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U.S. Businesses Adding More Solar Power Than Ever
A new report finds more American businesses are installing solar than ever before. The U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) latest Solar Means Business report states the use of solar energy by America’s biggest companies has grown by a massive 183 percent in the four years since the organization began surveying sunpower capacity in the U.S. business community. The surge in growth reflects a rapid decline in the cost of solar technology and consequently an increase in returns.
Among the top 25 solar corporations surveyed, Walmart ranked highest for installed capacity, with a total of 142 MW spread across 348 locations. Other major companies featured include Apple, Costco, Target, Prologis, L’Oreal, Safeway, IKEA, FedEx, Toyota and General Motors
Renewables Boom Expected Thanks to Tax Credit
Solar power is expected to boom thanks to investment tax credits (ITC) renewed by congress to at least the end of the decade. Experts said the “renewable energy provisions will result in billions of additional dollars in tax breaks for solar power developers and drive the nation’s transition away from traditional fossil fuels in favor of cleaner forms of energy.”
Strict International Building Codes Pose Challenges
In the low-slope rooftop photovoltaic systems market – which is the centerpiece of the growing commercial and industrial (C&I) solar segment – strict building codes are posing a challenge. “Designing and engineering products that meet the strict standards of particular markets can be a challenge because the need to maintain multiple product lines for specific markets places a tremendous burden on the company.”
UN Reaches Climate Agreement at Paris Climate Change Conference
After two weeks of discussion and global anticipation, 195 nations emerged from the COP21 Climate Change Conference with a signed agreement. The UN participating countries voluntarily agreed to the following:
- Peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and achieve net zero emissions in the second half of the century
- Limit global temperature increases to 2°C and aim for a more aggressive goal of 1.5°C
- Finance climate reform in developing nations with $100 billion per year by 2020
The renewable world has since seen a boost in confidence, and markets are reacting favorably. In fact, solar stocks have been on the rise following the Paris agreement demonstrating that investors are excited about the future of the solar industry.
Maximize Your Sunpower with KMB
KMB Design Group is at the forefront of the escalating solar industry, and is considered a leading consulting firm in the renewable energy field providing photovoltaic design and engineering services. Our Solar engineers will give you full analysis and let you know how much sunpower can be drawn with considerations such as location, obstructions and orientations. We will also provide you with the best commercial solar power designs to give you maximum output. Licensed in 49 states, we have the ability to work nationally without limitations.