Six Things About Solar Energy That People May Not Know

Fact #1: Solar Is Beating Other Energy Source In How Fast It’s Being Embraced

IRENA or the International Renewable Energy Agency has stated that among energy sources, solar power is the one that is growing the fastest worldwide. The net installed capacity of solar photovoltaic energy has gone up by 93,000 megawatts since 2008. It’s been calculated by the EIA or Energy Information Administration in the US that in 2016, 10,766-kilowatt hours were used by homes in America. The amount of homes that can be powered with this much energy for a year is 8,638. The country that is at the forefront of solar energy is China, as they’ve generated 39,737-gigawatt hours in 2015.
Wondering what it takes to power your home with solar power? Find out by using this calculator.

Fact #2: Solar Power Isn’t Something That Has Just Been Invented

The 1800s were when scientists first started doing experiments using photovoltaic energy. In Paris, the first generator to use solar power was shown at the Universal Exhibition. It was invented by Augustin Mouchot and he used it to power an ice maker, which was a hit with the crowds. Although the general public and lawmakers thought positively of his works, coal reserves, which were abundant and cheap, got more attention. The competing industries didn’t stop solar power, as the technology behind it changed for the better. Solar panels were even put at the White House in 1979.

Fact #3: Those Wanting To Invest In Solar Power Don’t Have To Do It Alone

Many people who are considering getting solar power may be turned off by the high initial costs, even after learning about incentives and tax credits for new installations. Solar energy is being made more accessible thanks to community solar projects. Solar gardens or solar communities are basically power plants that are maintained by groups to provide solar energy to people.
Shares in the solar communities can be purchased by those who can’t have an independent system or can’t afford to have a private installation. The power that homeowners receive is covered by period feeds that they pay. It shows up directly as power or on monthly utility bills as credits. Solar communities make clean energy promote clean energy while giving it to those who can’t use traditional forms of energy.
Do you think a solar community sounds like a good solution? Find one in your area or learn how to start your own.

Fact #4: Solar Energy Costs Are Going Down

 
Private United States citizens can now afford to pay for solar installations thanks to Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit, local government cash rebates, and other incentives. Are you curious about your ability to finance a solar power system? Find out by getting a quote from your local solar companies.
 

Fact #5: Out of the Energy Sources That Employ Americans, Solar Power Is At The Top

A US Energy and Employment Report was issued in January of 2017, and some interesting things were found in it related to solar industry employment. 43% of the workforce that generates electric power comes from plants that generate electricity from solar power. Trailing behind is fossil fuel plants, as they only have a share of 22%. Demand in the solar energy industry will increase, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Researchers, manufacturers, scientists, and installation and construction firms are all included in this.
 

Fact #6: Homes and Businesses Aren’t The Only Ones Who Can Take Advantage Of Solar Power

There are many applications where solar photovoltaic cells can be used because of how flexible, safe, and reliable they are.
They’re even used by NASA to give the International Space Station power. Organizations that work in emergency response, such as FEMA, deal with natural disaster aftermaths by using solar generators. Hospitals especially need them as a backup source of power to keep life support systems operating when the main source goes down. They’re even used by municipalities to lower city budget impacts by powering traffic lights and street lamps.
 

Solar Power: The Energy Source Of The Future

2014 saw 480,000 homes in the US using solar power, according to the Union Of Concerned Scientist. By the time 2020 arrives, 3.8 million homes are expected to be using photovoltaic systems if the growth rate stays on track. Consumers that live in areas without access to traditional power have also contributed to growth. Solar energy costs will fall even further as more people around the world see how to use this clean, safe, and abundant energy source. For an energy source that will be available, solar seems to be the right choice.