Australian Solar Trading Company Teaming Up with Sharing Energy in Japan

Sharing #Energy, a Japanese renewable energy provider is set to enter into a partnership with an Australian #solar energy trading company known as Power Ledger. This unique partnership will help Sharing Energy promote solar energy consumption and renewable energy usage in Japan. Power Ledger is a cryptocurrency trading platform that is working to decentralize the buying and selling of solar and renewable energies. According to Power Ledger co-founder and chairman, Dr. Jemma Green, blockchain technology is the revolutionary way they are implementing scalable, solar energy solutions worldwide between partners and communities. 

Blockchain Technology 

By using what is known as blockchain-based design, Power Ledger is able to track data and record of solar energy usage in real-time. This blockchain technology is a more efficient and permanent way to track information within a given set of data. The greatest advantage of this type of system is that it makes data nearly unalterable once it has been recorded. Any kind of tampering would subsequently cause data in other blocks to be changed, which is ultimately blocked and prevented in a blockchain design. The information within the blockchain system can also neither be destroyed nor copied. Essentially, this type of trading system enables companies to remain honest and authenticate the legitimacy of transactions made online via cryptocurrency. 

The Purposes of the Partnership  

To initially test the blockchain technology, 100 Sharing Energy customers will be pre-identified and elect to have their solar energy usage tracked. Through the partnership and the utilization of blockchain processing, solar energy usage will more efficiently be recorded and studied. It is through this process that Power Ledger is hoping to help democratize solar energy usage in the region. 

This first testing phase of just 100 households is expected to grow to over 55,000 by the end of next year. By the time of its completion in 2020, the project will also offer its solar energy consumers plans sold via third-party partnerships, in addition to Sharing Energy’s attainment of a retail license. Power Ledger’s influence has helped Sharing Energy invest in furthering their solar energy plans, as well as contribute to global solar energy and renewable resource goals.  

Through the use of a peer-to-peer platform, Power Ledger will be able to facilitate the buying and selling of solar energy in the region in real-time. Monitoring and verifying solar energy trading in this way not only allows for the transparency of such transactions, but also helps researchers determine even more efficient ways of providing solar energy in the future. 

Embracing a New Solar-Powered Era 

Companies all across Japan are embracing solar energy technology and helping to further the worldwide initiative to depend on renewable resources. Companies like Kansai Electric Power Company are working with Power Ledger to create a Virtual Power Plant in order to address current problems with Japan’s solar energy generation. As one of the country’s largest privately-owned electricity retailers, Kansai Electric Power Company is hoping to help Japan reach its goal of increasing solar and renewable energy and reducing carbon emission by at least 26 percent by the year 2030. 

President of Sharing Energy in Japan, Emiko Koga stated that their company is fortunate to work with Power Ledger, an established leader in the solar energy industry. She believes the partnership will impact Japan’s solar energy market in a positive way and supports their intent to provide solar energy to all residents in an affordable fashion. 

About Power Ledger 

Power Ledger is committed to providing solar energy worldwide. Working with Sharing Energy in Japan is just one of many endeavors the company has successfully pursued on its path to bringing reliable solar energy to consumers everywhere. By providing individuals, communities, and companies with access to solar energy through fair trading, Power Ledger is transforming how the market buys and sells solar energy resources. They work to make sure investors and customers alike receive the most stable and affordable solar energy. 

Resources: 

https://www.chepicap.com/en/news/6895/power-ledger-seals-japanese-partnership-with-leading-solar-energy-provider.html 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190122005263/en/Power-Ledger-Sharing-Energy-Announce-Scalable-Partnership 

 

Solar PV Installer Is One of Fastest Growing Professions in US

In accordance with the #Bureau of Labor Statistics, “#solar PV installer” just so happens to hold the title as the fastest growing occupation in America. #Solar PV installer, at the moment, has a projected growth rate of more than 100 percent – 105, to be exact, from 2016 through 2026.

