The solar energy market is much like the stock market these days. It’s fluctuating up and down as we speak but in a good way. Solar energy is in high demand in the United States and its causing the industry to grow up.
Two years ago I received a quote for buying solar panels for my house and I was extremely bummed when the ROI far exceeded my intention of going green and saving money. I basically was being penalized for wanting to do the right thing and move responsibly “off the grid” by paying for all my future electricity usage in advance.
I still hold fast to the hope that even though I am just a residential customer I can still participate in the solar energy movement in a manner that fits our family’s budget.
A few movements in this industry are causing me to hope a little more.
1) Europe’s demand for solar panels is slowing down but the United States demand is going up as we realize we have a big carbon footprint to diminish
2) There is an supply overload of silicon in the marketplace as many factories were established to produce the material needed to manufacture solar cells. Most of this increased production hails from China.
3) Solar technology is changing as we speak. One big cost prohibitive challenge pertaining to residential solar panel installations is that all the solar panels are connected to one inverter. (inverters help convert and direct the energy produced) A company called Enphase is close to developing a inverter that can be attached to each solar panel which will maximize output and also make solar panels more affordable to residential customers as they we be able to add as they go. These panels with built inverters are predicted to be available next year and should cost under $1000.
These are just a few changes that are happening at the moment. Six months from now residential customers should have more cost effective and quality solutions when they buy solar energy panels for there home.
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Solar Energy Panel (1)
