Most forward-thinking consumers will agree that solar power is the energy of the future if we are to protect our planet and natural resources for future generations. However, some alarming news has recently come to light regarding residential solar installations in the country. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), while commercial installations have increased thanks to 2,118 megawatts of DC, a jump of 8% over the previous year, the residential installs have declined. Household installations added only 4,710 megawatts of DC in the same time period. That resulted in a 32% decline over 2023.
What Can Be Done To Increase Solar Across The Board?
To see increases in all segments of solar energy usage, there needs to be more accessibility for residential use, and the federal and state governments need to promote this expansion and investment in the future. As proof of these requirements, California made changes to a net billing tariff policy that resulted in a 45% decline in the new installation of residential solar in that state. By contrast, in areas that have welcomed community solar programs that allow multiple customers to subscribe and use a local solar facility, the increase in construction of those projects jumped an impressive 35%. States like New York, Maine, and Illinois that are open to this variation of solar energy are enjoying record-breaking use.
States that are taking action to protect the rights of homeowners to install solar and rewarding them with tax benefits, such as Arizona, are still seeing growth in residential solar installations. The state has forbidden homeowners associations from limiting the ability to install solar systems on homes throughout the state. As a result, the state has nearly 290,000 solar installations, with 39,000 installed in the last 12 months. This makes the state second only to California in terms of the number of residential installations that generate enough solar energy to power 1,000,000 homes.
Take Action To Exponentially Increase The Impact Of Solar Energy
As the solar energy industry works to ensure other states promote the installation of solar power systems in both residential and commercial settings, the entire planet will benefit. Installers and solar power businesses’ added effort to provide community solar programs will allow even those without the capability to install a private system to take part in the move to harness the sun’s power. Please reach out to the solar energy experts at Solar Group to learn more about the solar options open to powering your home or business.
