What is solar energy & why is it important?

Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses are taking advantage of clean energy.

Why should you invest in solar energy?

Millions of Americans are deciding to power their homes with solar energy—especially as costs have decreased—but an investment in solar energy generates more than just clean energy. It can support household savings, energy independence, economic opportunities, grid reliability, resilience, security and affordability, and a safer planet.

Can solar energy reduce the energy burden of low- and moderate-income customers?

Solar energy technologies can be used as part of a suite of tools to reduce the energy burden of low- and moderate-income (LMI) electricity customers, but to date, these customers have not adopted solar at the same rate as other income groups.

What is solar energy research?

Using world-class facilities, researchers address complex questions about the performance and cost of solar energy technologies, translating basic science to innovation.

How do we assess economic viability of solar PV and battery storage installations?

To assess economic viability, we formulate each household’s decision regarding solar PV and battery storage installations as a mixed-integer optimization problem. The objective is to minimize the household’s annualized electricity costs (AEC econ).

How does solar power benefit the environment?

Solar power benefits the environment. Adopting renewable energy helps to improve air and water quality and helps the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change. DOE partners with national labs to develop innovations that lower the costs of solar energy.