The solar industry is growing and changing quickly. There are many reasons to choose solar power for your home or business, and you’ve probably had a couple salespeople stop by your door to tell you about the many benefits of solar power. You’ve probably seen many neighbors add solar panels to their roofs recently, too. From environmental health preservation to cost savings, solar is a great option. Here are five fun facts you may not know about solar energy that can help you decide if it’s something you want to invest in:
There’s A LOT of it
The most abundant energy resource on the globe is solar energy. According to energy.gov, 173,000 terawatts of solar energy continuously hit the earth. To put that number in perspective, that is more than 10,000 times the earth’s current total use of energy.
Solar’s Introduction
Bell Laboratories built the first silicon solar cell in 1954. This cell was the foundation for all solar-powered devices. The New York Times reporting on it, saying it’s “the beginning of a new era, leading eventually to the realization of one of mankind’s most cherished dreams—the harnessing of the almost limitless energy of the sun for the uses of civilization.” The era has certainly arrived with many taking advantage of this plentiful resource.
Come and Get it While it’s Hot!
The demand for solar power is at an all-time high in the United States. In 2008, the U.S. installed about 1.2 gigawatts of electric generating capacity throughout the country. The Solar Energy Industries Association reports now that the number has jumped to over 100 gigawatts. Millions of homes can be powered by solar energy throughout the country, and more are predicted to follow suit.
Prices are Getting Lower
In a world where most things increase in price as time goes on, solar energy gets more practical and economical every year. Soft costs such as connecting to the grid, permitting processes, and zoning requirements continue to be the brunt of the costs and can be time consuming. Still, solar energy continues to be a wise financial decision for most homeowners and businesses. Many states offer rebates as well for those who install solar panels.
Sun Powered Spacecraft
In the 1950s, the space industry started to explore solar technology. The Vanguard 1, launched in March of 1958, was the first artificial earth satellite to use solar cells for its power. It also remains the oldest manmade satellite in orbit. It has logged over a shocking six billion miles and has lasted over sixty years in space!
Clean energy is an important step in the right direction for humanity. We have great options for renewable energies such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric to reduce our impact on the planet. With solar energy’s natural abundance, it’s a hassle-free choice for Utahns that also reduces greenhouse gasses and pollution. Call Four Seasons Solar today for an informative, no-pressure consultation and an accurate estimate for your needs, whether you’re inquiring about a business or a home installation.