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.