In late March, a $128 million initiative was launched to improve the costs of solar power. “A significant chunk of the money went to research into materials named after an obscure 19th-century Russian geologist and nobleman: Lev Perovski,” wrote Tom Metcalfe of NBC News. Scientists are on the cusp of discovering a better, more efficient photovoltaic solar cell. It is almost daily that new innovations and technologies are introduced within the solar energy market. Scientists are working on a new solar cell made from a type of crystallized mineral: Perovskite Perovskite could revolutionize solar cells by making it more efficient.

In 2016, the first solar panels were installed in Babcock Ranch, Florida, the Hometown of Tomorrow. Babcock Ranch considers itself to be the country’s first solar-powered town. They have become a beacon for solar energy, with over 700,00 panels installed over 800 acres. This week we will take a closer look at what Backcock Ranch means for solar energy and how it can develop in America.

The unprecedented growth in the solar market is a marvel. It is the result of an industry that found a way to deliver a sustainable and cost-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. The Covid-19 pandemic furloughed many Americans and forced many others to work from home. Yet, solar companies were able to adapt. Internet sales replaced door-to-door sales, and the entire solar market outperformed expectations. Solar capacity has increased drastically, and there seems to be no sign of the industry slowing down.

President Biden unveiled his infrastructure plan this week. It’s a massive $2 trillion investment over eight years. The proposal is aptly named the “American Jobs Plan.” It looks to spur job growth while addressing the aging infrastructure. We have previously covered what a Biden presidency could potentially mean for solar energy and other renewables. The infrastructure bill includes $174 billion designated to address climate change directly. The bill intends to boost the electric vehicle market while another $100 billion is committed to upgrading the nation’s electrical grid. These efforts put the country on track for Biden’s goal of zero-emission by 2050.

The U.S. Solar Market Insight is a quarterly report done by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA, and the research firm, Wood Mackenzie. The report’s goal is to analyze the trends within the market and make projections accordingly. The latest report found that the solar industry “set a record last year and is on track to quadruple.”

CBS News reported that a school district in Arkansas installed 1500 solar panels to reduce energy costs. The school district partnered with the local utility company to provide sustainable energy at a more affordable rate. The school district will save approximately $600,000 annually. The school district wasn’t just saving money but was selling off the surplus solar energy to the grid for added value.

Solar is more efficient and affordable than ever before, and now is a great time to go solar in Florida. Between the 26% federal solar tax credit, solar co-op programs, net-metering, and pro-solar governmental policies on the state and national levels, there has never been a better time for Florida homeowners to make the switch to solar.

It’s easy to fall in love with the solar industry. As efficiency of solar panels advance and regulations expedite the growth and acceptance, one theme stays constant; solar continues to become more affordable. The idea of transforming your home into a renewable energy source that can produce power for the entire family is easy to get behind. But in the early years, the high price and lack of awareness created a lot of friction to market. Today is a much different story.

People have continued to turn towards solar energy. Utility-scale, residential, and commercial solar installations have been increasing. Much of this is due to the necessity to build a renewable, sustainable future. After all, a social movement aimed at combating the climate crisis has come to the forefront. Solar-friendly policies and cost-efficient technology have grown as catalysts in making solar energy more accessible and affordable. Perhaps the most influential accelerator is the solar federal Investment Tax Credit. The ITC is a 26% federal tax credit. If someone invests in a solar system, they can deduct 26% of the installation’s cost from their federal taxes, and this tax credit will last until the end of 2022. The ITC is directly responsible for the drastic increase in residential and commercial solar installations because it helps consumers save money. As policies and technology improve, so do our solar capabilities. This week, we will look at two fantastic stories that help us see what solar can do and where it can go.

Solar energy has been surging for years, and it’s only the beginning. This week, we are going to look deeper into Florida’s success with solar energy. The Sunshine State is one of the best states in the country for solar capacity. Florida’s solar industry owes its success to tax incentives, sunshine, and the significant socio-political movement to combat climate change