Get the latest on corporate solar energy news. Learn about all things under the sun across the country happening today.
PV Panel Recycling
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently launched a national PV recycling program which is designed to ensure the sustainability of the US solar market. PV panels are mainly made up of easily recyclable materials such as aluminum and glass. Although they can last for decades, they can also be recovered and reused once they’re at the end of their useful life.
This new network of recyclers will now be able to handle PV waste. The disposal of solar panels ensures that today’s renewable energy solutions don’t create future waste burdens.
Renewable Power Capacity Outstrips Coal
According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), an increase in solar and wind energy installation has helped to push renewables capacity past coal for the first time ever. About half a million solar panels were installed every day around the world last year. These solar developments, as well as, onshore wind developments brought in a total new renewable energy capacity to a record 150 GW for the year.
And now the IEA has forecasted 825GW of renewables expansion to be built by 2021 (13% more than previous forecasts). The IEA attributes this accelerated growth mostly due to stronger policy backing in the U.S., China, India and Mexico. In addition to a continued fall in solar PV costs.
Target Named the Top Corporate Solar Energy Installer in The U.S.
For the first time, a recent SEIA report, “Solar Means Business,” named Target as the number one corporate solar PV installer in the United States. Adding more solar this year than any other U.S. retailer, Target now has 147.5 MW of installed solar capacity. Walmart, Prologis, Apple, Costco, Kohl’s, IKEA and Macy’s are also taking top spots. Although the top facilities are largely made up of retailers, solar adoption has been increasing. Mainly among data centers and large distributors.
The corporate solar energy market is expected to see some growth. This is due to commercial prices falling by 58% since 2012 and over 16% just in the last year.
Reforming the Energy Vision Strategy
Aimed to find the value of rooftop solar and other distributed energy resources, the New York Department of Public Services commissioned a report as part of the ‘Reforming the Energy Vision’ (REV) strategy. REV 2030 goals include a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels, a mandate for 50% of New York’s electricity to be generated from renewable sources, and a 23% reduction in energy consumption of buildings from 2012 levels.
Under this strategy, New York is procuring new investment into clean energy. New York is driving innovation into the sector which could help preserve net metering. This will allow them to serve as an example for other states to follow.
KMB Corporate Solar Energy Services
At KMB, our corporate solar energy engineers make it simple for businesses. Our dedicated team manages the entire PV project from start to finish. This includes planning and design through installation and future performance monitoring. We have provided designs and engineering services for over 600 locations and 550MW for a wide range of solar installations from small scale (less than 10KW) to large scale (over 8MW). Contact us to find out about putting energy into your projects today!