Likely a result of mass protesting, the German government recently announced that their scheduled cuts in solar subsidies would be delayed and perhaps revised. Cuts for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been delayed until May. At that time, incentives will undergo gradual reductions each month. Cuts for solar utilities have been delayed until June.

When Chancellor Angeles Merkel’s government began to push for cuts, anti-solar energy factions widely publicized the news as proof that the renewable energy isn’t a feasible solution to the world’s energy crisis. Yet the opposite may be true. In 2000, renewables accounted for 6.3 percent of Germany’s energy sources. Renewable energy now accounts for over 20 percent of Germany’s electricity.

When the weather is favorable, there are days when renewable sources generate more energy than the country uses, according to a report in the New York Times. Germany’s generating capacity from all forms of energy now stands at 133 gigawatts, but Germany needs only 90.5 gigawatts to meet demands, according to the director of the German Federal Environment Agency, Harry Lehmann.

Germany’s electrical grid is not connected across the nation, however. The electric utility Amprion is working on installing 500 miles of transmission lines across the nation.

German subsidies have not only been successful in creating a broader demand for solar but have prompted new technologies, helping to bring down installation costs. Costs for German solar modules have dropped to almost $1 per watt. The amount of solar installations last year was double the government’s target. Germany added 7.5 gigawatts last year alone and expects to add 8 more gigawatts this year.

Merkel’s government argues that subsidies are becoming less necessary. The opposition argues that cuts will result in the loss of tens of thousands of green jobs, an argument that carries some weight as Europe struggles with high unemployment rates. According to a Reuters report this week, the euro zone’s unemployment rate has risen to 10.7 percent, the highest it’s been since 2000.

Far from being a failure, German’s solar incentive programs may be a victim of their own success.

Now, thanks to Sharp’s new SunSnap product, they’ll soon have a new option. For as little as $1,000, you can buy a single panel with a micro-inverter built right into it.

The new Sharp Solar system made its debut at this year’s TED Conference in Long Beach, California. TED is a nonprofit organization that promotes innovative ideas. The SunSnap system was installed on LivingHome C6, the first low-cost built by fabricated homes builder LivingHomes. Solar provider Paramount Solar performed the installation.

For pricing on a solar installation, click here.

Sharp is calling the SunSnap product a “home appliance.” Each solar panel is a black-on-black 235-watt module. A micro-inverter, mounting and grounding assembly is incorporated into each panel. Sharp Solar senior vice president Eric Hafter said, “It’s called SunSnap, because you literally snap the next panel into place.”

The system is designed to make installation of a residential solar system simpler, and to enable homeowners to start their solar system with as few as one panel and add more panels later. The black-on-black module may address aesthetic concerns as well.

Sharp is currently selling the SunSnap system to solar contractors and installation partners. One partner has already installed a system large enough to provide all of the electricity needs for that homeowner. Sharp plans to begin selling the system on the retail market later this year.

Hafter says the SunSnap is easier to install than a new dishwasher. PV inverters don’t typically have the same product life as the panels. If Sharp has addressed this concern with an incorporated inverter that is as long-lasting as the panel itself, residential solar may take another leap forward.

Three-dimensional solar power is a legitimate technology, one that is being investigated and developed by serious scientists. Whether the company Solar3D is a legitimate participant in this innovative technology remains to be seen.

This week, Solar3D released a news release touting their 3-D solar cell design that as yet is still under development. “Our 3D cell can deliver a high conversion efficiency of 25 percent,” claimed Solar3D CEO Jim Nelson, adding that the “cell can deliver 200 percent more power output than conventional solar cells.”

In a June 2011 with Forbes magazine, Nelson made the same claims, announcing then that a 3D prototype would be available by the end of 2011. While Forbes reported the claims, they seemed to be more interested in Nelson’s views on government subsidies. “They support broken technology,” Nelson said.

