There are many pros and cons to solar. Here on this blog, I have discussed some of the opportunities where solar can help and the challenges surrounding solar such as cost. The bottomline is growth is occurring and new programs are being launched, so construction professionals need to carefully consider how the future of solar will impact construction projects in the days ahead.
The State of Solar
The Solar Energy Industries Assn., suggests in the last decade alone, solar has experienced an average annual growth of 22%, due to several factors such as federal policies, declining costs, and increasing demand for clean energy. The U.S. EIA (Energy Information Admin.) suggests a combination of solar and wind will lead growth of U.S. power generation in the next two years. As a result, it suggests U.S. solar power generation will grow 75% from 163 billion kilowatt hours in 2023 to 286 billion kilowatt hours in 2025.
At the same time, federal programs are expanding. The Biden-Harris Admin., recently announced nearly $250 million to deliver residential solar in California. The California Infrastructure Economic Development Bank has been selected to receive nearly $250 million through the Solar for All grant competition, which aims to develop long-lasting solar programs that enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from residential solar.
The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates the 60 Solar for All recipients announced will enable more than 900,000 households in low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. This will create more than $350 million in annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households. The program will also lower 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from more than 4 gigawatts of clean energy capacity.
All the funds given through the Solar for All program will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Of course, this program is simply one example. We are also seeing the rise of solar in both commercial and residential projects across the country.
Steps to Prepare
For construction professionals, there are some steps to prepare for the future of solar. No matter if it is a residential or commercial project, the first step is to work closely with the owner and the project team to determine the needs.
Step #1: Consider the needs. The first step is to make sure solar makes sense on the project. Is there enough sunlight? Does it fit into the owner’s budget? What is the long-term ROI (return on investment) for this particular project? This is the first step. Determine if solar is a viable option.
Step #2: Consider the technology. Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are the traditional panels—and then there are also new technologies to consider as well. Solar shingles is a new technology designed to look like ordinary asphalt shingles on your roof. They also protect your roof and are very durable. Tesla has also announced Solar Roof, which is an integrated solar and storage system. Each tile implements a home’s natural aesthetic, and they are durable. All this to say, the second step is to consider which technology fits the owner’s needs.
Step #3: Consider the partners. The final step is to consider the partners you will work with on this solar journey. Make sure to take into consideration the pricing and financing options, licensing and certifications, and the experience and reputation of the partner. As with any construction project, the team will ultimately determine the project success.
As we move forward, there will be more and more projects that incorporate solar—and construction professionals need to start preparing for what comes next.
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