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power? Puerto Rico’s path was revealed a few days ago when the legislature approved a plan to generate 100% of its power from renewable sources by 2050. "While leaders across the country are talking about how to best innovate and integrate renewable energy into their economy, today we're proud to say we're actually doing it," Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said as he announced that he would sign the bill into law. Puerto Rico’s resolution is part of an emerging trend - the territory joins Hawaii, California, and New Mexico as the fourth U.S. state or territory to approve a clean energy mandate. Rebuilding for the FutureInside Climate News reports that “To get off fossil fuel imports and transition to renewables as it recovers from the hurricane, Puerto Rico will need to remake its electric grid.” As part of this transition, leaders are working with the Environmental Defense Fund to “develop renewable energy microgrids that would hasten the territory's clean energy transition.” The proliferation of solar-plus-storage technology has created opportunities to rebuild the islands power infrastructure in a more sustainable, resilient form. Microgrids are localized grid systems serving small communities, neighborhoods, or geographical areas by generating and storing power from renewable sources for immediate or future use. They have become popular in hard-to-reach areas and those that are prone to natural disasters, as they can often continue to provide power to their immediate area even when larger power grids go dark. By decentralizing power production and delivery, distributed generation systems like microgrids create greater energy security and independence. Adele Peters reports in Fast Company that several solar microgrids have already been installed at vulnerable locations across Puerto Rico, including health centers, schools, and water and fire stations. “All of this is a response to the ongoing crisis,” she notes, “But it also points to a more resilient future for the grid.” The National Resources Defense Council writes that “a bottom up network of distributed microgrids is starting to take shape across all of Puerto Rico. Each installation is a replicable model of renewable microgrids that will be placed at critical infrastructure across the island and provide resiliency when the next storm strikes.” A Secure, Resilient SystemEven Puerto Rico’s recently-privatized utility company, PREPA, now sees the advantages of distributed generation. As James Ellsmoor reports in Forbes, “the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has put forward a plan to radically reform electricity access on the Caribbean island.” A recent proposal outlines a pathway toward dividing the island into 8 regions, each with its own “mini-grid.” These grids would be interconnected but capable of sustaining their own region in the event of an outage elsewhere on the island. “Each mini-grid would be further broken down into smaller microgrids, which could function autonomously to service a small community,” Ellsmoor notes, and remote areas of the island that are not currently reachable via traditional infrastructure would have their own microgrids as well. This revolution of the traditional utility model offers hope that other utility companies may see the value of distributed generation systems. Puerto Rico’s new clean energy mandate reinforces the ability of state (or territory) level energy policies to pave the way for nationwide progress towards a renewable, secure energy future. The island’s growing use of microgrids makes them an example of the power and promise of distributed generation for the rest of the United States. Would you like to learn more about microgrids, distributed generation, or solar-plus-storage systems? Contact the experts at Solar Design Studio today! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=736553&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fpuerto-rico-s-microgrid-plans-exemplify-the-power-of-distributed-generation
As I write this, the U.S. Senate is teeing up for a vote later this month on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’ ambitious non-binding resolution to work towards a Green New Deal, which would confront climate change and social inequality through a coordinated effort to make alternative energy sources a pillar of our economy. The resolution, which has been in the news for weeks, has already succeeded in bringing national attention to the problem of climate change. Many 2020 presidential hopefuls are expressing their support, while other lawmakers condemn the proposal in increasingly dramatic and hyperbolic ways. Whether or not this iteration of the Green New Deal becomes legislative policy this year, it will no doubt impact our nation’s priorities for years to come. Former Vice President and climate change activist Al Gore, who has been struggling to convince Americans about the threat posed by a destabilizing climate for a decade, noted that “The Green New Deal resolution marks the beginning of a crucial dialogue on climate legislation in the U.S…. this proposal responds to the growing concern and demand for action.” We’ve heard a lot from politicians about the Green New Deal. Let’s take a moment to listen to what climate scientists and alternative