Nelson argued that the government should subsidize those who are developing innovative solar technology but not solar rebate programs that reduce the cost of installations. Prior to his involvement with Solar3D, Nelson spent 20 years in the private equity industry.

News about 3-D solar cell technology has been bouncing around for about five years, with various scientists and universities taking credit, including wunderkind William Yuan, who received a scholarship and Davidson Fellow award for a 3-D design that he created when he was only 12 years old.

Researchers at the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory at the Georgia Tech Research Institute have been working on 3-D solar since 2007. Details of their ongoing research design was described in the March 2007 issue of the technical journal JOM. Their research is sponsored in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, with the goal of developing 3-D solar technology that can be utilized in space.

The Georgia Tech research is experimenting with tower structures that are only 40 microns square, built from arrays that contain millions of carbon nanotubes. Solar3D describes their technology as a “multi-facetted 3-D photovoltaic structure where photons can bounce off many surfaces until all photons that can be absorbed by the material are absorbed.”

Solar3D hired their Chief Scientific Advisor, Nadir Dagli, in November 2011, five months after the Forbes interview. Previously, Dagli was Chief Scientific Advisor for another solar startup, HyperSolar, a company that claims that their solar technology will “increase solar cell power output by as much as 400 percent.”

Solar3D did not say when their 3-D prototype would become available.

Given all the variables involved, it’s not surprising that predicting the efficiency of solar panels over time is so challenging. Every residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installation is unique. The amount of sunlight exposure and air temperature may not only vary from installation to installation, but from day to day.

In order to warranty products, however, solar panel manufacturers require an estimation of a system’s life, which is a hugely important solar rating for homeowners to know.

What’s Covered in Most Solar Warranties?

Until recently, the industry wisdom for solar panel efficiency has been that PV systems will operate at 90 percent% after 10 years, and at 80% efficiency at 25 years.

A recent study at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany, showed that efficiency degradation might be far less than previously thought. The study analyzed 17 systems that have been operating for more than five years, revealing no significant loss of efficiency.

Anecdotal evidence is even more impressive. A Swedish PV installation that has been operating continuously since 1984 has shown no significant loss in efficiency. Solar panels at the Technical University of Berlin have been running for 31 years. It’s becoming apparent that systems last longer and work better than standard solar panel warranties indicate. Top solar brands are beginning to respond with better warranties.

Suntech Warranty

Suntech, the world’s largest manufacturer of solar panels, recently changed their warranties to ensure specific outputs:

• 95% at year 5
• 90% at year 12
• 85% at year 18
• 80% at year 25

This results in 6.7 percent more power than industry standard warranties.

Yingli Green Warranty

Yingli Green Panda panels are guaranteed to provide:

• 98% output during the first year
• 92% for 10 years
• 82% for 25 years

The company is also offering linear-based warranties that spread the decreased output expectation incrementally over 25 years.

Trina Solar Warranty

Trina Solar offers linear-based warranties for both polycrystalline and monocrystalline products, with slightly different percentages:

• Polycrystalline module output at 80.7% at 25 years
• Monocrystalline module output at 80.18%

Solar World also offers a similarly linear-based warranty.

SunPower Solar Warranty

Sunpower‘s warranty covers:

• 90% output at year 12
• 80% output at year 25

Other solar companies that now offer 25-year warranties, including First Solar, Canadian Solar, Sharp and Sanyo.

As most homeowners now recoup upfront PV installation costs in less than 10 years, every additional year that their system operates efficiently means more money in their pockets.

One day, windows are likely to provide the electricity for homes and businesses. Invisible solar technology took another step towards reality this week when New Energy Technologies announced that collaboration with scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) resulted in a 70-square-inch see-through glass solar module.

The solar window is over 14 times larger than other see-through modules made at the NREL, and the largest in the world so far.Under the guidance of New Energy principle scientist Dr. Scott Hammond, NREL scientists applied electricity-generating coatings to glass. Made of conductive polymers, the coatings are produced through an organic synthesis process. The end result is revolutionary BIPV, or building-integrated photovoltaics.