Solar PV Installers and #Wind Turbine Service Techs Are Gaining Steam

Those in the solar power industry might not be surprised by this fact. But to those who do not follow solar statistics, they might be quite astonished. Perhaps you would have assumed the fast growing profession in America was something outside of the world of solar or renewable #energy altogether. If this was your thought process, then you might be equally surprised at the second fastest growing occupation in America – wind turbine service technician! Yes, both of the most rapidly growing occupations in the US happen to be related to renewable energy.

How Do We Know Solar PV Installers Are Going to See So Much Growth?

Bureau of Labor Statistics analyst Bill Lawhorn took the time to answer some questions regarding how it was determined that the fastest growing professions are solar PV installer and wind turbine service technician. Check out some of the information below communicated to CleanTechnica.

Lawhorn explained where the 105 percent growth rate came from for employment of solar PV installers. He communicated that the Bureau of Labor Statistics develops its projections for occupational and industry employment in a series of six steps. Each step is based on a different model or procedure, for instance, labor force; final demand; aggregate economy; industry employment; industry output; and employment and openings by occupation.

This sequence can be repeated in order to guarantee consistency. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Handbook of Methods provides further detail. More information can be found by clicking here.

In terms of the 10-year growth projection for solar PV installers, different data sources have been utilized.

Lawhorn further explained how other fast-growing occupations compare with solar PV installer jobs; he discussed, specifically, how coal jobs compare with solar PV installer jobs. He explained that from 2016-2026, the second fastest growing occupation is projected to be wind turbine technicians. Of course, other occupations are also expected to grow quickly; however, these are smaller jobs that are not expected to add many jobs overall. Combined, they are anticipated to add less than 20,000 jobs over the 10-year timeframe.

Solar Beats Coal Mining

Employment in the coal mining industry is expected to drop by just under 7 percent from 2016-2026. But even more interesting, the possibility of PV solar installer jobs increasing beyond 105 percent is possible so long as the demand for solar power continues to increase. Of course, fluctuating economic factors can cause job growth rates to be lower or higher than anticipated values. As the decade progresses, demand for solar power might continue to increase, tax incentives might change, and other changes such as material costs can cause the numbers to fluctuate overall.

Projections for the period of 2018 to 2028 are going to be released in the fall of 2019. It will be interesting to see if the numbers change or even increase when it comes to wind turbine service technicians and PV solar installers. The fact is, no matter how you look at it, solar power is becoming incredibly popular, not just in America but across the globe.

What Does It Take to Be A Solar PV Installer?

Generally speaking, one would need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent of this. A person can expect moderate on the job training and they can expect to be compensated fairly. A solar PV installer will generally assemble, install and then oversee the maintenance of solar panels, which could be installed on rooftops, parking garages, and so on.

Continue to follow solar news, as you are sure to discover information that impresses you. Is solar power being taken advantage of in your community? Have you noticed solar panels going up near your home? Keep your eyes peeled and keep reading to discover the benefits and changes being made in the world of solar and renewable energy!

Sources:

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/01/26/solar-pv-installer-wind-turbine-tech-are-fastest-growing-occupations-in-us/

http://redgreenandblue.org/2019/01/27/solar-wind-tech-fastest-growing-jobs-us/

 

Solar Energy Being Transformed into Storable Liquid Energy

With the primary intention of their research being #solar thermal #energy storage, scientists at Chalmers have looked at certain compounds in the sunlight that can be rearranged so that they become storable, liquid solar energy. After years of research, as well as experimenting with multiple chemical processes, Chalmers University scientists have discovered a new way to capture the sun’s energy. 

To help them harness sunlight and create storable liquid solar energy, researchers have used a norbornadiene compound that reacts to sunlight. This compound helps to rearrange and recombine the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen atoms in the sunlight’s molecules. After this process has been achieved, the compound forms a new isomer, or chemical compound, known as quadricyclane.  

Isomers are chemical compounds that have a certain number of chemical properties that are identical to other molecules, except their structure has been rearranged. This process of rearranging the molecules effectively creates a new compound. The same chemical formula is present in both compounds, but there is a fundamental difference in structure, orientation, or bonding of the compounds.  