energy industry insiders, those who have been at the forefront of the effort to make renewable energy an economic priority, are saying. Raising Public Awareness“The GND is an aspirational idea,” write environmental politics and affairs experts Nives Dolsak and Aseem Prakash, “it lacks policy coherence and a legislative roadmap. Yet, it has moved climate conversations from fretting about IPCC reports to topics that people can relate to. Its vocabulary is simple and accessible. Politicians may hate the GND or love it, but they cannot duck it.” For people who have understood the threat of climate change but struggled to move the needle of public perception, the Green New Deal is cause for celebration. Whether or not they agree with every aspect of its policy, they are relieved that it has finally broken through to a large audience in ways that scientists, filmmakers, and reporters have not. Asking Hard QuestionsFor Pacific Standard magazine, Francie Diep interviewed climate scientists about their reactions to the Green New Deal. Their responses raise several hard questions, both about the resolution and our national approach to stemming climate change as a whole. “Should the Green New Deal aim merely to ensure America doesn't emit any more greenhouse gases? Or should it shoot for America's energy to come from all renewable sources?” she asks, noting that “Some environmentalists object to nuclear energy and carbon capture technology, but renewables are less controversial.” One of the biggest questions the Green New Deal raises is “how much will this cost?” Diep writes that, when it comes to widespread alternative energy sources and energy storage, “The researchers I talked to believe these technology advances are all possible. It's just a question of how much we are willing to pay for this future.” Economists have released varying projections for the total cost of a Green New Deal, but pinning down the numbers is difficult. One underlying theme is that, while the costs of fighting climate change may be quite high, the costs of not addressing the problem are likely to be even higher. Encouraging State-Level ActionWhat alternative energy industry members and climate scientists all seem to agree on is that the national discussion of a major energy shift is important, but the state-level initiatives that are currently underway deserve equal attention. Recently, New Mexico announced its own “mini” Green New Deal, which calls for state utilities to be completely carbon-free by 2045, sets a 100% renewable energy goal, and includes money for retraining workers in industries that will be impacted, such as coal. For the third-largest producer of domestic crude oil, this is an enormous step forward into a renewable energy economy. New Mexico joins California and Hawaii in passing bills that will require 100% of energy to come from renewable sources in the future. Other states that have embarked upon Green New Deal-adjacent projects include New York, Illinois, and Michigan. Whether a national Green New Deal is imminent or not, the progress made at the state level is encouraging, as these states pave the way for larger progress. For GreenTechMedia, Adam Browning writes that “The Green New Deal is like cilantro, Hawaiian pizza, or peas in guacamole — it’s the kind of thing that, love or hate, everyone has an opinion about… But the fact is, most Americans find many of the goals of the Green New Deal appealing.” From the states to the halls of Congress, those voices are now being heard. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=736303&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fscience-industry-perspectives-on-the-green-new-deal The Green New Deal, a nonbinding resolution introduced by Senators Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ed Markey, has sparked a lot of discussion over the last several weeks. It is an ambitious plan to confront man-made climate change while also building an American economy that prioritizes renewable energy, innovation, and job creation. As such, it would have a tremendous impact on the solar energy industry (as well as other alternatives to fossil fuels) and the business community as a whole. As BusinessInsider notes, “this type of rhetoric is arguably ‘the first time that the US — or any major Western economy — has proposed a comprehensive 20-year plan for a green transition.’” The magnitude of what the Green New Deal proposes has raised concerns and objections from those who feel it is too ambitious. Indeed, “the plan would involve major changes to the US' infrastructure, electricity grids, and transportation systems to make them more sustainable and energy-efficient.” However, many professionals in the solar industry and larger business community acknowledge that these sweeping changes are necessary to fight climate change, and “Green New Deal supporters see the plan as a way to take on that enormous threat while stimulating the national economy at the same time.” How the Green New Deal Impacts BusinessA recent article in Harvard Business Review examines how the Green New Deal might impact businesses, and what they can do to prepare, adjust, and help in making this important effort successful. Written by two researchers who have studied the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy technologies, the piece acknowledges the costs