Last month, New Energy announced that they were using a high-speed, high-volume solution coating process, another important development on the road towards a viable commercial organic photovoltaic (OPV) product.

New Energy confirmed that this latest solution-coating technique is compatible with roll-to-roll fabrication methods that are commonly used for printing, which means that OPVs have the potential to be manufactured on a large scale. New Energy foresees that the process will eventually mean that solar windows will be produced faster, cheaper and safer than conventional photovoltaic panels.

Although this latest achievement is a big step forward, obstacles to widespread OPV production remain. The biggest resistance to the technology comes from those who view it as too energy-inefficient. Compared to conventional residential solar panels that have efficiency rates that range from 11 to 15 percent, current OPVs on the market have 4 to 5 percent efficiencies.

So far, the efficiency of solar windows has been even lower. Low efficiency may not be a deterrent, however, if the costs of the windows become inexpensive enough.

The real challenge of solar window technology is developing a way to extend its lifetime, which currently is only a few years. Homeowners will expect the technology to last as long as conventional windows last. It’s possible that a “re-coating” service will eventually be provided. Presently, OPVs are used primarily for portable products, such as canopies, electronic mobile devices and backpacks.

What’s encouraging about these new advances in “see-through solar” is that research and development is continuing on a national level. For the solar industry to grow, it’s important to continue to stride towards new technologies.

As NREL Research Fellow Dr. David S. Ginley said, “The fabrication of a large-area see-through solar module of these dimensions is an important step.”

For those who experience a disaster like a tornado or hurricane, losses can be heartbreaking. Rebuilding after a disaster not only typically requires a large financial investment, but a share of courage, resilience and determination, too.

Massachusetts is encouraging homeowners whose properties were devastated by last year’s tornados to take advantage of green technologies, products and materials as they rebuild their homes. The state is offering an additional incentive to their already long list of Massachusetts solar rebates that help make it affordable for homeowners to rebuild with solar.

Massachusetts has a broad array of existing solar incentive programs, including a state rebate, utility rebates, property tax and sales tax exemptions, tax credits and payments for the solar electricity that residential photovoltaic (PV) systems generate.

For pricing on solar power systems, click here.

Residents rebuilding in the wake of the tornadoes can now get an additional $1.00 per-watt rebate for a residential solar system installation. The program is being operated by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), as part of the state’s Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program.

The state’s rebate program is structured in tiers, or “adders,” with a base incentive of $.40 per watt. Homeowners who meet certain low-income requirements may get an additional $.40/watt. Homeowners with moderate home values are eligible for an additional $040/watt. If the solar installation components are produced in Massachusetts, the homeowners get an additional $.05/watt.

Better yet, homeowners rebuilding from the June 1, 2001 tornado get an additional $1.00/watt.

For every megawatt that a home solar system generates, Massachusetts awards homeowners with a Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC). The state also mandates that state public electrical utilities purchase the SRECs. Homeowners are currently making about $550 for each SREC.

Utilities may offer their own solar incentive programs, too. The South Hadley Solar Rebate program, for example, offers a $1.50/watt rebate.

Massachusetts residents who qualify for the maximum state and federal solar rebates alone can save over 66% on the cost of a home solar system. A deeply-discounted PV system that will save you money for years to come may make starting over a bit easier.

A cool-down in European solar markets combined with an over-supply of panels from China has led to a massive decline in solar panel prices. Over the last year, prices for solar panels have fallen 50 percent. In the U.S., falling prices spell competition, and many solar providers are hustling to position themselves to take advantage of a rapidly changing solar industry.

While solar panel manufacturers have taken a hit from the 50-percent reduction caused by the glut of supplies, home solar contractors are seeing their profits rise. SolarCity, the nation’s largest residential solar installer, is expected to initiate a public offering this year.

