The Solar Team, LLC

✅ Median U.S. module price rose by 10% from April’s low to the peak in June 2024. ✅ Anti-dumping and countervailing duty enforcement and the removal of bifacial solar modules from Section 201 tariff exemption are key factors in the price increase. ✅ There is a growing trend in the U.S. solar manufacturing sector, which is rapidly expanding due to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Discover how recent market changes have increased the median U.S solar module price by 10% and the factors contributing to this spike. Fueled by the enforcement of anti-dumping and countervailing duty and the removal of bifacial solar modules from Section 201 tariff exemption, solar companies are adjusting to increased costs to deliver solar energy. However, this isn't all bad news as the price hike doesn't affect all manufacturers equally. Some were able to quickly adjust their supply chains, maintaining competitive fixed pricing levels. Furthermore, an intriguing trend unfolds itself in this report: the U.S. solar manufacturing sector is on a growth trajectory! Triggered by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the demand for U.S. components in clean energy projects is skyrocketing, encouraging U.S. manufacturers to ramp up production capacity. The post concludes with the implications of these shifts for homeowners considering solar and the potential savings they could enjoy. The dynamic landscape of solar power keeps evolving, bringing valuable opportunities for stakeholders. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA, visit www.tstpros.com 🌞

Unveil the mystery behind surging silver prices and discover their impact on the solar industry in this enlightening blog post! ✅ Silver is critical in solar panel production, especially in photovoltaic cells, conducting electricity throughout the system. ✅ Silver prices have soared over 30% this year to more than $31 per ounce, primarily due to its escalating application in clean energy and attractive returns amid lower U.S. interest rates. ✅ Despite higher silver prices, industry experts remain optimistic about solar energy—it’s still economical, and manufacturers are increasingly cutting down silver usage through technological innovation. The rising cost of silver, a key material in solar panels, has led to an unavoidable hike in the production cost of solar panels, and thus, the consumer market price. This cost surge is mainly attributed to silver's growing importance in clean energy and other electronic applications, and the appeal of 'hard assets' to investors due to lower interest rates implemented by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Despite this, industry analysts assert that this increase in silver prices does not signify danger for the photovoltaic industry. The solar sector continues to demonstrate its robustness and remains cost-effective. On top of that, recent advancements in solar technology have focused on lessening silver usage in photovoltaic cells, underscoring that the future of solar energy isn't wholly dependent on silver. In short, although the rise in silver prices might pose certain challenges, they're not insurmountable, given the innovative and sustainable approaches adopted by solar companies. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

✔️ Discover the new approach to calculating solar array sizing for home PV systems 🔍 ✔️ Understand why it's crucial to optimize PV system sizes for self-consumption🏡 ✔️ Learn about the practical application and profits of a correctly sized PV system💰 Dive into the fascinating world of solar power where determining the exact number of solar panels needed to sufficiently meet a household’s energy needs is a significant challenge. This is even more crucial when considering small solar systems specifically designed for self-consumption. Researchers at Instituto Especializado de Estudios Superiores Loyola (IEESL) have created a novel methodology in which they incorporate an annual hourly profile and the minimum power demanded by homeowners. These factors, along with the use of an irradiance meter and an electrical network analyzer, help in correctly sizing these PV systems for optimal profit and energy efficiency. To confirm their theory, the team of researchers set up a practicum with a household in the province of San Cristóbal that saw a payback time of just 4.57 years! It conveys the possibility of solar power becoming even more economical and efficient. One important caveat, though, is that this kind of system is not viable for customers using less than 252 kWh per month. Innovation continues in the world of solar energy, making it an increasingly accessible and effective resource in maintaining a sustainable future. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 😊

