The Solar Power World Top Solar Contractors list includes Marina, California based solar firm  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
MARINA, CA - More than 10,600 megawatts of solar power were installed last year in the United States and local installer Scudder Solar has been recognized by Solar Power World magazine for its contributions to the industry. Scudder Solar achieved a rank of 265 out of 500 solar companies on the magazine's 2018 Top U.S. Solar Contractors list.
The Top Solar Contractors list is developed by Solar Power World to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and ranks contractors by kilowatts installed in the previous year. The 2018 list was released on July 24.
"Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors," said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. "Our 2017 list showed impressive installation numbers after 2016's huge rush to meet ITC requirements, and many companies were hesitant to show unavoidable installation dips after last year's high. We're happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets."
The U.S. solar market had its biggest year ever in 2016, installing more than 15,000 MW. Although installations in 2017 dropped to 10,608 MW, the total still represents 40% growth over 2015 numbers. The year-over-year downturn can be attributed to the large influx of 2016 projects rushing to meet the anticipated expiration of a 30% federal tax credit that was eventually renewed. Last year also saw uncertainty surrounding potential Section 201 tariffs on imported solar panels, which may have led to delayed or canceled projects.
Although the industry has seen challenges, Scudder Solar believes 2018 will be one of the best years yet for solar PV due to the extraordinary level of choices customers have, as well as being able to still take advantage of the ITC credit before it sunsets.
A major highlight of 2017 was the non-residential market growing 28% year-over-year, the fourth straight year of annual growth for commercial, industrial and community solar. Scudder has seen the growth of community choice aggregation (CCA) taking hold throughout California and sees this as a prime opportunity for more local, large-scale private/public partnerships for commercial solar projects.
In 2017, 30% of all new electric generating capacity brought online in the United States came from solar, second only to new natural gas capacity.
The first quarter of 2018 showed a 13% growth over the first quarter of 2017, and Scudder Solar will continue to contribute to the wave of increasing solar generation. By 2023, more than 15,000 MW of solar is expected to be installed annually.
Scudder Solar employs 25 workers who installed 1.374 MW of solar power in 2017. Since its founding in 2007, the company has developed and installed over 10.5 MW of solar all over the Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito county area.
"It's an honor for us to be recognized and nationally ranked by Solar Power World," says Scudder Solar founder and CEO, Pete Scudder. We are proud to be part of a fast-growing industry that truly cares about our country's independence from carbon fuels. Our number one goal has always been to be the best in the industry, and the top choice for local Monterey and Santa Cruz homeowners and commercial businesses looking to go solar."
About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors-including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets-grow their businesses and do their jobs better.
About Scudder Solar Energy Systems
Scudder Solar Energy Systems, based in Marina, CA, is one of the leading solar energy contractors serving Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. A licensed California electrical/solar contractor as well as a licensed roofing contractor, each Scudder project is designed, engineered and installed with the utmost care and skill by dedicated solar professionals who strive to meet individual needs and aesthetics on every project they complete. Scudder is NABCEP and Tesla Powerwall Certified, a Sun Power Elite Residential and Sun Power Gold Commercial Dealer and long-time members of SEIA and the CA Solar and Storage Association
For more information, please visit scuddersolar.com or call 831-384-3900.
Media Contacts:
Scudder Solar Energy Systems
Kimberly Barker
831-384-3900 0r 208-841-8449
kim[at]scuddersolar.com
Solar Power World
Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief
216-860-5259
kpickerel[at]wtwhmedia.com
### | 
