Copyright 2021 - Barry Cinnamon, The Energy Show

I’m starting off the year with my Ten Solar and Storage Trends for 2021. But first, a recap from Dave Barry, my favorite chronicler of all that is crazy and warped in this world: “2020 was a year of nonstop awfulness, a year when we kept saying it couldn’t possibly get worse, and it always did. This was a year in which our only moments of genuine, unadulterated happiness were when we were able to buy toilet paper.“

Looking ahead to 2021:

The solar investment tax credit was extended at the last minute by President Trump

Home electric bills went through the roof in 2020, and will stay high for most of 2021

The President, Senate and House of Representatives are committed to accelerating transition to clean energy

So here are my predictions for solar and storage trends in 2021:

All roof orientations are fair game for solar

Buildings will be designed to be carbon negative

Skill levels for solar and storage contractors will increase

Module level power electronics duopoly will continue

Customer service and warranties are key battery system selection criteria

UL 9540 requirements will stall new battery system releases

Rooftop solar systems should be oversized

EV chargers will be common options for new solar and battery installations

The home of the future will have two batteries in every garage

Whole home battery backup will remain expensive

For the details of these predictions, please listen up to this week’s Energy Show.