For people not very familiar with the ins and outs of the solar industry, one may think the most eventful part of 2011 for solar had to do with Solyndra. Contrary to popular belief, Solyndra is a small part of a much larger picture. As a matter of fact, the U.S. solar energy industry achieved a new record for installations and growth during the third quarter of 2011 as illustrated below:
In addition to these statistics, there were also many developments that will have a more consequential impact on the market size in 2012 and beyond. During the same 12-month period, there was a 7% net growth in solar jobs while the rest of the national economy only grew 0.7%. In order to gain a better perspective on the state of the industry and the national adoption of it, let’s explore the latest solar developments one state at a time.
Arizona
In October, thin-film manufacturer First Solar Inc. held a dedication ceremony at its new facility in Mesa. The factory is expected to begin producing by the third quarter of 2012. First Solar says it is investing over $300 million in the 25 MW facility. In other news, the National Science Foundation and the DOE will provide $18.5 million in funding for the first 5 years of operation of a new national solar research facility at Arizona State University.
Arkansas
Little Rock-based Heifer International, which promotes sustainable agriculture around the world, began installing a 24kW PV system in September. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission reported that 125 solar projects received incentives from a temporary program funded by federal stimulus dollars.
California
In August, the California Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the final rules and procedures governing the Renewable Auction Mechanism (RAM) procurement plan, which requires the state’s investor-owned utilities to obtain 1 GW of renewable energy from projects 20 MW or smaller over the next two years. As part of the $145 million awarded in September under the DOE SunShot Initiative, a total of $35.7 million will go to 14 PV initiatives in California.
Colorado
Real Goods Solar rolled out a residential financial plan in Colorado and California that promises homeowners PV systems with no up-front costs, lower monthly fees, and an option to own the systems after 6 years.
Connecticut
Underwriters Laboratories acquired the quality assurance business of STR Holdings Inc. for $275 million, a Connecticut-based manufacturer of solar encapsulants. Additionally, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has granted regulatory approval for two new solar plant projects that will generate 10 megawatts of clean electricity, the largest in the state.
Delaware
The University of Delaware was awarded $9.1 million in solar research and development funds from the DOE SunShot Initiative.
Florida
Florida Power and Light (FPL) recently began a five-year pilot program authorized by the Florida Public Service Commission that offers residential PV rebates at $2 per watt up to $20,000. Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, which owns chains including Red Lobster and Olive Garden, will be putting a 1.1 MW PV system on the roof of its support center. The Gainesville-based installer Solar Impact announced a 725KW rooftop project on 8 buildings owned by Alachua County Public Schools. Regional Utilities will make feed-in-tariff payments of $0.29 per KWH for 20 years. The school district will collect $72,500 per year in roof lease payments.
So far we’re only up to the letter “F” on our list! Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts that highlight the upcoming solar projects from state to state. In the meantime, we’re constantly sharing international solar news on our Facebook page, so follow us!