How 2018 was an Outstanding Year for Solar Growth
Now that 2018 is coming to a close, it’s safe to say that it’s been a good year for solar energy. The industry has seen a lot of growth, which is great news for solar contractors. Let’s take a look at just how well solar has done this past year, and what it means for the future of solar installations.
Solar is becoming a Bigger Source of U.S. Energy In the first half of 2018, non-hydro renewable energy sources set records for both production and consumption. Output of these sources increased by 7.04%, which is higher than in 2017. Leading the way among these renewables was solar, boasting the highest percentage increase at over 25%. America installed a whopping 2.5 GWdc of solar PV in the year’s first quarter. This was a 13% year-over-year increase. During this same time period, 55% of the country’s new capacity for electricity generation was solar, continuing 2017’s trend of solar making up the majority of new generators. Residential solar has also picked up after a period of decline in 2017. This year, home solar installations rose and stabilized, positioning the sector for security and growth.
State Requirements Caused Solar Demand to Boom One of the biggest growth factors in 2018 wasn’t the number of installations, but actually creations of massive demand. Several states announced new policies that will need huge numbers of solar installations to satisfy. A few of these state actions include: ● California’s requirement that almost all new homes have solar installations beginning in 2020. This is expected to create a 14% increase in national solar sales over the next 4 years, and generate 800 MW of new residential demand. ● Illinois’ plan to source 25% of its energy from renewables by 2025. Their SREC program has also been extended from 5 years to 15, and will officially launch in 2019. ● New Jersey requiring 35% of its power to come from renewables by 2025. Their plan will raise that to a 50% goal by 2030. They have also set the country’s most ambitious solar target: 5% of utilities are to source their energy from distributed solar by 2021.
â—? Massachusetts launching new SMART program that compensates owners of new solar projects. The program will support 1,600 MW of new solar generating capacity. These are only a handful of the big state developments that have been made in 2018. Several other states have also launched new programs and announced policy changes that will have a positive effect on solar demand.
2018’s Growth will Make 2019 a Great Time to Get More Leads The increasing need for solar installations will make the next year ripe with opportunity to reel in more leads. If you want to ensure that you take full advantage of the swell in demand, teaming up with a solar marketing company is the best solution. Solar marketing companies specialize in sourcing and selecting lucrative leads for solar contractors like you. Here at Grid Freedom, we offer the best possible ROI for contractors by using a detailed screening process that selects for only the most promising leads. You’ll get top quality leads delivered into your hands, with a home consultation already scheduled. Build a Stream of Quality Leads with Your New Solar Marketing Company Gridfreedom.com
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