Renewable energy provides substantial environmental and economic benefits. Renewable energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions and is generated from sources that restore themselves. Solar energy, in particular, has a much lower impact on the environment than conventional power sources.
The bottom line is that renewable energy benefits the entire population.
You may have already seen this in action, but on a much smaller scale. Some hand-held calculators are equipped with solar cells, which never need battery replacements as long as there is sufficient light.
Now imagine this on a much larger scale and you’ll begin to see the possibilities. It’s not surprising that home installations of solar panels are rapidly expanding across the United States and other parts of the world. This trend will only continue as manufacturing costs decrease and demand for energy increases.
Some of the advantages of solar power include the following:
- Reduced electricity bills – Solar panels save on utility costs, which means a lower energy bill each month. Initial costs may be slightly higher, but you’ll save a great deal more in the long term. In addition, there are many tax breaks and incentives that will go toward your initial setup expenses, minimizing the amount that you pay upfront.
- Credit for extra energy – The California Solar Initiative means that you can actually get cash back for excess electricity that is generated from your panels. Many other states offer similar incentives, so check to see if you qualify!
- Higher property values – Solar energy is an investment that ultimately pays off. The advantages go beyond savings on your electricity bill, as solar panels can even increase the value of your property when it comes time to sell.
- Lower your carbon footprint – Solar is renewable and sustainable. Installations don’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the environment, which reduces your carbon footprint.
Solar energy in San Francisco and other parts of California pays huge dividends that ultimately contribute to a cleaner environment.
How Solar Could Meet Energy Demand
Demand for energy is on the rise due to economic output and improved living conditions. This is expected to have a large effect on the environment, as a majority of the demand would be met with fossil fuels. As a result, energy prices will continue to increase for consumers around the world.
Combating the major energy issues that are currently facing California starts with renewable energy. A recent mandate requires that all major utilities derive 33% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. The amount was previously 20% before Governor Brown signed a new law that increased the percentage. This is certainly a step in the right direction, but how can California meet the new requirement?
A new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that the energy generated from solar equipment on existing infrastructure could meet the state’s demand five times over. Residential and commercial properties are an excellent opportunity for power generation through installations of photovoltaic systems. Other locations described in the study include urban parks and degraded lands.
The study demonstrates that it is possible to meet increasing energy demands in the state using solar power without adversely affecting the environment or moving installations to remote locations.
If you are wondering how else solar power could benefit you, call or contact us at Sun First Solar. We’re here to answer all of your questions and help you get started with renewable energy.