The Future of the Solar Industry

Solar Policy 

President Biden taking office in January 2021 meant immediate and major changes for the renewable energy sector in the United States. From rejoining the Paris Climate Accord to the elevation of climate change as an essential element of US foreign policy and national security, and a 10 year extension to the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) it was clear that the way the United States produces electricity will need to change to meet some hefty and ambitious goals. 

Along with Biden’s ultimate plans for renewables in the U.S. came many different state policies, incentives, and programs to help support those goals. It seems as though a new policy change is made every day, with states like New Jersey launching its Solar For All campaign, two new solar bills, and Massachusetts’s new climate law, all in support of accelerating the adoption of solar in favor of a cleaner world.  

We can expect these new programs and policies to continue to be enacted all over the U.S., as individual states work out the specifics on how they will play a part in hitting Biden’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2050. This means more work for solar companies and therefore, tons of room for growth.  

Solar Technology 

Improvements to solar energy technology are happening every single day. From LG’s “gapless” solar module to more and more N-Type highly efficient solar modules hitting the market every month, it seems as though solar cell technology will continue to improve in the years to come. Gone are the days of clunky, inefficient solar panels that cost an arm and a leg.  

Prices are going down, efficiency is going up, and better yet, the look of these systems is changing too. From gorgeous solar roofs available in different shapes, sizes and colors, to extra thin, all-black panels, solar systems are changing from something people would prefer to stay hidden to something that increases curb appeal while also generating electricity for your client. 

The launch of Enphase Energy’s IQ8 grid-forming microinverter is also set to change the game for the industry, giving homeowers the chance to finally be able to rely on their solar systems even when the grid is down without the need of a battery.  

We also can’t ignore that with better tech, comes more homeowners interested in solar panels, to begin with. Early adopters fed the solar industry, but your average Joe will keep it growing, and now is the best time to reach out, send him a proposal, and close that deal.