The isomer researchers have created at Chalmers University for the purposes of solar energy production is a special type of solar energy storing isomer that can hold up to 250 hours of energy per kilogram. This solar energy is then able to be stored for an extended period of time, even long after the compound cools down. In fact, researchers are confident the length of storage for liquid solar energy will be somewhere around 18 years. This process of taking solar energy and turning it into storable liquid energy has the potential to solve multiple energy problems being faced worldwide and in certain regions. Because solar energy is transportable once it has been turned into liquid solar fuel, this breakthrough means we may be able to solve current energy crises across the globe and fuel our planet more effectively. Northern and southern countries, especially, have been kept in mind throughout this research. Such regions have made progress in utilizing hydro and thermal energy systems, but solar energy processes themselves are falling behind. 

Solar Energy Storage through MOST  

Using a solar energy storage system called MOST, an acronym for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage, scientists were able to effectively store solar energy for usable means. Since the eventual goal is to become one hundred percent reliant on the earth’s renewable resources to fuel our planet, solar energy researchers at Chalmers University and elsewhere have been focused heavily on how to store solar energy. Especially during inclement weather, in regions that are particularly cloudy, and even at night, researchers have been striving to store solar energy so it can be used even during times when sunlight is not visible. 

Additionally, traditional solar panels are expensive. They can also take up space, which may make them impractical for certain regions or cities. Solar panels are great for centralized locations. Innovations like community solar gardens have helped to expand the reach of solar panels, but it has still been a challenge for researchers to find more effective ways to really harness the sun’s power.  

Solving Energy Problems with Liquid Solar Power 

While solar energy is helping us take advantage of clean fuel already available to us on this planet, there are still many challenges that need viable solutions. Turning solar energy into liquid fuel is a positive step forward. Storing and shipping solar energy worldwide would ultimately revolutionize the way we process and use energy utility as a species. Since sunlight is a free, renewable resource we have available to us, the possibilities of the kind of future we can create are endless. With the strides that have been made in recent years, it is becoming more and more probable that our planet might, indeed, be saved for generations to come. 

To learn more information about how scientists have been able to turn solar energy into liquid, storable fuel, as well as other information on other developments in the field, check out this video here: https://youtu.be/8FdFhgEVp5w 

Resources 

https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/liquid-solar-fuel-storage?rebelltitem=1##rebelltitem1 

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/01/06/turning-solar-energy-into-liquid-fuel/ 

Google Will Run on Over A Million Solar Panels at New US Data Centers

#Google is making big #solar moves. The company plans to have its new data centers in the United States run on 1.6 million #solar panels. This is all part of the company’s goal to buy 100 percent carbon-free #energy. There will be extraordinary solar farms helping to achieve this remarkable goal. Read on for more information on the impressive solar moves being made by Google!

Google, founded in the late 1990’s by two Ph.D. students at Stanford University, is a major company just about everyone has heard of. You might use Google as your primary search browser when you are online at home. Or perhaps you use Google for work. Regardless, it is the most widely utilized search engine on the World Wide Web, and more than three billion searches are done on a daily basis. Going solar is a huge step in the right direction for this enormous company. Taking advantage of solar power will absolutely be a worthwhile effort.

Millions of Solar Panels Will Power New Data Centers

The data centers will receive their power from more than 1.5 million solar panels. There will be solar farms helping to accomplish this. The two biggest solar farms are expected to produce approximately 150 megawatts a piece. In terms of renewable energy/solar projects, these are going to be among the biggest in the Tennessee Valley region. They will hold the title as the largest solar farms ever made for Google. The two new data centers are going to be in Tennessee and Alabama, and they are part of a multi-year deal with the #Tennessee Valley Authority.

This incredible solar deal is going to cover 413MW of solar capacity. According to a statement released by Google, the new data centers in Alabama and Tennessee will be matched with 100 percent renewable electricity from the start of their operations.

Solar Goals: Carbon-Free Energy for Data Centers Across the Globe

Back in 2016, Google mentioned that the corporation intends to source carbon-free electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for each of their data centers. In 2017, Google attempted to reach their 100 percent renewable energy acquiring objective. At this point in time, in accordance with the company’s October 2018 report, the tech giant has sourced carbon-free energy for its data centers in Taiwan, North Carolina, Finland, Netherlands and Iowa.

