Grid Status’ Post

First we had hydro, white gold. California's big economic boom resource for industrialization Then oil, black gold. Texas's big economic resource And now it's a race for solar, the new yellow gold Finally, a valuable commodity energy resource that is colored like actual gold!

🚨 BREAKING: Homes in the countryside are leading the way on solar power generation, according to our latest research. ⚡ But opportunities to generate cheap, low-carbon electricity are still being missed. With the right financial incentives in place, we can boost solar energy generation across the country. Read our new research: https://lnkd.in/eXeTMvZp

THANKS once again to Dan Gearino for helping all of us get smarter re the energy transition we are all in........regardless. #energytransition This Number Helps Explain Why Rooftop Solar Is Becoming More Attractive in Many States WE LOOK AT STATE ELECTRICITY RATES, THE “15-CENT RULE,” AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOLAR. https://lnkd.in/gm-FdDYZ.

The upfront cost of solar & battery continues to decline.   And it’s been the cheapest form of energy production for some time now.   What’s even better is that the average payback period has now fallen with rates going up by 40%, we’re likely to see returns around 2-3 years for solar and 5 to 7 for solar & batteries.   What we’re seeing at @Energis is more and more commercial businesses making the switch to solar and some with solar now turning to batteries.   #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergisSolar   https://lnkd.in/dfdhaUgQ

Rooftop solar is on the rise in the US, but our low energy rates makes the uptick slow. People in the solar business and energy analysts have developed the "15-cent rule"—a tipping point when rates hit 15 cents per kWh and it's financially wise to go solar. In 2022, 16 states crossed this threshold, and more are joining. As that number continues to increase, year over year, solar provides stability for those tired of increasing rates. Vote Solar's Regulatory Director for the Midwest, Will Kenworthy, provided his two cents in the story. Take a deeper dive below 👇

“Stifling a rooftop solar market that’s delivered nearly half of the state’s total solar generation capacity to date may well undermine the state’s progress on its climate goals. California’s scoping plan, the state’s official blueprint for hitting its carbon-reduction mandates, calls for 29 gigawatts of small-scale solar capacity by 2045 — nearly double the current level of about 16.6 gigawatts. It may be unwise to rely too heavily on current market trends to predict whether California’s rooftop solar policies are positioning it to hit that target — but a growing number of energy experts worry that those policies are setting the state on the wrong course.” https://lnkd.in/gVvbphMr

See you next spring, solar generation. Some interesting stats on solar for Germany for the last 5 years: - The generation of the best-performing month is between 8 to 12 times the worst-performing month. - The months of November, December, and January have a combined generation of 5 to 7% of the total yearly generation. - The best-performing month gets 14 to 15% of the total yearly generation. I discussed a few times the impact of solar on market prices (for example here https://lnkd.in/d2Zq4peQ) but as we are entering winter, we should not expect to see a notable influence of solar before March/April. And with 58 GW additional solar installed in 2023 (https://lnkd.in/d6byDCMm), or more than 25% of what was installed at the end of 2022, there is no doubt that solar cannibalization will be even larger in 2024.

The solar market faces some unique challenges and conditions in the United States. A very informational article from Brad Cocheran, MAFM, CVA for anyone interested in this industry.

A recent report showcased a remarkable increase of over 3,500% in Texas' home solar power generation over the past decade. This surge reflects a growing interest in clean energy solutions. However, challenges such as upfront costs and contracts with utility providers hinder widespread adoption. Arcadia, a tech company, offers an innovative solution by enabling access to solar energy without the need for expensive rooftop panels. Through community solar platforms, individuals can save on monthly bills by purchasing shares of solar panels located off-site. Arcadia manages the process seamlessly, with no upfront costs, credit card requirements, or long-term contracts. Members can potentially save up to 10% on their utility bills annually. This initiative not only reduces expenses but also contributes to a cleaner environment and strengthens national security. Interested individuals can easily check the availability of solar options in their area through Arcadia's website. https://lnkd.in/geQ_UCGp