of such a large undertaking and argues that “taking advantage of these early opportunities will not only help transform and protect vulnerable communities, it will also allow companies to secure new modes of revenue.” The authors propose two complementary ways for businesses to lead the way during this transition and create new opportunities at the same time. First, “Companies can help reduce the burdens of the energy transition by supporting economically sustainable low-carbon initiatives,” particularly in areas that are hardest-hit economically by the move away from coal. Creating new economic opportunities through investment in these communities “can help revive stagnating local economies and insulate them from the downsides of the transition.” In addition, “two new energy business models have evolved over the past decade that demonstrate possibilities for specifically targeting vulnerable populations.” These are subscription-based community solar projects and energy service companies (ESCOs). We’ve discussed community-based solar projects such as microgrids as a way to provide stable, efficient energy for small or large communities. Businesses that invest in these projects help pave the way for sustainable change while also serving communities that would otherwise suffer from disproportionate energy costs. “In ESCOs, firms help other companies design a plan for energy savings through energy efficiency, conservation, or by installing new renewable energy technologies on-site.” Both of these opportunities aid in the transition to a green economy and provide avenues for businesses to benefit while helping vulnerable populations. Solar Industry ImpactsThe solar industry in the U.S. is already booming, contributing technological innovation and creating a large share of new job opportunities. The Green New Deal would turbocharge the already fast-expanding solar sector. Pacific Standard reveals that “a 100 percent emissions cut” like the one proposed by the Green New Deal “might... create a net 6.8 million jobs” across renewable energy industries. Emerging opportunities in the solar industry would include education and professional development for new workers as well as the creation, manufacturing, design, installation, and maintenance of solar technologies. The Green New Deal represents a massive shift in the priorities of the American economy, but many experts believe it can (and must) be done. As Harvard Business Review notes, “If companies making positive inroads on climate protection flourish, then the communities where those companies are working have a real chance to thrive.” The solar industry and the business community as a whole must take advantage of these opportunities to help pave the way. At Solar Design Studio, we’re excited to be on the forefront of a changing, renewable economy. We work with business, industrial, and residential clients to build solar solutions that save money and mitigate environmental impacts. Contact us today to learn more! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=736104&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fbusiness-solar-and-the-green-new-deal
In our exploration of the “Green New Deal” and its impacts on the alternative energy industry, we examined how the environmental and economic components of the ambitious plan, proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, would greatly enhance efforts to slow climate change and create new green jobs. The idea has rallied many Democrats behind a federal environmental policy that has quickly become a litmus test for representatives and candidates, including those eyeing the presidency in 2020. It’s galvanizing for those of us who have worked for years in alternative energy technology, design, and implementation to hear politicians at the highest levels of government prioritizing our work, creating opportunities for broader discussions, and signalling their commitment to environmental action. However, many leaders at the state level have been working to implement policies similar to the Green New Deal over the past several years. Their efforts, and the results, are helping advance federal policy-making regarding the environmental and economic benefits of alternative energy. Let’s take a look at some of the state-level initiatives that give us hope for the success of a Green New Deal: New York Leaps ForwardIn New York state, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his own Green New Deal this January. As GreenTech Media reports, the plan aims “to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040, and ultimately eliminate the state’s carbon footprint.” An update to the state’s previous energy plans, it sets ambitious goals involving the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the nation’s largest public power organization. Progress in New York foreshadows how both public and private utilities must cooperate with lawmakers and the alternative energy industry in order to achieve these new goals. NYPA has announced its plans to invest in large-scale renewable energy with “a 20-year power-purchase agreement for 290 megawatts of wind” that will create an estimated “140 construction jobs, 300 indirect positions and around $2.5 million a year in tax payments.” Offshore wind energy is on the agenda as well, with the deployment of data collection