✅ Discover Caldera's ground-breaking Megacell, a powerful energy storage technology that could change the face of home solar energy use.🌞 ✅ Caldera’s Megacell, an earth-friendly energy solution, uses recycled aluminum and volcanic rock for superior thermal storage.♻️ ✅ Megacells are modular, scalable and can boost a project's storage capacity up to 100MWh, making them a versatile choice.🔋 Solar power technology is often connected with energy storage technologies and a UK start-up, Caldera, is making significant advancements in this field. The company has developed a unique heat storage technology, named Megacell, which utilizes recycled aluminum and volcanic rocks. This abundance of materials allows for an eco-friendly solution with exceptional thermal storage capacity. At the heart of each Megacell is a vacuum-insulated chamber, inside which are composite blocks of aluminum and rock. This combination ensures effective heat retention and energy conservation, making it a potential alternative to traditional gas boilers. Megacell’s design includes an innovative feature, a closed steam loop running through each heat cell to prevent potential degradation. This makes it a practical and efficient solution for domestic solar arrays. Most impressively, the Megacell’s modular design allows for flexible storage capacities, scaling up to a massive 100MWh. This makes it adaptable for various project sizes, offering great potential for individual homes and businesses alike. With companies like Caldera continually innovating, the future of solar energy and storage looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a homeowner, or part of a solar company, Caldera’s novel heat storage technology definitely deserves consideration as a promising step towards a more sustainable future, harnessing our earth’s natural resources. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

Explore how imposed countervailing duties on solar cells imported from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand might reshape the future of domestic solar businesses and solar installations at home. ✅ Countervailing duties on solar cells could possibly empower the U.S. solar manufacturing industry while threatening the affordability of solar panels in the domestic market ✅ Falling solar module prices are fostering fierce competition in the solar industry, underlining the necessity for protective measures for domestic companies ✅ The protectionism vs. affordability debate continues, with the final decision on the countervailing tariffs being carefully observed Policies surrounding the import and export of solar cells are often complex, and the recent measures imposed by the U.S. Commerce Department exemplify this. The imposed countervailing duties on solar cells imported from countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand are aimed at protecting domestic industries from foreign competition. This action was triggered by a petition from significant players in the American solar manufacturing scene, citing a threat to U.S. solar manufacturing by heavily subsidized Chinese cells and modules. This move could potentially empower the domestic industry and protect investments, but it also threatens the affordability of solar installations for American homes. Falling solar module prices further intensify the competition and emphasize the need for these protective measures. Proponents see the move as a means to restore fair trade and provide a safeguard against unfair competition, while critics argue that it could inflame the prices of solar panels in the U.S, potentially leading to costs that are triple the international price. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

☀️ Dive into the world of solar where we discuss the latest trends, controversies, success stories and innovative safety measures that could revolutionize the industry! ✅ Critical criticism over TVA’s draft resource plan stifling solar power generation's full potential ✅ New Jersey's admirable efforts in turning a former landfill into an influential community solar project ✅ US Senator Luján’s convincing community solar act aiming to expand resources and lower energy costs In today's roundup on the solar industry, we highlight the controversies surrounding TVA's draft resource plan that commits only to 3 GW solar, receiving backlash from critics who believe in the necessity of more ambitious targets in the age of renewable energy. We also spotlight New Jersey's repurposing of a former landfill into a community solar project, a 5.7 MW solar-power initiative that emphasizes the potentials for localized generation. There’s news on U.S. Senator Luján's community solar act which aims to expand these types of projects while addressing energy costs, job creation and carbon footprint. Moreover, we touch upon a crucial invention by LG Chem, introducing a Safety Reinforced Layer aimed at curbing thermal runaway in batteries. Good news rides fast - there was a record installation of 3 GW / 10.5 GWh of energy storage in Q2 across U.S., reflecting an increased adoption rate of solar energy among households. Lastly, we dissect the attractive pricing of solar whereby battery prices are falling and solar energy becomes more cost-effective once electricity prices reach $0.25/kWh. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

