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As parts of the US face an increased risk of energy shortages this summer the country also saw a record number of solar installations. This is a milestone that can mean good news avoiding seasonal power outages.
According to data published by the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are now more than 5 million solar installations in the U.S., up from 1 million in 2016. SEIA expects there will be 10 million solar installations by 2030 and 15 million by 2034.
“Today, 7 percent of homes in America have solar, and that number will grow to over 15 percent of U.S. homes by 2030,” said SEIA Executive Director Abigail Ross Hopper Electrek. “Solar power is quickly becoming the dominant source of electricity on the grid, enabling communities to breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives.”
The Ministry of Energy states that using solar energy reduces the cost of electricity and helps make the electricity grid more sustainable. It is a renewable energy source that reduces carbon emissions, which is crucial in the context of the fight against climate change.
Read more: Parts of the US may face energy shortages and blackouts this summer
A summer reliability assessment from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns that much of the country — and North America as a whole — could face supply shortages, but other areas have less risk due to the addition of clean energy resources.
Read more: The best solar panels for your home in 2024
“Expected heat events over a wide area that affect generation, wind power or transmission systems, combined with increased demand in some areas, contribute to resource and transmission adequacy risks,” NERC said in the assessment. “All zones are rated as suitable for normal peak load, largely due to the record 25 GW [gigawatt] additional solar capacity added since last year. However, energy risks increase in several areas when solar, wind and hydropower are low.”
Read more: Power Outage Safety Guide: Why They Happen and How to Prepare
The growing field of domestic energy technology offers more interesting options for consumers who are ready to go solar. New innovations seen in CES in January included stained glass solar panels, portable whole home backup batteries, Power plant with replaceable batteries and a pop-up tent with built-in solar panels. Solar windows are also on the horizon with emerging technologies that could completely change the way you power your home.
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