technology in the near future informing decisions about placement and design. In alignment with Cuomo’s Green New Deal for New York state, Con Edison has announced its plans for a $484 million rate-based investment in energy infrastructure, including charging ports for electric vehicles and energy storage installations. That utility companies, which have fought energy progress for decades, are getting involved as a result of state-level policies is a sign that real forward motion is being made. California Sets an ExampleOn the west coast, California’s new Governor Gavin Newsom is continuing the work of his predecessor to meet climate goals that include eliminating carbon emissions by 2045. Long a stronghold for progressive environmental policy, California’s example now includes eliminating some tax revenue sharing for municipalities that contribute to suburban sprawl instead of increasing density of housing in areas with public transportation options. Grist reports that Newsom also plans to reinstate the Healthy Soils Initiative, which includes soil conservation practices and “techniques to get farmland to soak up carbon from the air.” They note that the Governor will need the cooperation of state legislators to turn these ideas into policy, but that his priorities will shape the upcoming legislative session. California’s example shows that we need passionate leaders like Newsom to continually demand progress if ambitious proposals like the Green New Deal are to be successful. Other States Join the MovementWhile states like New York and California have long been on the front lines of progressive climate policy, they aren’t alone. The New York Times writes that “midterm elections in the fall brought in a new wave of governors who are now setting climate goals for their states and laying out more ambitious plans to cut emissions and expand low-carbon energy” in states like Michigan, Illinois, and New Mexico. “By advancing technologies like wind, solar or electric vehicles,” these states “pave the way for more ambitious federal action.” State-level initiatives across the country include requiring utilities to use and invest in more renewable power sources, lowering or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions, and creating carbon pricing markets. As the national conversation around environmental and economic policy evolves, educators and activists are focusing on the states to create progress and build support for new federal policy. From New York to California and everywhere in between, state-level policies are giving us a taste of what a national Green New Deal could mean. At Solar Design Studio, we’re excited to be part of the conversation. If you have your own renewable energy goals for your home or business, reach out to us today to learn more about how we can work together to achieve them. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=735890&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fstate-level-energy-initiatives-are-helping-advance-the-green-new-deal We’ve begun 2019 with the signs of climate change all around us - from a searing heatwave in Australia to the polar vortex recently unleashed across the Midwestern United States. As record-breaking events like these fail to convince some of our political figures that the threat of man-made climate change exists, many advocacy groups are pushing for sweeping governmental and regulatory action to confront it and mitigate future damages. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made headlines by proposing a “Green New Deal” that would make climate change a priority for our government, set new goals and standards for energy production, and address pervasive economic issues as well. Predictably, a chorus of naysayers has emerged to call the plan unfeasible and even unnecessary. However, many politicians and renewable energy advocates support the idea. Let’s examine what this Green New Deal is shaping up to mean and how it could change the energy landscape in the United States. Green New Deal: Environmental GoalsOcasio-Cortez’s website contains a draft resolution that outlines a number of the goals that would be prioritized under the Green New Deal. Within a 10-year window from the adoption of the resolution, goals include “meeting 100% of national power demand through renewable sources,” “building a national, energy-efficient, ‘smart’ grid,” and “upgrading every residential and industrial building for state-of-the-art energy efficiency, comfort and safety.” The Green New Deal also calls for the elimination of greenhouse gas production in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. These are very ambitious goals, but they reflect the passion and commitment of an ever-growing coalition that acknowledges the threat of climate change and is working to address it in meaningful, systematic ways. As Axios notes, groups that have rallied behind the Green New Deal include “the Center for Biological Diversity, the Climate Justice Alliance, the Indigenous Environmental Network, Food & Water Watch, Oil Change USA and more,” ultimately numbering in the hundreds of national and local organizations. Additionally, a number of high-profile Democratic politicians (many of them 2020 presidential hopefuls), including Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, Julián Castro, and Beto O’Rourke, have