As solar providers stabilize their bottom line, they attract more investors. Previously, investors have been drawn to large-scale solar energy projects, but as the market shifts, they are increasingly backing smaller installation contractors. Investment firms are predicting that if solar brands succeed with public offerings, the market could experience exponential growth.

To see what home solar pricing is like in your area, click here.

Homeowners have enjoyed lower installations costs as well. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Tracking the Sun report, the cost of installing home PV systems has dropped 43 percent over the last dozen years.

The most recent drop in solar panel prices, however, has been slow to make a difference in what homeowners pay. Savings from lower component prices first impact distributors, integrators and providers before showing up in installed prices.

A fragmented industry makes it harder to pass on savings to customers, too. As yet, there are no major wholesale solar parts distributors. Most solar contractors purchase the various equipment needed for installations from a number of manufacturers, driving up costs.

The industry is beginning to address this issue as well. You can expect to see installation costs continue to drop as players in the competitive solar market find their niche.

Every homeowner that makes the switch to solar becomes part of the solution to sustainably meeting the world’s energy needs. To ensure that your residential solar system is not only kind to the planet, but to your finances as well, avoid these seven mistakes when installing solar panels.

For help finding contractors, or for pricing on a system, click here.

1. Hiring the Wrong Contractor

Choosing the wrong solar contractor can lead to multiple mistakes. An awesome contractor will not only advise you about the right system to choose, where to install it and how many solar panels you’ll need, but can help with financing, incentives and other cost-cutting options. The right contractor will assess your home’s energy usage and show you how to make the system as efficient as possible.

2. Picking a Bad Location

Ideally, a home solar system should be installed on a south-facing roof that is not shaded by other structures or trees. In sunny areas, other roof locations can make a home a good candidate for solar as well. If a good roof location isn’t available, your solar contractor will provide you with information other alternatives, such as ground-mounted PV arrays.

3. Buying the Wrong-Sized System

Homeowners need to be clear about what percentage of their home’s energy needs they expect to be met with a new home solar system. Even a small system can save homeowners money, but it’s important to understand what they should expect before signing a contract. A good contractor will know the efficiency ratings of the solar panels that they install and can explain how efficiency ratings affect performance.

4. Missing Out on Incentives

Incentive and solar rebate programs offered on the federal, state and local level are always subject to change. While a great solar contractor will keep up to date on them, it’s important for you to do your homework as well. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save up to 60 percent on installation costs by taking advantage of incentive programs.

5. Not Getting the Most Out of Solar

Learning about how net metering systems work with home PV systems helps homeowners make the most out their solar systems. Since many utilities charge different rates at different periods of the day, you can enjoy additional savings by taking advantage of your solar array’s peak efficiency periods.

6. Missing Out on Financing

A careful assessment of your home’s energy needs and your household’s financial health can help determine whether it’s more advantageous for you to purchase or lease a system. Other types of solar financing options are available as well, including home equity loans.

7. Missing Out on Property Tax Exemptions

Home improvements can trigger a new tax assessment on your property, but many states exempt renovations that increase a home’s energy efficiency or that use renewable energy. Check with your state’s board of equalization department for details.

It’s fairly well-known that across the Golden State, more and more Californians are going solar, but the areas where residential solar installations are growing the fastest may come as a surprise.

The nation’s leading residential system installer SunRun teams with PV Solar Report, an industry data analyst organization, to provide stats on California’s solar industry. For their latest installment, PV Solar Report gleaned data from the state’s database of home solar rebate applications to determine the fastest-growing California solar cities.

For example, PV Solar Report founder Stephen Torres noted that “while Apple Valley may not have the most solar in the state, its solar installation numbers grew by almost 70 percent in 2011.”

California’s Top 10 Solar Cities 2012

Here are the cities that made the list:

1. San Jose
2. Bakersfield
3. Simi Valley
4. Lancaster
5. Fresno
6. Corona
7. Murrieta
8. Rocklin
9. Hemet
10. Apple Valley

The report not only counts the number of home solar installations and the rate of growth from one year the next, but looks at the number of solar leases as well. The increase in the number of solar leases is perhaps the most surprising data of all.

