There are a number of industries where new innovations and trends regularly hit the market and make a notable impact, and the realm of solar panels and solar power is a great example. As a modern technology that's still improving regularly, each year seems to bring a few exciting new developments for solar panels - and 2024 promises to be no exception.
At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're proud to offer a wide range of both commercial and residential solar power services to clients across Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho, plus surrounding areas. We're always abreast of the latest developments in the solar world, and bring clients cutting-edge solutions with the best of today's technology. Here are some of the general and specific trends or developments we expect for 2024, whether they're still coming or have already begun to hit the market, and how solar companies like ours are working to integrate them into our services.
One trend that's relatively commonplace within the solar power world each year is a continuing increase in general efficiency. Solar panels and the technology used to create them are becoming more advanced, meaning they're able to convert sunlight into usable energy at higher rates than ever before.
In some cases, these increases come from better overall design principles; others may be related to specialized coatings that make solar panels more effective at producing power. In 2024, you can expect to see more of these efficiency increases - in fact, some experts predict that they could come as high as 25% overall.
This is another area that has already been growing for several years, but is once again expected to explode in 2024. Solar battery storage technology allows solar power systems to store excess energy generated during the day for use later on, such as at night or on cloudy days when panels may be less effective due to reduced sunlight.
Battery storage technology has already come a long way, with modern options offering longer lifetimes and much greater storage capacities than older versions. In 2024, we expect to see this trend continue, with even more efficient and longer-lasting battery storage options hitting the market for both residential and commercial use.
Over the last few years, bifacial solar panels have begun to gain significant traction in the market. These panels are designed to absorb sunlight from both sides, rather than just one, which can greatly increase their energy production and efficiency.
In 2024, we expect to see even more advancements in this area, with increased research and development leading to higher quality and more affordable bifacial panel options for consumers. We also expect to see more use of these panels in commercial applications, where their increased efficiency can lead to significant cost savings over time.
Another set of solar technology advancements that have been growing slowly but surely are "smart" setups for solar power systems. These setups use various sensors and devices to collect data and adjust the performance of solar panels as needed in real time, often leading to major efficiency improvements.
In 2024, we expect to see even more integration of smart technology into solar setups, including both residential and commercial systems. This will involve the use of advanced analytics and predictive maintenance tools that allow for greater control over solar panel performance and maintenance.
While these are still somewhat in their infancy, transparent solar panels have been making waves in the industry for their potential to transform how we think about and use solar energy. These panels are designed to be placed on windows or other surfaces where they can still allow light to pass through, but also generate power at the same time.
In 2024 and the coming years, we expect to see significant improvements in these panels' efficiency and cost, meaning they could become a much more viable option for both residential and commercial use. They may even begin to replace traditional, opaque solar panels in some settings.
Finally, from an aesthetic standpoint, some homeowners and commercial property owners are less than thrilled about the look of traditional solar panels. Enter solar skins, which are designed to be placed over existing panels or integrated into their design, changing the appearance to something more appealing.
In 2024, we expect to see even more options for solar skins on the market, as well as advancements in durability and efficiency. This will allow for a wider range of styles and designs to choose from, making solar panels more visually appealing to those who may have been hesitant about their appearance in the past.
As you can see, there are many exciting developments on the horizon for solar technology in 2024 and beyond. At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements and providing our clients with the best, most efficient solar power solutions available. So if you're considering going solar in Salt Lake City, Boise, or anywhere else in Utah or Idaho, trust us to bring you the latest and greatest options on the market - contact us today to learn more about our services!
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