expressed support for the idea of “a Green New Deal.” Ocasio-Cortez writes that her Green New Deal includes “making ‘green’ technology, industry, expertise, products and services a major export of the United States, with the aim of becoming the undisputed international leader in helping other countries transition to completely greenhouse gas neutral economies and bringing about a global Green New Deal.” Ambitious? Yes. Important and inspiring? Absolutely. Green New Deal: Economic ImpactAlongside the environmental goals set forth in the Green New Deal is a plan that would help the emerging alternative energy industry continue to drive job growth, embrace innovation, and ultimately address systemic economic inequality by creating opportunities for those who want to work in the green economy. This would include education and job training programs to prepare a new workforce for careers in alternative energy technology development, implementation, and maintenance. In short, just as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal both provided opportunity for impoverished American workers and accomplished massive infrastructure and public works projects, the Green New Deal aims to mobilize today’s workforce towards achieving economic and environmental stability and sustainability. An Alternative Energy EconomyHow might this set of policies, if implemented, impact the alternative energy industry? A short series recently published by Greentech Media notes that “with limited exceptions, clean energy advocates are enthusiastic” about the Green New Deal. “A Green New Deal must fundamentally transform the electric grid into a platform for innovation and allow new business models to flourish,” notes energy storage expert Daniel Finn-Foley, who also states that “a national (renewable portfolio standard) may be the only politically feasible way to transition the entire economy to clean energy.” The Green New Deal would not only allow the alternative energy industry to continue its record of driving job growth and technological development, it would place it at the center of a national project that could reshape our society and the world around us for centuries to come. The responsibility would be immense, but then so are the challenges that we are facing as a result of decades of reliance on coal and oil for energy. There are many, many unknowns surrounding the idea of a Green New Deal, but it is vital that we seek wide-ranging solutions to the problem of man-made global warming. The alternative energy industry is adaptable, scalable, and eager to prove its worth on a national scale. It may take years before we see a policy like the Green New Deal implemented, but the conversation it has created is already bringing awareness to the power of green technologies to impact our future for the better. At Solar Design Studio, we’re proud to be part of that conversation. Contact us today to learn more.
from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=735716&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fwhat-is-the-green-new-deal-environmental-social-economic-impacts Solar-plus-storage, or the pairing of solar panels with batteries to store excess energy for future use, was a big topic in 2018. Many industry analysts predicted that the energy storage market in the United States would triple, and despite a few obstacles, it was a record-breaking year for new solar-plus-storage deployments. This trend is expected to continue in 2019 and beyond as energy storage becomes a vital component of consumer and utility solar installations. There are now 5 states with publicized energy storage targets. Their efforts, along with growing adoption of solar-plus-storage systems by utility companies, will continue to highlight the security and stability benefits of energy storage. Let’s take a look at what the year ahead may hold for the solar-plus-storage market. Prices Decline as Technology AdvancesFor consumers who are interested in achieving greater energy independence and security, there has never been a better time to invest in energy storage. Prices continue to decline as storage technology advances, and major battery suppliers such as Tesla and SunRun are creating more efficient and effective products. As Energy Storage News notes, “from residential to commercial to utility-scale, vendors and developers are ‘pitching pre-designed solar-plus-storage [solutions] with increasingly competitive prices compared to standalone solar.’” Why should solar adopters embrace solar-plus-storage? Consumers seeking to cut the cord from utility companies, use more of their own energy, or even sell stored energy back onto the grid find that today’s battery systems add tremendous value to their solar installations. In addition, stored solar energy can allow residential and commercial energy producers to avoid peak demand charges and greatly increase their energy savings. Utilities Come On BoardThe cost of producing and storing solar energy dropped low enough in 2018 to compete favorably with natural gas-generated power, awakening utility companies to the fact that alternative energy sources can be good business for them, too. CleanTechnica reveals that “energy storage is now becoming more integrated into resource plans,” at the utility level. UtilityDive forecasts that “as more utilities incorporate storage