There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our top 3 news stories this week!
1. IKEA may be known as one of the world’s leading home furniture stores, but this Swedish company is also a leader in the world of renewable energy. Earlier this week they announced that their 1.46 MW solar system installation on their newest store in Memphis is officially complete! With 4,424 panels producing about 2,000,000 kWh of electricity they will be reducing 1,406 tons of carbon dioxide emissions yearly.
Source: http://www.esolarenergynews.com/2016/09/ikea-inst…
This new location is the 44th solar project for IKEA and another step towards their goal of being energy dependent by the year 2020. IKEA strives to minimize its impact on the environment through several different channels, including recycling waste, energy-efficient lighting in its stores, and water-conserving restrooms. This comes as no surprise considering the 700,000 solar panels they have already installed globally. It will be exciting to watch IKEA’s solar journey over the next few years!
2. This week the Solar Power International Convention was held in Las Vegas, Nevada where renewable energy panels were held. A featured discussion centered around the threat of rooftop solar to utility companies and how community solar can fix this. Community solar is also commonly referred to as solar farms. These are huge areas with many rows of solar panels mounted. These are usually owned by consumers who use this power to get a credit on their utility bill.
Source: http://www.solarpowerinternational.com/
While rooftop solar takes revenue away from utility companies, community solar farm developers actually invest in local power grids. Because these solar farms still rely on the grid it is in their interest to invest in and support utility companies. It was estimated during this panel that 326 MW of community solar farms may provide up to $60 million for grid improvements.
3. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has launched a national solar PV recycling program to increase the sustainability of the U.S. solar industry. They have created a network of recyclers that can manage the disposal of panels in a cost-effective and responsible way.
Industry leaders want to make sure the power of solar energy is not turned negative by inability to manage its waste. SEIA’s program will make recycling more accessible for solar consumers ensuring our current sustainable energy movement does not create a burden for our future.
