I’m starting off the year with my Ten Solar and Storage Trends for 2021. But first, a recap from Dave Barry, my favorite chronicler of all that is crazy and warped in this world: “2020 was a year of nonstop awfulness, a year when we kept saying it couldn’t possibly get worse, and it always did. This was a year in which our only moments of genuine, unadulterated happiness were when we were able to buy toilet paper.“
Looking ahead to 2021:
- The solar investment tax credit was extended at the last minute by President Trump
- Home electric bills went through the roof in 2020, and will stay high for most of 2021
- The President, Senate and House of Representatives are committed to accelerating transition to clean energy
So here are my predictions for solar and storage trends in 2021:
- All roof orientations are fair game for solar
- Buildings will be designed to be carbon negative
- Skill levels for solar and storage contractors will increase
- Module level power electronics duopoly will continue
- Customer service and warranties are key battery system selection criteria
- UL 9540 requirements will stall new battery system releases
- Rooftop solar systems should be oversized
- EV chargers will be common options for new solar and battery installations
- The home of the future will have two batteries in every garage
- Whole home battery backup will remain expensive
For the details of these predictions, please listen up to this week’s Energy Show.