The United States installed more solar in the first quarter of 2021 than in any previous first quarter ever, according to a report jointly published by Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) & Wood Mackenzie. It is further anticipated that the solar industry will continue to break annual installation records every year for the next three years before the investment tax credit (ITC) fully phases down under current law.
According to the report published last week, The U.S. solar market installed just over 5GWdc of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the Q1 of 2021 breaking all the previous records. With the addition of first-quarter quantity, the U.S. has officially surpassed 100 GWdc solar capacity. It is important to note here that the solar industry has doubled itself in just 3.5 years.
Solar accounted for nearly 58% of all new electric capacity additions in the United States, whereas renewable energy accounted for nearly 100% of all new electric capacity in Q1 of 2021. While comparing 5 GW of newly installed capacity in Q1 2021 is simply 46% increase over Q1 of 2020. Consultancy Group — Wood Mackenzie apprehends that the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) will continue to be highly influential and will drive record growth and investment over the next three years.
“Make hay while the sun shines”, an English proverb correctly defines the state of Texas. Recognizing the benefits of solar, Texas led all states with record new solar capacity in just Q1 2021, more than it added in all of 2019. Talking in terms of comparison, Texas installed nearly 3X more than any other state.
Texas succeeds to qualify 1st rank in installing the highest 1.52 MWdc of Solar capacity in the country, leaving the Golden Staten at No.2 with 563 MWdc. Florida and Arizona had also their record-breaking quarters, while Indiana, Virginia, Michigan, and Iowa were among the top 10 solar states this quarter.
California — the largest U.S. state with home to 1/8th of the country’s population, and responsible for 14% of national GDP — is experiencing one of its most challenging droughts this year. The Golden State had earlier experienced the biggest wildfire season recorded in its modern history in 2020.
On the other hand, due to triple-digit extreme heat, the demand for electricity, is expected to sky-rocket. Thanks to solar energy, demand now makes its presence felt from evening onwards. Since the government already gave a significant push towards adopting batteries, it is safe to say that solar will play a key role in helping California meet its energy needs this year. For California, this will be a reward for some of the most progressive policies on clean energy in the US.
Accelerating solar + storage deployment across the country is the best way out to tackle the climate crisis as well as obtaining energy independence. Long-term policy certainty is the best way, or we can say that only way to do that.
Staten Solar is an international developer and EPC Contractor of Solar PV Systems. Founded in 2008 and based in Silicon Valley, the company’s focus is commercial and utility solar PV applications. We cover residential houses as well. Staten’s innovation DNA and financing abilities are the foundation upon which it builds added value for its clients.
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