The Goal of the Solar America Marketplace

Solar America is a collaborative program that makes solar energy accessible across the United States. The initiative aims to achieve this by supporting programs, initiatives, and financial incentives that will lower the cost of solar installation while increasing access to affordable financing options. These leading companies recognize that affordable access to solar energy is not available to everyone in the U.S. due to state-by-state regulations and individual home or business owner finances.

As a result, they have pledged their support for the initiative through funding, research, and participation in working groups focused on driving down costs and increasing awareness about these benefits among potential users. This blog will help you learn more about the initiative.

What is the Solar America?

Solar America collaborates with industry leaders to make solar energy accessible across the United States. The initiative aims to achieve this by supporting programs, initiatives, and financial incentives that will lower the cost of solar installation while increasing access to affordable financing options. These leading companies recognize that affordable access to solar energy is not available to everyone in the U.S. due to state-by-state regulations and individual home or business owner finances.

Consequently, they have pledged their support for the initiative through funding, research, and participation in working groups focused on driving down costs and increasing awareness about these benefits among potential users. The initiative welcomes everyone interested in contributing to the program and making it a success.

Why Is the Initiative Needed?

The U.S. solar energy market is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Many experts predict that the solar market has experienced an annual growth rate of 33%. Due to this rising popularity, the cost of installation has been on the decline. However, this is not necessarily good news for the average homeowner or business owner.

While the average rate of cost decline has been decreasing each year, this has resulted in a widening gap between the costs of solar energy and traditional energy sources like the utility grid. This is especially true in states with high energy costs, like California and Hawaii.

The Role of Research and Development in Solar America 

As part of the initiative, industry leaders are working together to increase access to solar energy by lowering installation costs and raising awareness about the benefits of solar energy. This program will succeed through research and development, policy efforts, partnerships, and educational initiatives. First, the initiative will focus on developing new technologies to make solar energy more affordable and efficient. For example, a research grant provided by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) will help develop new types of solar cells that are more efficient and cost-effective. In addition to research and development efforts, Solar America will also focus on raising awareness of the benefits of solar energy. For example, the SEIA is working with the solar industry to build awareness and develop resources to educate customers about their solar installation options.

Programs to Help Increase Access to Solar Energy

There are several programs available through the initiative that are helping to increase access to solar energy. Two such programs are net energy metering (NEM) and virtual net energy metering (VNEM). NEM allows homeowners to use the energy generated from their solar arrays on-site at the same rate as energy from the grid. VNEM allows homeowners to offset their grid energy use with solar energy generated at another location.

These two and other programs, initiatives, and financial incentives are being used as part of the initiative to help make solar energy more accessible. This includes initiatives like the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) Expansion that address the regulatory and policy barriers facing solar businesses and homeowners.

Conclusion

While many of the benefits associated with solar energy are clear, it can be difficult for many people to understand how solar energy is beneficial and how they can take advantage of it. Solar America was established to increase access to solar energy in the U.S. and aims to clear up some confusion surrounding solar energy and economics. The initiative’s primary goal is to continue to drive down the cost of solar energy while increasing access to financing options that can lower the upfront installation cost. To do this, they have provided information about their programs, initiatives, and public resources that can help make solar energy more accessible.