Analysis conducted by Zpryme on federal data sets demonstrates that solar power and associated battery infrastructure continue their astronomical ascent as a viable addition to the nation’s electricity generation and storage portfolio.
From January to March 2021, cumulative total solar generation totaled 31,335 MWh. This is a 19.5% increase over the same time period in 2020. Utility scale solar and small scale solar increased by 21.9% and 14.5%, respectively, during this time period..
At the same time, from January to March 2021, operational battery projects totaled 224, with an existing cumulative capacity of 1,766 MW. From January to March 2021, a total of 10 battery projects were added in the U.S., accounting for an additional 272.3 MW of capacity. Since January 2020, U.S. operational battery capacity has increased by a dramatic 78.8%.
Analysis and data for this report was done by Zpryme using the U.S. EIA Monthly Energy Review, EIA form 861M detailed data, and EIA form EIA 860 monthly data. Results from this study confirm that Solar+Storage continues its robust upward trajectory, and lends weight to Thomas Edison’s famous observation that “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power. I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out to tackle that.”
Learn how to access the full report and review findings on Zpryme’s Utility Response website at U.S. Utility Scale Solar, Distributed Solar and Battery Projects Trends Benchmarking Report.
Michael G. Albrecht
Bringing 10+ years experience conducting interviews, research and writing articles on the Digital Transformation of the electric grid, water and gas utilities. Areas of research include IT/OT Convergence, IIoT, AI/ML, 5G, Cloud, Blockchain, Smart Contracts, edge computing, renewable energy and battery storage, cybersecurity, data analytics, and evolving regulatory and policy activity. Work published in Powergrid International, Transmission & Distribution World, Utility Analytics, Energy Central, Smart Grid Insights, CMG Consulting, and Renewable Energy World. The driving force behind my work is a desire to deliver in-depth research and writing to utilities to assist their technology decision-making and marketing efforts during this period of significant digital transformation and business model transition.