Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the solar energy industry has proven remarkably resilient. Rapid technological improvements, government incentives for solar panels, and the increasing competitiveness of solar storage batteries have helped encourage clean energy adoption.
While 2022 looks like a promising year for solar power assets, there are some potential hurdles along the way. So what should you expect for 2022, and how can you prepare for it? Identifying the upcoming trends can help your organization better prepare for the changing business climate in 2022 and beyond.
Solar technology will continue to improve
Solar panels are becoming increasingly efficient, allowing homes and businesses to generate more electricity in a limited space. Increasingly, PV solar panels are becoming lighter, slimmer in appearance and thinner in profile, making them more visually appealing.
Also, solar panels (monocrystalline solar panels are among the most common types) are becoming more common and there are more products available than ever before. Despite these improvements, the cost of solar energy appears to remain relatively stable.
In addition, many solar panel manufacturers offer longer warranties than ever before, making solar energy a safe investment. Even liquid solar panels are being developed and show promise. There are also advances in inverters that are helping to increase the overall efficiency of solar systems.
Additional solar applications will gain popularity such as:
– LED street lamps
– PV noise barriers
– Charging stations for electric vehicles
With advances in solar energy technology, their use in a variety of products is becoming more common and affordable. For example, solar-powered LED streetlights are reducing energy bills and carbon emissions in many urban areas, while protecting public safety and promoting energy efficiency. PV noise barriers along highways make the surrounding communities more livable while generating renewable energy. In addition, charging stations for electric vehicles are increasingly powered by solar battery.
Applications of photovoltaics are expected to increase as new uses for solar energy are found. Staying abreast of these trends may open up opportunities for new service offerings for your solar energy company.
The demand for solar installation and maintenance will increase
Concerns about climate change and reductions in PV costs are driving the growth of the clean energy transition. As solar capacity and interest in sustainability increases, so does the need for solar installation services. With more operating systems than ever before, there are more systems to maintain and repair. While rising demand for solar energy companies is primarily good news, it can present logistical problems for companies looking to grow their businesses.
Unfortunately, labor shortages have put solar companies under pressure
Energy companies and solar installers therefore try to anticipate their hiring needs, plan for longer hiring periods where possible, and remember to train new employees appropriately, particularly with regard to safety protocols. These measures are essential to maintaining a high level of customer service as you grow your business.
Greater adoption of solar storage solutions
In recent years there have been many minor to major high profile power outages that have prompted more potential customers to consider solar powered generator. The 2021 Texas power crisis, for example, left millions of homes without power, some for several days.
In addition, utility companies on the West Coast have implemented power shutdowns for safety reasons during severe droughts to prevent wildfires. And the pandemic has encouraged some home and business owners to consider self-sufficiency options.
At the same time, the cost of modern solar batteries has fallen while capacity has increased in recent years. All these factors come together and sales of solar systems with battery storage continue to increase significantly. As a result, even existing customers with DIY solar systems can be good candidates for additional storage capacity.
Supply chain constraints will affect solar production
The COVID-19 pandemic has put pressure on global supply chains. Factory closures, import duties, raw material shortages and supply shortages lead to bottlenecks and delays in the supply chain. The solar energy sector is not immune to these limitations.
Solar panels and other equipment often come from China. Many factories were forced to close during the 2020 lockout, but some supply chains have yet to fully recover from this disruption. In addition, there were shortages of silicon, an essential component in the manufacture of solar modules. Transport was also an issue as some ports are incredibly congested, causing further delays.
It can be difficult to understand the intricacies of supply chain bottlenecks, but it can be helpful to anticipate the possibility of such bottlenecks. Check with your solar installer what to expect and be prepared for equipment shortages and delays.
As the pandemic drags on, many solar companies are continuing to conduct remote viewings. Some companies appreciate this method because it can save time and money. Other companies prefer personal contact and the opportunity to develop a personal relationship. Some companies have found that solar sizing software is helpful as some programs can perform a shadow analysis of a property without stepping onto the roof.
Regardless of preference, good advice is vital. The solar calculator can also help you calculate how many 400 watt solar panels you need to buy based on the electrical appliances and the duration of electricity consumption at home.
2022 will be another big year for the solar industry
The year 2022 is promising for the deployment of solar energy compared to the construction of new fossil fuel power plants. But it’s important to pay attention to trends and prepare for supply chain and labor bottlenecks. Good planning and realistic deadlines are therefore advisable.