The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) recently released its sixth annual report on solar in the Southeast, revealing that the region is making progress towards a cleaner energy future. The report, titled “Solar in the Southeast 2021,” provides an overview of solar energy development in the region and highlights key trends and policy developments.
According to the report, the Southeast region has added over 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity since 2012, with Florida leading the way with over 5 GW of installed solar capacity. Other states in the region, including Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, have also made significant strides in solar energy development.
One of the key drivers of solar energy growth in the Southeast has been the declining cost of solar technology. The report notes that the cost of solar panels has dropped by over 80% since 2010, making solar energy more affordable and accessible for consumers and businesses alike.
In addition to cost reductions, the report highlights several policy developments that have helped to spur solar energy growth in the Southeast. For example, many states in the region have implemented net metering policies, which allow customers with solar panels to receive credit for excess energy they generate and feed back into the grid.
The report also notes that several utilities in the Southeast have set ambitious renewable energy goals. For example, Duke Energy has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while Florida Power & Light has set a goal of installing 30 million solar panels by 2030.
Despite these positive developments, the report also highlights several challenges that continue to hinder solar energy growth in the Southeast. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of supportive policies at the state level. For example, some states in the region have imposed tariffs on imported solar panels, which can increase costs for consumers and slow down solar energy development.
Another challenge is the limited availability of financing options for solar projects. The report notes that many banks and financial institutions in the Southeast are hesitant to invest in solar energy due to perceived risks and uncertainties.
Overall, the “Solar in the Southeast 2021” report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of solar energy development in the region. While there are still challenges to overcome, the report shows that the Southeast is making progress towards a cleaner energy future and that solar energy has the potential to play a significant role in achieving that goal.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.