The renewable energy industry is projected to grow going into 2022. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on November 15, 2021, will be a huge catalyst to accelerate American investment into advancing this country’s infrastructure. With technology improvements and an administration that has released policies to aid this initiative, the renewables market is primed to see accelerated growth. One of the main drivers is competition to improve battery storage, especially with the increased demand of electric vehicles. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are very demand due to the solar-plus-storage buildout models which is helping solar projects expand into new markets. With solar storage, this model offers cost efficiency and an opportunity to reduce storage capital costs (check out this article for more information on the solar investment tax credit here).

Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most abundant energy sources available. The three main ways to harness solar energy are solar heating and cooling, photovoltaics and concentrating solar power. Solar energy is weaved within the complex electricity system within the United States. All of these applications depend on supportive policy frameworks and federal and states entities to ensure fair access to consumers and businesses.

To read more about upcoming renewable trends and how solar is leading the way in many avenues, check out this report from Deloitte.

Developers of the distributed solar-plus-storage projects are running into some supply chain issues like so many other industries. Semiconductor chips, aluminum, steel, polysilicon, and other metals all fall under the commodity constraints; however the demand has not faded even with the delays in shipment. This past March, the American Jobs Plan, which drives to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure while creating jobs, also included plans for the solar industry. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has also seen an extension on expiration dates and an increase in the credit to include direct-pay incentives aimed at building out the transmission grid.

The residential solar market has increased these past few years and is projected to grow. The nonresidential sector of solar installations has split into two categories, commercial solar and community solar. Community solar allows for residential customers to enjoy the benefits of shared solar energy to help combat the lack of space on rooftops for sun exposure, credit access, homeownership, etc. Utility solar hit historic project pipeline statistics and is projected to grow. There have been many positive factors that have seen the solar market grow and continue to grow. Factors to keep an eye on that could change the current forecast are, tax equity supply shortages, components costs, construction capacity constraints with new labor requirements.

To help meet the needs of the growing solar industry, the workforce will see new career opportunities arise. Partnerships with apprentice training organization are crucial for future success. Trained worker positions such as solar installers, electricians, operations, and maintenance technicians are all needed to build quality solar systems.

Day & Night Solar (DNS), one of NECA’s Premier Partners is based in the Renewable Energy Sector; specifically, "Photovoltaic" and helping to drive member contractors to a larger market-share in the Solar PV industry. The combination of key products with best-in-class pricing provides measurable results and delivers a truly sustainable "competitive market advantage" for member contractors. For more information on how to start in the solar market or elevate your organization’s solar capabilities, visit www.dayandnightsolar.com.