Northeastern Solar Power This Summer

The summer has come to an end, but the heat wave in New England and the Northeast last month has created some ground-breaking records for solar power. The heat wave in New England and the Northeast lasted a week, allowing solar power to save $30 million in wholesale electricity costs because of lowered demand during it’s typical midday peak. With savings this large, regions across the country have began the shift toward solar.

During the heatwave, solar power provided 15% of total electricity in New England. New England ISO explained, “Solar generation peaked each day at around 2 p.m. during the heat wave, providing approximately 2,000 MW. Solar contributes to the reduction in the peak load and also contributes to moving the peak that we see here at ISO New England to that 5 to 6 p.m. time frame.” Homes and businesses were getting their electricity through solar power which lowered the demand from the regional power systems by about 2,000 MW.

In recent months, solar power now makes up more than 10% of electricity in five states! Massachusetts is one of the states that has joined California, Hawaii, Nevada and Vermont in this group. Solar power in Massachusetts has grown 34% each year and is expected to grow continuously each year. In the U.S., the west coast is leading the country when it comes to the application and pursuit of solar energy. California has the highest generation growth in the first half of 2018 at 20%.

Overall, solar in the United States in the first half of 2018 has grown 28%, which is 2.4% of all electricity generation. In turn, coal generation has fallen 6% each year. Although solar has become more affordable, accessible and is the cleanest domestic energy source available, it still has a long way to go before it meets its full potential in the U.S..

The move from fossil fuels to clean energy is growing every day. At Intersect Energy, we are committed to providing analysis, financing and structuring of alternative energy solutions to reduce the environmental impact and maximize savings for companies. We proudly share renewable energy news and information to all our customers and those interested in seeing renewable energy expand. Stay up-to-date with all the happenings at Intersect Energy by following us on LinkedIn!