Posts

Showing posts from May, 2022

Solar-powered EV chargers

Speaking of electric vehicle chargers, expect to see EV-charging capabilities as one of the most requested features for solar and battery installations. The same 40-amp backfeed circuit breaker needed for a standard solar install can also feed an electrical vehicle charger. In fact, some new inverters actually have a dedicated connection for EV charging, which lowers the cost while simplifying the wiring, permitting, and controls for solar contractors.

Battery storage is one of the fastest-growing asset classes.

Among all solar energy trends, this one might impact the industry the most. Solar might be the fastest-growing industry in new energy generation, but battery storage is one of the fastest-growing asset classes. In fact, over 170 GW of new renewable capacity is scheduled for construction by 2025. There’s a big reason for that level of growth. Energy storage is seeing huge advances in efficiency and affordability. Now, energy storage is not just an economical addition for solar installs. It’s also the most flexible, allowing energy storage to provide multiple functions, like ancillary grid services and on-demand power. McNamara believes that batteries are the natural progression to advance solar energy.    “As batteries have become more efficient and more affordable, the benefits they offer outweigh the means,” McNamara said. “From a utility perspective, batteries help stabilize the grid and reduce wasteful production. From the homeowner perspective, ba...