Solar power means cleaner air

The growing trend toward solar power is caused by the dangerous consequences climate change brings. The alarming effects of global warming are dominating the weather news. Heat-related fatalities are an increasingly common occurrence all over the globe. Europe and North America are in the midst of a long-term heat wave that is responsible for hundreds of premature deaths. Japan is setting heat records. Is there any way we can take any actions that will begin to mitigate the nasty impacts of global warming? Thankfully, the answer is yes and solar energy is leading the way in alternative energy.

We are dependent upon dirty energy sources and this must stop

Modern society is still extremely dependent upon electricity generated by oil and coal, which cause greenhouse gas buildup in our environment. Our homes, vehicles, and technologies require immense amounts of energy, yet fossil fuel supplies are extremely limited. Experts believe the world has only about 50-60 remaining years of fossil fuels and we better be ready for it. Sunshine is the sustainable resource that can be relied upon for as long as the earth is in existence. Solar energy is pervasive throughout many sections of the United States. In a single day, the amount of sunlight striking the United States is more than 2,500 times the entire country's daily energy usage. From an energy security and sustainability perspective, doesn't it seems logical to utilize as much free solar energy as possible?

Clean energy will be the wave of the future and the present

Fortunately, there are multiple technologies used to produce electricity from solar energy. Many homes and businesses install photovoltaic panels, which absorb sunlight and use semiconductors to generate energy. Larger facilities use panels, too, but others use concentrated solar power, which uses lenses or mirrors focused to a small area, where the enormous heat is turned into electricity. Both technologies help the environment because they decrease the need to burn fossil fuels. That means a correlating drop in air pollution and greenhouse gases. Because they don't have many moving parts, they're quieter, too.

Panels are still expensive but the price is falling

In 2018, photovoltaic panels are still expensive to produce. However, many experts predict that hardware prices will drop by at least 50 percent in the next few years as more companies invest in solar technology. Once a resident or business can afford the panels, they're installed easily and tied into the electrical system. One of the best things about solar power is that it produces its greatest output as demand gets highest. Energy usage spikes during summer months due to air conditioners -- but that same solar energy that warms the country can be seized and used to power those devices. Currently, though, solar power accounts for only around one percent of electricity generation. It will take years of concentrated effort by the government and by private investors to make the most of solar power's potential. But every home and business that installs solar is becoming part of the global warming solution. There is a momentum for clean energy and it must be gathered and directed before it's too late. If you've been "on the fence" you should know that investing in solar is considered one of the best investment choices available today.

Now is the time to install a solar energy system! With the prices of solar panels still coming down, there is no longer a reason to postpone the purchase of your solar energy system. You will decrease or eliminate your electric bill from the very first month.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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