It’s A New Year. We’re headed into 2021 but in reality we’re going into a three part series. With some certainty on the federal policy front for the ITC, DC will refocus on trade issues which causes modules and inverters to cost more than any other market in the world. Solar is also going to have a conversation at the State level starting with the NEM 3.0 battle in California which affects half of all solar revenues. Every manufacturer in America should be on the phone with CALSSA this week to talk about how they can help ensure that solar in California keeps the industry moving forward.
All About Permitting. Today’s top story is an op-ed co-written by Mike Casey and myself on the topic of permitting, expanding some views on the issue that you’ve read here. Our hope is to broaden the conversation beyond solar so that legislators, county officials and city politicians participate in the dialogue as well. Reality is that most people don’t know it costs a fortune in time and money to get a permit for solar and it doesn’t actually help the homeowner get better solar. I see plenty of poor installations that paid thousands in permitting fees. What have you seen and what do you pay for permits?
Welcome To The S&P 500. Congratulations to the Enphase team for going into the S&P 500, officially joining the index later this month. From written off at under $1 per share, execution led the company to new heights with some exciting homeowner focused initiatives well under way including direct to installer sales in Europe.
Consolidate Your Power. As you walk back into your offices (remote or otherwise) you will realize that the conversation is about what isn’t available. Modules, inverters, wires, tax equity, labor and other core requirements are in high demand and short supply. On product supply look towards consolidating your purchasing with similar companies to maximize your access and keep your pricing competitive. We’d be happy to give you more information at the SolarWakeup Buyer’s Group.
- PV-Magazine: A no-brainer for U.S. job creation – Update solar permitting and inspections
- Bloomberg: Enphase Joins Tesla as Latest Clean Tech Firm to Enter S&P
- Reuters: Sizzling hot: Solar stocks set to end pandemic year at record highs
- Solar Industry: 2020: Top Takeaways on Selling Solar Through a Pandemic
- Greentech Media: Top 10 Utility Regulation Trends of 2020
- GreenBiz: 2020 was a breakthrough year for climate tech, and there’s more to come in 2021
- Rocky Mountain Institute: Signs of Hope for US Federal Climate Action in 2021
- Quartz: Community solar projects are helping residents save and forcing utilities to wake up
Opinion
Best, Yann