July 18, 2018 According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)’s recent Solar Means Business report, since 2015, private sector (non-residential) solar installations increased 43%. In 2017 alone, America’s top 25 corporate solar users installed 325 MW. One key factor in the rapid growth of commercial solar is the significant decline in system pricing. But the benefits for a company to procure solar energy go far beyond cost savings. Many companies are including solar energy in future business strategies and starting to set advanced clean energy goals. Take a look at some of the trending commercial solar company news across the U.S. that’s making solar even more attractive for businesses.
Commercial Solar Company News Across the U.S.
According to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight Report from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in spite of the new tariffs on imported modules, the U.S. solar market added 2.5 GW of solar PV in the first quarter of 2018, representing annual growth of 13%. Total installed U.S. PV capacity is expected to more than double over the next five years. By 2023, more than 14 GWdc of PV capacity will be installed annually.
California Considers Solar on Commercial Buildings
California recently approved a 2019 building code requiring all new homes in the state to have rooftop solar panels starting in 2020. Now, the California Energy Commission is eyeing commercial buildings in an effort to work toward a policy of achieving net zero energy for all buildings. In the beginning of 2019, the California Energy Commission (CEC) will begin discussions about a 2023 iteration of the commercial building code. This includes solar on all new commercial buildings, high rises of four stories or more as well as existing buildings.
Minnesota Attracts Commercial Solar Companies
In effort to spur new commercial solar development, Minnesota state lawmakers doubled the size limit for their Xcel Energy Solar Rewards program to include projects up to 40 kilowatts, previously for systems 20 kW-DC or less. In addition, two utility incentive programs created a capacity credit that pays business customers a bonus for generating during peak hours. According to the U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association, Minnesota currently has about 850 megawatts of installed solar capacity, which is 14th in the country. The state is projected to reach over 1,200 megawatts within the next five years.
New York to Increase Incentives for Commercial Solar Projects
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering additional incentives to support commercial and industrial solar projects throughout the state.According to the Daily Energy Insider, “The authority is doing this by redesigning the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive program. The redesign would expand the incentives to support larger solar projects and encourage the development in more locations. The program supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s plan to have 50 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewable resources by 2030.”
North Carolina Rolls Out Solar Energy Cost Cutting Programs
As a leader in the use of solar energy (second only to California), North Carolina has rolled out a variety of programs to help reduce the cost of installing solar. This includes a solar rebate program for commercial customers who would be eligible for 50 cents per watt. Installed systems 100 kW or greater would be eligible for a maximum rebate of $50,000 for nonresidential customers. The program is similar to South Carolina’s successful program that surpassed the $50 million mark in customer rebates in early 2018.
KMB: Leading Commercial Solar Company
KMB Design Group is a top commercial solar company in the U.S. committed to providing photovoltaic design & engineering services for businesses, public entities and building owners. We have a complete suite of solar services including: conceptual design and feasibility, energy usage and production analysis, RFP preparation, project management, permitting & applications, commissioning support and much more.
As a full-service solar engineering company licensed in the United States and Europe, we take a systematic approach to every PV design project. Our engineering and construction team have in-depth experience with comprehensive photovoltaic engineering solutions including rooftop installations, canopy installations, ground mount install, and multisite programs for a wide variety of industries.
Contact the commercial solar engineers at KMB Design Group at 888-942-9401 to learn more.
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