With only a one megawatt capacity for solar power in 2007, Minnesotas solar power generation used to be insubstantial. However, remarkable growth during the first quarter of this year expanded the states capacity to over 1,000 megawatts. The decision to vastly ramp up the states solar potential was tied to the economic benefits of this renewable energy source.

How much do you think about when you use power? For most Americans, how much power used is important because it impacts cost, but when the power is used doesn't really enter the mind. However, when power is used can matter just as much for the power company. Power costs more to produce in high demand times than in low demand times, so prices should really depend on time. With society moving to greater energy efficiency and less waste, more and more power companies are instituting smart grid policies. In these systems, people are not only billed according to the cost of production with time accounted for but are also given information on exactly how they use power and tips on minimizing the cost. Trials so far have been a major success, with dual benefits of saving an average of 8-10% costs and easing the transition to green power.

Balancing the grid is hard. There has always been waste in the system because running into deficit could cause total collapse. However, there are people looking for good solutions. The grid previously relied on peaker plants, burning fossil fuels during high demand times so most of the time it only what was needed was run.

New Solar technology is in the pipeline as solar perovskites are moving from lab to production across the world. Compared to traditional silicon panels, these panels are peaking at more than 28 percent efficiency for turning light into power, versus the record for silicon photovoltaics of 26.7 percent. Additionally, they have the potential for greater flexibility, greater consistency, and lower cost, according to industry experts. This could be the future of solar, and it could be a dominant one.

Reliability of solar is up across the United States, according to major credit rater Fitch. When compared to wind, solar is more likely to reliably generate or outperform expectations. Fitch Ratings, one of the "Big Three credit rating agencies", has recently upgraded 19% of its solar projects, while wind has suffered a net downgrade. Yet another sign of solar's continued spread across the country.

SolBid project underway for Baystate Family Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center in West Springfield. #GoSolar #WestSpringfield #Solar #WesternMass #SolBid

Baystate Family Chiropractic: http://baystatefamilychiro.com