The tech giant has mentioned that the new solar installations will translate to approximately 72 per cent of its data center electricity usage in Tennessee and Alabama being matched each hour with carbon-free sources. This is in comparison to the local electricity grid, which is 48 percent low-carbon. Going solar is absolutely an important move.

Tennessee Valley Authority’s senior vice president of Economic Development, John Bradley, mentioned that businesses such as Google which are top-tier decide to invest in the Valley because of the diverse energy portfolio offered by Tennessee Valley Authority. When huge amounts of renewable energy are delivered at competitive prices, excellent jobs are created and the Valley becomes an even more desirable place to do business.

Solar Moves Worth Talking About!

Clearly, Google is making big solar moves, and it is certainly worth talking about. Many other major companies are on board with going solar, as they recognize the ability to save money and save the planet. Continue to follow solar news to stay in the know, as many companies and individuals alike are turning to clean energy such as solar power in order to make a positive impact on the planet. Think about what you could do to make a positive difference, too. If you are not going to be home all day, make sure to turn off the lights! If you have a pet at home, perhaps leave the blinds open to let some natural light in. Make sure to turn off the water when it is not in use. These are simple steps we can all take every single day to help our planet. If you have the option to look into solar panels for your property, this is certainly a choice worth considering.

Sources:

https://www.cnet.com/news/googles-new-us-data-centers-will-be-powered-by-1-6-million-solar-panels/

https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3069550/google-inks-deal-for-power-from-16-million-solar-panels

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/google-putting-16-million-solar-panels-in-tennessee-alabama/51-2805ef3a-70c3-49cc-bbfd-ac04cdb05cbd

2030 Solar Target of 50 GW Set for Italy

#Italy’s new #National Integrated Plan for Climate and Energy 2030 has been issued by the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE). In terms of renewable #energy goals, this proposal has offered transparency in explaining strategies regarding #solar/clean energy for the course of the next decade. It is certainly worth talking about!

Big Goals for Solar

The 2030 target for solar power generation has been raised to 74 TWh from 72 TWh, as per this clean/solar energy plan, and the installed capacity goal is 50 GW. The installed PV capacity for Italy is close to 20 GW now, so roughly 7 GW will be needed in order to meet the Ministry of Economic Development’s goal of 26.6 GW of PV capacity over the next six years.

The expectation is that solar is going to ultimately represent over half of the renewable capacity for Italy. Numbers such as 93.1 GW are expected, up from approximately 54 GW now. Hydropower is anticipated to be the second biggest renewable energy source (19.2 GW), and wind and biomass will follow relatively closely behind hydropower.

Solar Complications

It has been specified by the Italian government that ground-mounted PV will need to be implemented with an insignificant loss of agricultural land. In accordance with the document released by the Ministry of Economic Development, the goal is to support solar power generator installation, but primarily in places such as sheds, buildings, car parks, service areas and so on. This doesn’t take away from the concept that dispersion of big ground-mounted photovoltaic solar systems is important in order to reach goals for 2030, but places not intended for other uses will need to be utilized.

So what are the complications regarding taking full advantage of solar power? The availability of land seems to be an obstacle, as is the approval process for developing large-scale PV.

Gianni Silvestrini, renewable energy consultant, told #pv magazine the government needs to define transparent rules lessening the timeframe and pushing the participation of local realties in order to reach solar goals for 2030. The challenge is in the adaptation of guidelines as well as the clearness of the authorization processes, according to Silvestrini.

Large-Scale Solar Deals

Challenges to reaching solar targets aside, in recent months, Italy’s private PPA segment has seen a growing number of deals for large-scale solar. In the near future, it is anticipated that Italy’s first auction for large wind and solar PV projects will be issued.

