The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) recently concluded a year-long series of white papers examining state-level efforts to modernize the American utility grid. As we’ve previously explored, the creation of a stable, sustainable electric grid is a vital step towards a future in which consumers have greater choice over the source of their power. The current infrastructure is in need of innovation, as the system in place has more in common with the original electric grids established in the late 1800’s by electricity pioneers Thomas Edison and William Stanley, Jr.

Did you know that the United States has the highest rate of power outages of any developed country in the world? It’s true. Why? Because we continue spending ever greater amounts of money to prop up an energy infrastructure that hasn’t changed much for the past hundred years. The results are limited choices for energy consumers, unreliable service, and a continued negative impact on the environment.

Solar Design Studio owner Bob Solger was recently featured in an interview by KCUR.

Industry reports suggest that the energy storage market in the U.S. is poised to triple in size this year. The surging battery market is a sign that important shifts are happening in the way consumers plan for and achieve energy security.

A modernized electric grid will enable more efficient transmission of energy and also a more seamless interface with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. We take a look at the technologies that will make this possible and what they mean for utility companies, consumers, and the environment.

Grid modernization efforts ensure the stability of our infrastructure (and therefore our economy), strengthen consumer choice, create jobs, and pave the way for innovative technology that reduces our environmental impact and financial burden.