Solar energy outpaces other electricity sources in 2018

Solar energy is leading the renewable energy sector and continues to show stronger than expected growth in 2018!

The data from the first quarter of 2018 reveals that there were 13 percent more solar installations than the same period last year.¹ New solar installs accounted for the majority of new generation power sources (55 percent), beating out wind and natural gas.²

Check out this short video to see more tipping points and learn why solar growth continues to surprise.

Why the unexpected growth? Economics usually aren’t simple or straightforward and solar economics are no different. A drop in solar installations in China may be giving the US solar industry a bit of a boost as Chinese suppliers cut prices.³ Positive new solar policies in states like California are bringing growth to solar, too, and improving technology like practical large-scale battery storage has made it a viable solution for utilities.⁴

Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Abigail Ross said, “This data shows that solar has become a common-sense option for much of the US and is too strong to be set back for long, even in light of the tariffs. States from California to Florida have stepped up with smart policies that will drive investment for years to come.”⁵

Read our post about dispelling the biggest myths about rooftop solar to learn about some additional important information regarding solar.

Endnotes

1. https://greenerideal.com/news/energy/solar-energy-now-united-states-biggest-power-source-surpassing-wind-gas/
2. https://greenerideal.com/news/energy/solar-energy-now-united-states-biggest-power-source-surpassing-wind-gas/
3. https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2018/06/solarreviews-commentary-chinese-solar-tariffs-wont-affect-u-s-solar-industry/
4. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-12/a-powerful-mix-of-solar-and-batteries-is-beating-natural-gas
5. https://greenerideal.com/news/energy/solar-energy-now-united-states-biggest-power-source-surpassing-wind-gas/