Other Important Steps Being Taken

Recent solar news indicates Italy is looking to block gas and oil exploration licenses and, as mentioned, the government wants to considerably increase the share of renewable energy in Italy’s power mix and overall energy consumption (to include in transportation). The present government strongly backs Italy’s push to have as much renewable energy in its energy consumption as it possible can, such as solar power. The preceding government also supported the growth of clean/solar energy sources and set goals of phasing out coal-fired electricity by 2025. Obviously, there are clear goals being set regarding solar power and other sources of renewable energy in Italy. This isn’t anything new, as even back in 2017, roughly 35 percent of Italy’s energy production came from solar power and other renewable energy sources. Italy continues to make moves in the right direction – a direction that perhaps others can take note of and follow in order to make our planet a healthier, cleaner one.

Solar Leaders

For the record, in regard to solar power capacity ownership, EF Solare Italia SpA is now at the top in Italy – the company has upwards of 800 MW in 17 regions.

Continue to follow solar news to learn what is going on across the globe with regard to solar power and other sources of clean energy. Clearly, countries across the planet are taking note of the significance of going solar and taking advantage of clean, renewable energy. Hopefully, even more will follow suit!

 Sources:

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/01/11/italy-sets-2030-solar-target-of-50-gw/

https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Italy-Looks-To-Block-Oil-Gas-Exploration-Permits.html

https://renewablesnow.com/news/interview-efsi-becomes-solar-leader-in-italy-consolidation-continues-639197/

 

 

 

Easing Vermont’s Utility Poverty Crisis with Shared Solar Gardens

RREAL, a #solar panel unit installation company, and SEVCA, a non-profit #energy assistance provider, are two companies that are passionate about helping low-income families pay their utility bills more easily. Leaders at both companies are eager to see changes made to Vermont’s utility problem in the coming years with the help of solar power. The solutions offered by solar-powered community gardens, in particular, may be the answer to multiple problems. 

Community solar gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years, due to their flexibility and versatility. Solar gardens work by offering solar energy utility to multiple homes out of one centralized location. By connecting various homes to one primary community solar garden, it omits the need for families to individually purchase and install solar panels. For low-income families, especially, installing solar panels may not be an option. The community solar gardens take care of this problem and share the solar energy among multiple homes. 

Alleviating Energy and Utility Burdens 

According to Rural Renewable Energy Alliance director and creator Jason Edens, community solar gardens are the most easily integrated form of solar technology to combine with utility assistance programs. Having received federal low-income utility assistance himself in the past, creating RREAL was important to Edens. He experienced first-hand the difficulty of not being able to pay his energy bills and it inspired him to create RREAL. Originating in Minnesota, Edens started RREAL in his garage, along with several other dedicated volunteers. Alleviating energy burdens for others has always been important to him and teaming up with SVECA is just another way he and his team can help lower-income households through the use of solar energy. 

Steve Geller, Southeastern Vermont Community Action’s Executive Director, knows full well the extent of the impact that Vermont’s energy crisis has had on residents. For over 14 years, he has been working with SEVCA to implement programs that ultimately will benefit residents struggling to pay their utility and energy bills. Teaming up with RREAL to build the solar community garden is not SEVCA’s first attempt at using solar energy to help Vermont residents, but it is the most promising.  

Vermont’s Fuel Poverty Problem 

Currently, the fuel poverty levels in Vermont are quite high. One-fifth of Vermont residents spend more the 10 percent of their monthly income on utilities, thus experiencing what is known as fuel poverty. LIHEAP, or the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helped 26,557 households in Vermont alone to pay their monthly utilities from 2016 to 2017, totaling nearly 20 million dollars. Annually, LIHEAP’s annual budget totals 3.5 billion dollars, but profits are starting to dwindle. Since the 2008 recession, funding for LIHEAP has decreased by 1 billion dollars. The program is also not doing an adequate job, as less than one-fifth of households that qualify for LIHEAP ever actually receive the benefits. 

Providing a Solution with the Stability of Solar Energy 

Community solar gardens are just some of the solar energy projects being used nationwide in low-income neighborhoods. Working to alleviate utility burdens by integrating smart solar solutions with local assistance programs is a transition that will ultimately benefit those with lower incomes. The more sustainable solar solutions are used, the better off our environment and neighborhoods will be.  