✔️ Was the thought of being independent from the grid ever intriguing to you? Well, 'Grid Defection' - a trend where households disconnect from the centralized power grid and switch to decentralized solar🌞 power systems, is quickly becoming not just a feasible, but a financially beneficial idea across several U.S cities. 🏠💰 ✔️ Recent study 🔬 published in Solar Energy, has outlined how installation of hybrid solar-diesel generator-battery systems can offer significant savings to households situated in varied solar irradiation zones across the nation. 🌎 ✔️ Grid defection viability heavily depends on electricity prices and the falling costs of solar modules and batteries, hence it's crucial to analyze local energy rates and tax credits before deciding to switch. 📊💵 Say goodbye to traditional power grids and hello to self-sufficiency with 'grid defection'. Let’s explore how cities like Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco are finding it economical to disconnect from the national grid and shift to decentralized energy systems, specifically residential solar-plus-storage systems. Recent research at Western University has made a case for grid defection, uncovering significant savings for households in various solar irradiation zones using hybrid solar-diesel generator-battery systems. However, the financial feasibility of this transition heavily depends on regional energy prices, available tax credits, and the falling costs of solar modules and batteries. With the national average electricity price at $0.15/kWh and dropping, and solar and energy storage costs also on the decline, it won't be long before many households find it advantageous to defect from the grid. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com 🌐🌞💻.

✅ U.S. solar energy storage installations reached an all-time high in the second quarter, surpassing previous records. ✅ These deployments were predominantly concentrated in key markets such as California, Arizona, and Texas. ✅ Despite challenges, the industry's growth trajectory indicates yearly growth, suggesting a bright future for solar energy storage installations. Experience the magic of solar energy not as a power source of the distant future, but as an empowering force of present times, expanding energy storage across America at an impressive pace. According to Wood Mackenzie reports, the second quarter saw solar energy storage activations in the U.S. hitting record numbers, surpassing even those of Q4 2023. Key markets like California, Arizona, and Texas are at the forefront of installations, accounting for a staggering 85% of total installations. The demand for efficient storage solutions continues to grow with widespread adoption of solar panels in households and businesses across the States. The solar power industry is stepping forward to meet this need by focusing on reliable energy storage systems. Despite encountering obstacles in the form of lengthy interconnection queues and complex permitting, the solar industry continues to show promising growth. Projections for 2024 indicate an exceptional yearly growth, and from 2025 onwards, an average annual growth rate of 7.6% is expected through 2028. Furthermore, the forecast also suggests a significant increase for grid-scale storage. In essence, the growth of energy storage installations sets an optimistic path for the renewable energy sector, particularly the solar industry. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

In today's post, I'm going to delve into a ground-breaking new development, just off the desks of our lawmakers, that could reshape the landscape of solar power access in the U.S. ✅ The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act has been rolled out to expand access to solar via community solar projects. ✅ The Act will make the Department of Energy offer more resources for community solar programs. ✅ Community solar systems could soon be an affordable and viable option for half of U.S households and businesses, who currently can't install rooftop systems. The Community Solar Consumer Choice Act introduced by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, proposes to develop the community solar projects, benefitting a significant number of U.S. households and businesses that can't install rooftop solar systems. These projects allow consumers to subscribe to a piece of an off-site solar panel, receiving credits on their utility bills for the energy obtained. Small in size but big on its contribution, if this legislation passes, the landscape of the solar industry could transform. The bill aims to prompt the Department of Energy to expand grant, loan, and financing programs for community solar, increasing availability. Not only will this open up access to solar power but it could lower energy costs for consumers, create job opportunities and fight against climate change. The act could be the spark that fuels growth, particularly after a recent report by Wood Mackenzie showed the U.S. community solar market has tripled in size since 2020. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

➡️✅ Discover how LG Chem is tackling thermal runaway, a significant problem in solar technology, with an innovative solution. ➡️✅ Learn about LG Chem’s temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL), a “smart” material designed to regulate electric currents in response to temperature changes. ➡️✅ Uncover how this cutting-edge technology dramatically reduces the risk of fires and other hazardous thermal events, aiding the progress of solar technology. Unlocking the power of the sun isn't the only challenge solar power faces; addressing key issues such as thermal runaway is just as crucial. LG Chem has made a stride in this direction with its development of a temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL). In remedying thermal runaway—a potentially destructive result created from an increase in temperature—this safety layer proves to be an innovative solution. Situated between the cathode layer and the current collector, this thin addition to lithium-ion batteries acts similarly to a fuse. During instances of overheating, the layer blocks the flow of electric current, reducing the chance of a hazardous thermal event. Besides this safety feature, the SRL is also highly responsive to temperature changes, with its resistance adapting accordingly. The possibilities of this development are game-changing, potentially making solar power safer and more reliable for personal homes and large-scale projects. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 🌞