The US may have a turbulent public relationship with Renewables; but it leads the way in Innovation.

As a leading Renewable Energy recruitment firm in the United States, Samuel Knight International has been closely following the advancements and breakthroughs in the utility scale Solar PV market in the country over the past five years. We have seen a remarkable increase in innovation in the industry, driven by both private and public investments in research and development (R&D).

Our team offers candidates comprehensive consulting on the companies delivering cutting edge projects; and to our staffing client partners we strategically introduce candidates who can help you capitalize on emerging markets and technologies.

The team in Research and Development have found some real interesting insights, here, we've summarised them. If you're interested to learn more, get in touch!

The United States has been at the forefront of the Solar PV industry for many years now, and the last five years have been no exception. The country has witnessed a significant increase in the installation of utility-scale solar projects, driven by a combination of government incentives, falling prices of solar panels, and technological advancements.

One of the most significant innovations in the US utility scale Solar PV market in recent years has been the introduction of bifacial solar panels. These panels can capture sunlight from both sides, making them more efficient than traditional panels. This technology has been widely adopted in the industry, and it is now being used in some of the largest solar projects in the country.

Another breakthrough in the industry has been the development of new materials for solar panels, such as perovskite. Perovskite solar cells are cheaper and more efficient than traditional silicon-based cells, and they have the potential to revolutionize the solar industry. Researchers in the United States have been working tirelessly to develop perovskite solar cells, and they have made significant progress in recent years.

The United States has also been investing heavily in energy storage solutions to complement solar power. This has led to the development of various types of energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and thermal energy storage. These technologies are being used to store excess solar energy during the day, which can then be used during periods of peak demand.

The government has played a significant role in driving innovation in the US utility scale Solar PV market. The federal government has provided significant funding for R&D in the industry, including the Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, which aimed to reduce the cost of solar energy to be competitive with traditional sources of energy.

In addition to federal funding, private investors have also been investing heavily in the industry. According to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar industry received over $16 billion in private investment in 2020 alone. This has helped to fund research and development in the industry, and it has also driven down the cost of solar energy.

Overall, the amount of R&D funding available in the United States to further innovation in the utility scale Solar PV market is substantial. This funding has been critical in driving innovation in the industry and making solar energy more affordable and accessible to consumers. Samuel Knight International is proud to be part of this exciting industry and looks forward to continuing to support the growth of the US solar industry through our recruitment services.