Nowadays solar power systems are not only confined to the realm of environmental campaigners and renewable energy advocates, as solar panels have become very efficient and much cheaper than before.Homeowners across the US have begun a rooftop revolution.
California is booming with solar power. Last year, California residents crowned their roofs with enough photovoltaic panels to double the total rooftop solar capacity than in the previous 30 years combined. In 2013 alone, the state added an enormous 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity to their homes, up from an already extraordinary 500 MW in 2012.
California boasts more rooftop solar systems than any other state in the US. However, more and more American citizens in other states are increasingly turning to solar energy.
If current trends continue at the same pace, California’s rooftop solar capacity will grow to 5,000 MW by 2014, which would surpass the ‘Million Solar Roofs’ Initiative that aims to install 3,000 MW by 2016.
As the record numbers of businesses and homes are going solar, utility companies are getting uneasy about the threat it poses to their existing business models. It’s a double-edged sword for them. When more customers opt for solar power, utility companies are faced with increasing rates to cover grid and labor costs. As prices rise, customers will seek alternative sources for power.
