Despite the global economic downturn, the solar market in the United States grew by 36% in 2009. To date, the United States is the third largest photovoltaic market in the world (behind #1 Germany and #2 Spain). 

The solar market is undergoing constant changes. Also the idea of photovoltaics has been around for over a century, only recently has it become mainstream. In 2009, changes include new companies entering the market, lower-cost panels, and changes in incentives and regulation. Solar companies need to be on top of these changes in order to remain competitive.

California leads the United States in solar installations. It has 53% stake of photovoltaic output. Most of the growth in 2009 came from utility and residential solar installations. Price cuts with minimal declines in incentives provided incentives to homeowners to install solar. In addition, new programs, such as the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program, provided incentive for new companies to enter the solar playing field.

With so many states offering incentives to install solar, the United States is able to keep funding sources relatively disperse. This means that the United States solar market does not have the same risk as the national policies of Germany or Spain.

In addition, 16 states have enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Renewable Portfolio Standard gives the source of electricity production and requires a set amount of electricity production from renewable sources. Part of this standard is solar electricity production. 

In the next 5 years, the solar market is projected to grow to 4.5-5.5 gigaWatts. One gigaWatt is enough electricity for 70,000 homes. This is 10 times the size of the current solar market. With market growth like this, it is extremely tempting to enter the lucrative (and growing) solar market. 

Wanting to enter the solar market but do not know how? Contact Rich Hessler Solar (949) 208-0221 for ideas on how to enter the solar market.

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Florida Attempting to Save Solar Rebate Program

The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has awakened America to re-examine renewable energy. One state, Florida, has a solar rebate program in trouble. 

The Florida solar rebate program was established in 2007. It provides homeowners $10,000 for photovoltaic solar installations and $500 for solar hot-water systems. Unfortunately, Florida state Legislature did not fund the program. Florida received $14.4 million in federal stimulus, but most of the funds went directly to solar rebates. This money was quickly used by applicants from the previous year.

Governor Charlie Crist requested $10 million for the program in 2010-2011. So far, Florida has provided no funds.

Currently, there are nearly 10,000 applicants waiting for $25 million in rebates. The program is set to expire at the end of June unless the Legislature reauthorizes its continuation.

Governor Crist said a special session is needed to consider banning oil drilling and investing money in renewable energy. 

http://wdbo.com/blogging/mt-tb.cgi/72984

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Maricopa ED-3 Board Brings Back Solar Rebates

Arizona. With an average of 211 sunny days a year and one of the largest cities in the United States (Phoenix at number 5), Arizona seems like a prime candidate for photovoltaic solar systems. To help finance solar installations, Electrical District number 3 voted to continue with the solar rebate program. 

After starting the program in 2009, it quickly ran out of money. Already, the rebate program has caused the company to spend $300,000 more than originally set aside.

Electrical District 3 continued to fund the solar rebate program until it was no longer possible. At this point, 32 customers have installed solar systems and 14 more were on the waiting list.

The surge of solar customers appears to be valley-wide. 113 APS customers applied for solar rebates in 2009. The total number of solar installations in 2009 is greater than the past eight years combined.

Electrical District 3 is now continuing the solar rebate program, except the rebate has been reduced from $3 per watt to $2.15 per watt. The program is funded by charging electricity consumers 30 cents a month and commercial users $12/month.

Electrical District 3 is researching how much consumers are willing to contribute a month to renewable energy. Until this information is collected, Electrical District 3 will hold off on tariff increases.

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