Top three things to know about solar power as 2016 begins
After a record-breaking 2015, the solar industry looks to have more sunny days in 2016, although the forecast may be partly cloudy in some regions of the U.S.
Here are three things to know about solar power as we enter 2016:
1. Net metering battles are on the horizon
As solar power becomes a more viable energy source in states across the U.S., lawmakers in some regions are rethinking solar laws and regulations.
One of the most hotly debated topics in the early part of 2016 is net metering, a system in which owners of residential (usually rooftop) solar installations are compensated for unused electrical power that they generate .Currently, more than 40 U.S. states have net metering in place in some capacity.
In recent weeks, Nevada made changes that are being contested by solar customers and now there are concerns that Maine could be the next to alter net metering laws.
See also: Net metering changes makes future of solar in Nevada unclear
2. Solar costs are falling
Decreases in solar costs were seen across the board in 2015, largely driven by lower installation prices and improved system efficiency. Not only did the costs of solar fall last year, but costs are still falling as open competition and increasing fragmentation in the industry brings benefits to solar customers.
Lower installation costs are also combining with increased home values to further sweeten the pot for homeowners considering solar power as an energy source.
Congress also approved tax credits for clean energy at the end of 2015 that could help contribute to the growth of solar in the immediate future.
See also: Solar energy pricing at an all-time low
3. Solar is the future
Despite the bumpy road that may be encountered by residents of some states due to net metering policy and other solar-related regulation, many strongly believe that solar is the future, and it can't be stopped.
See also: Solar energy shines brightly in 2015
With 2015 likely to end up being a record-breaking year in solar, 2016 is forecasted to be another year filled with fast-paced solar growth.
The solar industry is showing big growth in the economy overall, too, as solar jobs now outnumber oil jobs in the U.S.