into their systems, it will change the way utilities think about how much intermittent renewable resources their systems can integrate, particularly in regions that are expecting substantial amounts of retirements of older resources, such as coal and nuclear power plants.” The buy-in of utility companies will have a major effect on the energy storage market, enabling even more rapid growth and innovation and resulting in even better technology and lower prices for all solar-plus-storage consumers. A Powerful Case StudyOne great example of the potential impacts of solar-plus-storage adoption is underway in Kaua’i, Hawaii. PV Magazine writes “those who cast doubt on the ability of renewable energy to supply the demands of our civilization” like to say that “the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow all the time.” But, “As it turns out, they don’t have to. Because with batteries, photovoltaics can supply electricity after sundown. And this is not theory; it is being done.” The proof? The world’s largest solar-plus-storage “peaker” - which means that “it will meet peak demand typically served by the use of natural gas-fired power plants.” The Lāwa’i Solar and Energy Storage plant will provide for 11% of the island’s energy needs, replacing 3.7 million gallons of diesel fuel each year and bringing Kaua’i’s total solar contribution to 34%. In addition, it is capable of “black-starting” the island’s grid in the event of a system outage or natural disaster. How much does it cost? Just 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. This example is proof that solar-plus-storage installations will continue to make a major impact, from consumers to utility companies and back, by providing more efficient, more reliable, and less expensive power. At Solar Design Studio, we’re always happy to help clients include battery storage in their solar plans. If solar-plus-storage is part of your plan for 2019, contact us today! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=735532&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fsolar-plus-storage-another-big-year-ahead-for-energy-storage As we enter the New Year, it’s important to look back over the struggles and successes of the previous year. And what a year it was for the solar industry! Despite a few major challenges, the U.S. solar sector stayed strong and made significant progress. Much of that forward motion is due to continually increasing public support for alternative energy technology and environmental stewardship. Let’s take a look back at what U.S. solar accomplished in 2018: Greater Public Awareness of Climate ChangeDue to a number of high profile natural disasters, including Hurricanes Michael and Florence and the Camp and Carr wildfires in California, the threat posed by climate change was a prominent part of our national discourse. While our government struggles to take meaningful action, consumers have begun to vote with their dollars, making it clear that they believe clean energy sources are vital to our future. As a result, the solar market is growing in geographic areas of the country that have previously been challenging to reach. California still leads the nation in solar adoption, but Florida and Texas have emerged as major markets as well. Fast Company recently reported on a program called DeepSolar, which used AI to scan satellite images and tally the number of panels in the United States. It found “1.47 million rooftop solar systems or larger solar plants in 48 states,” a much greater figure than previously reported. Domestic Solar Manufacturing on the RiseThe tariffs imposed by the Trump administration did encourage domestic solar manufacturers. As PV Magazine reports, “3.9 GW of new module manufacturing capacity... is currently underway in five new factories, as well as a few hundred megawatts more in several smaller factories” across the country. They note that while tariffs were a motivating factor, plans for many of these factories were underway before that decision complicated the U.S. solar market. While domestic solar module manufacturing is increasing, it is unclear how profitable it will be in the future as the Section 201 tariffs continue their yearly decline. Nevertheless, consumers who wish to purchase American-made solar modules despite the additional expense now have greater options to choose from. Solar + Storage Continues to Gain TractionAs we predicted this time last year, Solar + Storage systems were a major source of growth in 2018. The residential energy storage market grew 9x in the first quarter of the year and 10x in Q2, spurred in part by initiatives in states such as California and Hawaii. The outlook is so strong that Tesla’s Elon Musk predicted “300-400% of ‘mad growth’ in energy storage in 2019.” A report released by Energy Sage early in 2018 found that “74% of customers shopping for solar on their online solar marketplace were considering energy storage,” indicating that consumers who are educated about battery options consider them a natural extension of their interest in adopting solar power. The outlook for battery storage is strong going into 2019. Solar Prices Still FallingPerhaps the best news for solar consumers is that, despite the ups and downs of the past year, solar panel and battery options continue to increase and prices continue to fall. PV Magazine writes that “Solar power electricity generation pricing is the cheapest electricity you can get every single day at 12 noon in many places across the United States.” Because of this, even utility companies are coming around to embracing solar energy as part of their plans for the future, especially those who are mandated to buy power from the cheapest source. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) notes that “higher-voltage inverter designs, lower inverter prices, and higher module efficiencies contributed to cost reductions” in 2018, despite reasonable fears that solar tariffs would drive up prices. For residential and commercial consumers (and even utility companies, it seems) the choice is clear - solar power is the cheapest and most reliable way to mitigate our negative impact on our environment and save money on energy bills. The Future is SolarAfter a sometimes tumultuous year, it’s satisfying to see that the U.S. solar industry is still going strong. At Solar Design Studio, so is our commitment to helping consumers source, design, and install the most efficient and effective solar installations possible. We know that solar power is the future of energy production and we’re grateful to clients past, present, and future for joining us there. Contact us today to begin your solar journey in 2019! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=735349&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fu-s-solar-2018-a-year-end-review The announcement of new 30% tariffs on imported solar panels in January, one of the early salvos in a trade war between the U.S. and China that has dominated headlines for the past year, put the solar industry on edge. Many solar professionals feared that our livelihoods, as well as the rapid momentum that solar power had gained over the past decade, would be jeopardized. As we wrote at the time, panel tariffs would have an economic chilling effect on one of the U.S.’ most promising industries, which has been a force for new job creation and a major contributor to the national economy. GTM Research wrote that these tariffs “could devastate the U.S. industry, wiping out two-thirds of solar systems forecast to be installed over the next five years.” The experts weren’t wrong - tariffs did delay or destroy a significant amount of solar projects in 2018, setting back clean energy goals and reducing the solar industry’s ability to contribute to economic growth. However, due to the strength of the solar industry and continually growing consumer support for clean energy adoption, the tariffs have not been as devastating as many predicted. Let’s take a look at why: Solar Panel Prices Continue to Trend DownwardSolar tariffs negatively impacted many utility-scale solar projects in 2018 and caused a contraction in the solar market overall, but despite additional fees, solar panel prices are now lower than ever. How? Several unforeseen (and unpredictable) circumstances have worked in the industry’s favor. As Quartz reports, “Federal tax credits, state renewable energy goals, and plunging prices for equipment from China have driven healthy demand despite the import duties,” leading to optimism and momentum for the solar market in 2019. In late May, Chinese authorities announced they were “removing domestic feed-in tariffs (favorable long-term contracts for renewable energy producers) and moving utility-scale solar to competitive bidding.” As a result of this competition between rival manufacturers, PV panel prices dropped to their lowest level ever. This was great news for solar professionals and consumers, as it had a leveling effect on the price increase imposed through trade tariffs. If the tariffs had not gone into effect, however, consumers would see even lower prices today and the solar industry would have been spared a lot of panic and delayed or canceled projects. Panel Options Continue to IncreaseAnother mitigating factor for solar consumers has been the continually expanding options they have when implementing solar collection and storage technology. Many new products, including building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels, have taken the market by storm over the past year, increasing the design and functionality options for commercial and residential solar adopters. American-made solar panel options are increasing as well, although the tariffs did not achieve their stated goal of leveling competition between foreign and domestic photovoltaic producers. Consumers Want More Solar PowerPerhaps the greatest strength of the solar industry, and the primary reason it has weathered these tariffs as well as it has, is the growing consumer demand for solar power. Corporate adoption of solar power shows no signs of slowing, and although residential consumers were spooked by potentially higher prices related to the tariffs, the cultural consensus is firmly in favor of renewable energy growth. Despite the obstacles of the past year, the solar industry continues to win over the hearts and minds of Americans who understand how important alternative energy sources are to the future of our economy and our climate. We aren’t out of the woods yet, however. Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that nearly half the economists they polled consider the ongoing trade war between the US and China “the biggest threat to the U.S. economy in 2019.” Despite this threat, the solar industry has remained strong and anticipates further growth. Solar Design Studio remains committed to providing solar solutions with the greatest possible return on investment for our clients. If you’re ready to start a solar project of your own, contact us today to learn more. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=735158&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fu-s-solar-industry-stays-strong-despite-tariffs-on-imported-panels Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels are the latest innovation to hit the solar market, increasing the design and installation options for residential and commercial solar consumers seeking to achieve their energy goals. Unlike “traditional” solar installations, in which panels are mounted on frames on top of or nearby the building they provide power to, building-integrated panels blend seamlessly with other construction materials as part of the structure itself. Whether you are building a new home or commercial facility or retrofitting an existing structure, BIPV offers several exciting design possibilities. We’re going to focus on the impact this new technology is having on solar design and aesthetics but first should note that integrated solar panels can also be more efficient and less expensive than traditional solar installations. The constant innovation in the solar sector has led to new technologies that are lighter, more durable, and more effective than ever before. Combining Form & FunctionAlmost every major solar manufacturer has now released a line of building-integrated photovoltaic panels, each with its own unique design elements, technical specifications, and capabilities. Some directly mimic roof tiles, like Tesla’s Solar Roof array including “active” (solar collecting) and “inactive” tiles. Others, such as MiaSolé’s flexible solar modules, are flexible and can be fitted onto curved structures or incorporated into framing materials. Some are so thin and transparent that they can be applied to windows or skylights and capture energy without blocking sunlight. What every BIPV panel has in common is the integration of form and function. As SEIA notes, “they serve as both the outer layer of a structure and generate electricity for on-site use or export to the grid.” This dual function means that BIPV can “provide savings in materials and electricity costs, reduce pollution, and add to the architectural appeal of a building” while also reducing the incremental cost of solar technology for consumers. Like any solar panels, they also have an immediate impact on the energy costs of the building they’re a part of. Solar Design: Blend In or Stand Out?As a design element, building-integrated photovoltaics offer several new possibilities. The biggest impact they are having on solar design is their ability to seamlessly blend into new or pre-existing structures. Now, the first question solar consumers need to ask is whether they want their panels to blend in or stand out? While BIPV systems can be completely invisible due to their ability to blend in with (or replace) other construction materials, they can also be used to advertise the owner’s green credentials in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. As SolarProfessional writes, “BIPV has become one of the most powerful visual manifestations of green design… Innovative architects are now adding BIPV to their design pallet and the creative process.” For instance, during renovations of the Bell Labs facilities in New Jersey, architects decided to feature a largest-of-its-kind photovoltaic skylight as a way to publicize the company’s dedication to renewable energy sources. As consumers become increasingly attracted to companies that prioritize green practices, it’s not a bad idea to put your solar installation front and center. On the other hand, home or building owners in areas with historic designations or picky homeowners associations can use BIPV technology to experience the benefits of solar energy without making drastic alterations to the appearance of their structure. The unobtrusive (or even invisible) visual beauty of these new product lines allows them to be implemented almost anywhere. Perhaps most importantly, aesthetic concerns are no longer a barrier to entry for those who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact. Beyond Traditional Solar DesignAnother exciting element of building-integrated solar panels is the ability to put them almost anywhere the sun will shine. While most traditional solar installations are on top of buildings (where they get the most direct light), BIPV technology can be used on the sides of structures, integrated into windows, and even incorporated into solar greenhouses, carports (such as this carport we recently created for a client), or shade structures. At Solar Design Studio, we’re excited by the new design possibilities this technology creates for our residential and commercial consumers. If you’d like to learn more about BIPV technology or begin planning a solar project of your own, contact us today! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=734924&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fintegrated-pv-panels-create-new-solar-design-possibilities |
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