Anenormous change is occurring in an industry that intertwines with our everyday lives. Its effects are taking national and global priority. Scientists, business leaders, government officials, and experts from all over the world are coming together to discuss concerns and solutions. The topic: Energy Rising global demand, availability of finite resources and climate change consequences has energy at the center of attention. Global demand for energy could reach 50 percent more than current levels by 2030. Fossil fuel based utilities continue to grow and consume coal and emit carbon dioxide into the earth's atmosphere at record pace – the main culprit in global warming. How can we meet demand without compromising the earth? What other resources do we have? What is renewable energy?
Bright Idea Theanswer is over our heads everyday. The most abundant form of energy on earth comes from the sun. The sun's light can be converted into usable electricity through a technology called Photovoltaics, PV, also known as solar power. Solar power is a clean renewable energy that can never be depleted. The most common form of PV we see today is in solar panels that consist of many crystalline based solar cells. These solar cells provide energy for buildings and homes in many different countries including the United States. The reason for this is that solar power is a clean energy that can be integrated with your current electricity. This is how it works:
- Sun light hits the solar panels
- Solar panels make DC (direct current) electricity
- The DC electricity goes into an inverter
- The inverter converts the DC into AC (alternating current) electricity
- You have solar power!
In some instances your solar system may generate more electricity than you are using. In this case you send power back to the grid and sell that power to the utility; this is known as Net Metering. Some customers see their meter running backward during the day and have actually received a check back from the utility at the end of the year. You only use the utility at night.
Powerless? If we don't have a choice in the type of energy we buy nor we have little influence on energy policy decisions, then we are in fact powerless. But how can this be in a free country built on independence, innovation, capitalism and the voice of the people? What we need to know is that solar power can provide the energy we need and it can work seamlessly with our current electrical structures. Solar panels can be affixed on your roof and produce clean energy to power your entire home or building. Now you can take control of your energy, chose to reduce oil dependency and realize a return on our investment.
Is California better than Texas, and the rest of the U.S.? Unfortunately, yes. "We are going to make California the cleanest place in the world" – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on solar power. California and its utility companies like PG&E promote solar power by paying a portion of the entire system for its customers. California has passed a bill that subsidizes solar power installations with $3.2 billion over the next 10 years. The California law mandates 3,000 megawatts of solar power by 2017. In addition, other environmentally responsible states such as Arizona, Florida, and New Jersey have also adopted similar policies concerning solar energy. These states are enjoying added economic growth and lower electric bills for decades to come.
Special recognition and applause should be given to Austin, Texas and Austin Energy. Austin Energy promotes solar for its citizens by subsidizing up to75 percent of the system's cost and is committed to reducing its carbon foot print.
Payback . . . the day you install it A study in the Appraisal Journal states that a property with a solar electric system increases its value in many cases by more than its installed cost. Reports state that for every $1,000 a year you save in energy you increase your value by $20,000. Customers can enjoy their fixed solar price for decades as panels are warranted for 25 and 30 years. Residents can also receive up to a 30 percent tax credit with a $2,000 cap for installing solar energy. Commercial customers can receive a 30 percent tax credit with no cap for the entire system's cost. The tax credit, net metering policies and an increase in property value make the solar payback a short time.
The Benefits:
- Lock in the cost of your energy for decades and avoid rising utility cost
- Generate clean electricity
- Receive tax credits for installing solar power
- Sell your excess power back to the utility company
- Enjoy low maintenance (no moving parts)
- Systems have warranties for 25 and 30 years
- Start to kick the addiction to oil
What is the real price we pay? In reality to make this work we need subsidies. We need state and federal incentives to push solar energy. We need policy makers to mandate higher goals for renewable portfolio standards and push solar. We need them now.
Issolar power cheap in comparison to the price you pay for your coal burning kilowatts now? Let's remind ourselves of the current state of affairs concerning our national "addiction," let us remember we are always vulnerable to rising energy prices, and let us realize we may soon lose the earth's climate as we know it. So, what is the price we really pay? The price pales in comparison to the consequences. We can have a clean environment and achieve economic expansion. It only needs our joint commitment and action. Are you ready for an energy revolution?
