Reports Show Solar Market And Energy Storage Will Increase

According to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, the U.S. solar market added 2.5GW of PV during the first quarter of 2018. According to the report, that is a 13 percent year-over-year growth that is expected to continue to increase.

The SEIA reported that Solar PV accounted for 55 percent of all U.S. electricity capacity during the first quarter of 2018, accounting for more than two gigawatts of energy. “The solar industry had a strong showing in the first quarter,” said SEIA President and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “This data shows that solar has become a common-sense option for much of the U.S. and is too strong to be set back for long, even in light of the tariffs. States from California to Florida have stepped up with smart policies that will drive investment for years to come.” 

The increase in Solar PV systems has also lead to questions regarding energy storage. In a recent article in Alternate Energy Magazine, the use of Solar is a big challenge for businesses where Lithium Ion battery systems are extremely expensive and “loose storage capacity over time equating to roughly 20 percent after 1000 charge cycles. According to Fred Wehmeyer, Senior Vice President of Engineering at U.S. Battery Manufacturing, “Flooded Lead-Acid batteries remain as the best overall solution for storing energy and have the longest track record for safety and reliability. In addition, FLA batteries are completely recyclable so it also adds to a company’s efforts on reducing their carbon footprint. So when you combine this with the highest recycling rates on the planet, it stands to reason that this 150-year-old technology has definitely evolved into an energy source that’s hard to beat.”  For more information on energy storage solutions, visit www.usbattery.com.