RREAL intends to expand their solar energy solutions to other partnerships and work with other non-profit organizations and energy providers nationwide. They aim to work with community agencies that not only want to see solar energy integrated into their communities, but also want to grow and expand their own missions to provide energy assistance for needy families. RREAL is also propositioning local and state government agencies for partnerships that will help such agencies implement solar technology at the lowest possible risk.  

For more information about the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance and their programs in the solar energy sector, check out their website here: https://www.rreal.org/ 

Learn more about Southeastern Vermont Community Action Here: https://www.sevca.org/ 

Resource:

https://energynews.us/2019/01/04/northeast/minnesota-vermont-partnership-will-offer-solar-power-to-low-income-families/ 

 

Following Fires, Solar Advocates Seek Bigger Part in California Electric Grid

Out in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, a man named Côme Lague started to reconsider #energy requirements at the vineyard and winery he owns after receiving a notice from #Pacific Gas and Electric Co. He ultimately decided to strongly focus on #solar power.

A Solar Solution

According to the notice Lague received, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. could shut off power lines during harsh weather conditions because of the risk of wildfires being sparked by utility equipment. In the past, a planned power outage had not been done by this company, but it is being considered as a last resort for the future.

Lague was worried about how this might impact his vineyard and winery, #La Mesa Vineyards. Knowing power is crucial for keeping his business up and running, he knew he would need a plan. Lague decided to make some solar changes.

A Complex Solar Installation

Lague had a solar system on his property but he was still worried about having to depend on a generator. His decision was ultimately to expand the solar system so if power were to be shut off to stop a fire from occurring, his business could still “power on.”

Solar power advocates believe technology can play a large role in the state of #California’s electric grid. While the likelihood of harsh weather conditions is increasing due to climate change, and the risk of fueling horrible wildfires is there, it is important to come up with feasible alternatives.

California could take what Lague is doing with his winery and solar power, and essentially use this as a blueprint. Solar panels and batteries could be used to create and store power, letting businesses as well as homes keep their lights on without relying on a generator.

In California, there has been a lot accomplished to expand the usage of solar power. There are laws requiring solar panels on new homes. Of course, if you ask the California Solar and Storage Association, there is still room to do more.

As per the industry group’s executive director, Bernadette Del Chiaro, it’s been thought for quite some time that distributed solar is a crucial component to stopping some of the impacts of climate change. There is a sense of urgency regarding the wildfires and the role of the grid. Unfortunately, utilities can be reluctant to embrace distributed energy.

James Noonan, spokesperson for Pacific Gas and Electric Co., claims the utility has a commitment to solar power. New legislative proposals would need to be reviewed before a position is held on them.

More than 360,000 solar customers have been connected to the energy grid, which Noonan said represents “roughly a quarter of private rooftop solar in the USA.” Each month, the utility connects approximately 5,000 new solar customers to the grid.

Solar Plans for the Future

There are six solar projects scheduled to come online in 2019 thanks to PG&E. They will generate 325 megawatts of power, as per Noonan. Utility projects like these are helping California fulfill its climate goals, including the goal of 9 gigawatts of new solar power projects installed by 2030, in accordance with vice president for state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association, Sean Gallagher.

Gallagher wants to see the state’s lawmakers discover a way to get the procurement on track for new solar projects. He also wants to see efforts made toward a comprehensive community solar program that would let customers who can’t have their own solar system subscribe to a piece of a bigger project.

Sunrun, a leading residential solar company, sees an opening in California because of the wildfires. The company is paying attention to state regulators’ attempts to put together new rules regarding planned power outages and plans to have involvement in those measures in the future.

Côme Lague made the decision to personally supervise all aspects of his solar expansion. He did not want to depend on fossil fuel-powered generators to sustain his winery. Previously, his vineyard had an 8-kilowatt solar panel system. This solar system was able to generate enough energy to break even on his electric bill but it was not enough to power his entire property if Pacific Gas and Electric Co. lines were to be turned off.

Expanding the system and adding 39 additional solar panels made sense. This expanded solar system will be able to power 75 percent of what the vineyard and winery would utilize at the “worst time” for its electricity requirements. Lague has turned everything into a company called Sun Safe Power.

