Because we tend to work closely with rooftop solar technologies and installations, we follow the whole industry closely, and wanted to pass along some interesting developments.
We’re sure you’ve heard of Tesla Motors - sleek looking electrics cars, amazing technology, Elon Musk etc… In Nevada, they’re betting the farm on a new battery they think won’t be surpassed in the next 20 years. The company is not only designing batteries for electric cars, but more recently, stationary battery packs that can be paired with rooftop solar panels to store power when the sun isn’t shining.
The batteries can also be paired with wind generators, and ultimately solves the problem of fluctuating output. Power storage has been one of the main factors holding back the solar industry because no one has developed a cost-efficient battery system that effectively stores the energy generated. That said, building and homeowners have still had to depend on the electric companies when their solar solutions aren’t producing power. Those days may be over with Tesla’s new contributions to the battery market (or so the experts say).
In other news, while many say major utilities are trying to pull the plug on solar, APS announced a new plan that would actually install solar panels on customers’ roofs, with 100% of the energy being fed directly back to APS’ power grid. In return, APS would give the homeowner a billing credit of $30 per month for 20 years.
It’s difficult to see through the various politics (not our business) and which direction everything is headed, but one way or another, we feel most of the solar development is taking place on the roofs we build, install and maintain, so we keep a close eye on the news and wanted to pass along the information for now.
