Exploring the Latest Trends in Solar for 2024
The long-anticipated bidirectional EV charger market is finally coming to life. These innovative devices, capable of both charging EV batteries and exporting power to homes or the grid, have been eagerly anticipated for years. Now, with recent UL 9741 certification achievements by companies like Delta Electronics, Fermata Energy, and Siemens, the market is poised for significant growth. Enphase, SolarEdge, Wallbox, GM Energy, and others are gearing up to introduce their own bidirectional chargers, signaling a major shift in the renewable energy landscape.
Exciting Opportunities Await
For consumers and installers alike, this is an exciting time. Homeowners who may have hesitated to invest in stationary batteries now have a compelling alternative with bidirectional chargers. Additionally, the surge in charger installations presents new opportunities for solar contractors, offering additional revenue streams amidst market fluctuations. While the residential solar market may experience temporary disruptions, the rise in EV charger installations and energy storage education presents a promising avenue for growth.
Government Support and Industry Collaboration
The Department of Energy (DOE) has thrown its support behind vehicle-to-everything (V2X) research, bringing together national labs, local governments, utilities, and private companies to drive the adoption of bidirectional charging. Industry leaders like GM, Ford, Honda, Sunnova, and Wallbox are collaborating through memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to shape the future of transportation and grid reliability.
Noteworthy Developments
- Enphase's bidirectional charger, leveraging grid-forming IQ8 microinverters, will hit the market this year.
- GM Energy introduces the Ultium Home suite, including the PowerShift bidirectional charger, enhancing versatility for the 2024 Silverado EV.
- SolarEdge's bidirectional charger, expected in the second half of 2024, enables direct charging from solar PV systems, bypassing AC-to-DC conversions.
- Wallbox and Bidirectional Energy secure funding for the deployment of the Wallbox Quasar 2 bidirectional charger in California homes.
- PG&E and other utilities are piloting V2X programs with EV manufacturers like BMW and Toyota, aiming to enhance grid resilience and reliability.
The Installation Opportunity
As bidirectional chargers enter the market, the need for installation services grows. Ford partners with Sunrun, and GM collaborates with SunPower for preferred installer programs. Local contractors, like HES Solar in San Diego, are well-positioned to meet this demand. CEO Ross Williams highlights the simplicity of residential EV charger installations and the transformative potential of bidirectional charging for customers.