Follow solar news to stay in the know regarding new developments in the world of solar! It is fascinating to learn what innovative individuals are coming up with to keep things up and running using the power of the sun.

Sources:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/After-the-fires-solar-power-advocates-seek-13504557.php

http://www.govtech.com/fs/infrastructure/California-Fires-Add-Fuel-to-the-Push-for-More-Solar-Energy.html

Global Solar Installations to Reach 123 Gigawatts in 2019, As Per IHS

via Sundrenched News http://bit.ly/2LXTUhp

Global Solar Installations to Reach 123 Gigawatts in 2019, As Per IHS

#IHS Markit’s chief clean #energy forecasters released a new #solar PV installation calculation which anticipates seeing 2019 deliver the highest level of new solar capacity installed over the course of one year. The expectation is that annual installations are going grow by 18 percent and will reach 123 gigawatts (GW). Wow!

It hasn’t been easy over the last year and a half to predict the global solar PV market. Why? Mainly because everything is based off guesses which don’t necessarily account for mid-year shifts in policy, such as the one in 2018 in China.

What Exactly Happened in China?

China’s government, back in June, made an announcement that in 2018, it would cap new solar projects and lower the solar Feed-in Tariff, without any additional general solar capacity planned for the remainder of the year.

Of course, this move caused analysts to adjust their estimates of another hugely prosperous year for the global solar industry. The expectations for China’s solar industry did not ineludibly come to pass; consequently, IHS Markit changed its solar PV forecast for 2018 upward to 40 GW, after it had dropped earlier estimates from 50 GW to 38 GW.

China accounts for somewhere between 40 and 50 percent of new solar capacity installed, but this is something that is starting to change. As per the most recent solar forecast from IHS Markit for 2019, roughly 67 percent of installed global solar PV generation capacity is going to come from places outside of China. This solar report was published by Edurne Zoco, Ph.D – IHS Markit’s research director, solar and energy storage.

The expectation, according to IHS Markit, is that Egypt, Argentina, Spain, South Africa and Vietnam together will represent roughly 7 percent of 2019’s total solar installations. This translates to 7GW of total demand growth. There will be solar increases in the United States, too, as demand is expected to increase by just under 30 percent year-over-year as creators are looking to finish a share of their pipeline projects before the end of 2019.

Get Ready for #123 GW of New Solar Capacity

As a whole, IHS Markit anticipates yearly global solar PV installations in 2019 to increase by 18 percent and to end up with 123 GW of new solar capacity installed by the end of the year.

In addition to all of this, a third of solar capacity additions in 2019 will still be connected to China as a result of policy decisions made through the second part of 2018 – there is a strengthened belief in China’s solar industry. Of course, this past fall, China’s National Energy Administration detailed information regarding phasing out power generation subsidies for solar technologies, and making an effort to lessen the fiscal stress subsidies were placing on the country.

Not long after detailing this information, China’s National Energy Administration discussed possibly expanding the solar target of the country to 210 GW by the year 2020, highlighting the possibility of pushing it up to 270 GW. Of course, this would hugely impact global solar capacity figures.

Edurne Zoco, Ph.D discussed how module costs fell in the second half of 2018, however, current strong demand outside China, in places like Vietnam, Mexico and Spain, has put the brakes on price erosion for shipments in the early part of 2019.

A Market Shift

In a nutshell, we might be seeing a market shift, if you will, away from China. Overcapacity is expected to ease up. There has been greater than 20 percent growth in terms of yearly solar PV installations in 45 country markets, as per Zoco. Where does the United Stands stand? It is, at present, the second biggest solar PV market, and solar installations will still grow throughout the New Year.

Solar news is worth paying attention to. Consider the changes being made across the globe in relation to clean energy. The moves currently taking place, and expected to take place in the future, can make a world of difference for the world we live in. Stay in the know – learn what is going on with #solar power and other sources of clean energy. You might even discover changes being made in your own neighborhood!

Sources:

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/12/27/ihs-predicts-global-solar-installations-to-reach-123-gigawatts-in-2019/

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2018/12/19/2019-pv-installations-to-hit-123-gw-global-balance-shifting-says-ihs/