In Fresno, for example, out of 459 home PV system installations, 256 were installed as leased systems. It’s a trend that seems likely to continue. Beginning in June of 2001, solar leases began to outpace home solar system purchases. In December of 2011, leasing accounted for over 70 percent of California’s home PV market.

Equally surprising was SunRun’s account of their accomplishments. In 2007, SunRun virtually invented the solar lease model. They have remained the industry leader in solar leasing in California, with twice the market share of any other solar provider.

Their success has led to some pretty astounding statistics. The company boasts 18,000 home solar system installations. As Zach from CleanTechnica wrote in his article about the new data, “Wow, $1.5 million/day, one rooftop every 11 minutes! Impressive.”

SunRun describes their leasing program as a “solar power service,” allowing homeowners to use solar electricity in their homes for as little as zero down and letting them simply pay for the solar electricity that the home generates each month. SunRun President Lynn Jurich says it’s because of this option that solar is expanding to more median-income communities, adding that solar service enables homeowners to “lock in a low rate for clean electricity.”

Other fast-growing solar cities that didn’t make the top 10 list include Antioch, Norco and Whittier. Each grew by almost 70 percent last year. The PV Solar Report’s complete list of top-performing cities accounted for almost 7,500 residential systems installed in California last year.

Sunny California is prime real estate for solar energy, and a number of California rebates make home solar systems highly affordable for Golden State residents. The only downside to these programs is that some have limited funding. Homeowners interested in solar panels will want to act soon to take full advantage of all the savings.

For pricing on a home solar system, click here.

Here are five solar incentive programs that every California homeowner should know.

1. The Federal Incentive Program

The government offers the most generous program. The federal incentive program pays for up to 30 percent of the cost of installing a residential solar system in the form of a tax credit. The program is currently set to expire at the end of 2016.

2. California Solar Initiative

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has transitioned its residential rebate program over to your local utility companies. The CPUC oversees the program. The state still exempts renewable energy home improvements from property tax assessments, so installing a PV system won’t raise your property taxes.

The new program offers per-installed-watt rebates from the state’s three major utilities, Southern California Edison (SCE), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). It’s a tiered program, with rebates that step down in price as more utility customers participate in the program.

Currently, PGE and SDG&E are at the ninth step of the ten-step program, offering rebates of $.25 per watt. SCE is at the seventh step of the program, offering $.65 per watt.

Municipal utilities offer rebates as well, some of them substantially more generous than those offered by the larger utilities, although annual funds are generally limited. Of course, if you live in one of California’s top solar cities, your rebates are likely generous. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, for example, just moved to step six of their ten-step program, offering $1.62 per watt.

3. Single-family Affordable Homes (SASH) Program

Low-income Californian homeowners may be eligible to receive free or greatly-discounted home PV systems under the CPUC’s SASH program. Residents must be PG&E, SCE or SDG&E customers to qualify and must meet income requirements.

Generally, households earning less than 50 percent of the area’s median income levels may apply for a free 1-kilowatt home solar system. Households earning between 50 percent and 80 percent of median incomes may qualify for $4.75 per watt to $7.00 per watt rebates. SASH is administered by the non-profit organization GRID Alternatives.

4. New Solar Homes Partnership

The CPUC offers cash rebates to home builders who build houses with solar electrical systems built in. The New Solar Homes Partnership has been a huge success, and it’s likely the program will meet its goal of 400-megawatt capacity by 2016.

5. Thermal Rebate Program

The three major Californian utilities offer tiered rebate programs for solar water heating systems, too. Currently, all three utilities are in the first of a four-step program. Homeowners who replace a natural gas system can expect rebates of about $1,500. Those who replace electric systems can expect about $1,000.

Photo via joncallas