As America continues its shift towards renewable energy, finding the right solution to invest in can feel like an uphill battle. After previously asking “Is solar energy renewable?”, you’ll also need to confirm whether it is the right choice for you.
While there are many renewable energy sources to consider (hydro, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy), solar stands out as the leading renewable power source. When looking to embrace solar in the Midwest, Wolf River Electric is perfectly positioned to complete an installation that aligns with your residential or commercial needs.
Before completing an installation, though, you need confirmation that it is the superior solution.
Solar Energy & The Environment
When comparing renewable power sources, checking the environmental impact is the obvious place to start. Is solar energy renewable? Yes. But does it have an even more positive impact than the other renewable energy sources? Also, yes.
Solar energy is endless while it can easily satisfy human demands. Moreover, the use of advanced solar energy systems that additionally feature a solar battery bank allows homeowners to tap into the power of solar on a 24/7 basis.
As a clean energy source, solar power supports the environment in many ways. Some of the most telling factors include;
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions as it enables us to avoid the CO2 production that comes from burning fossil fuels.
- Any carbon emissions caused by manufacturing the equipment is offset within the first four years of a solar panel’s 25 to 40 year lifespan.
- As well as avoiding pollution of carbon emissions into the air, it prevents carbon emissions from hitting waterways.
It should also be noted that solar energy systems are scalable, meaning they can be used by individual homes and global companies alike. Moreover, as the industry grows and adoption rates improve, manufacturers discover greener production methods that are less demanding on natural resources like silicon, copper, and aluminum.
Overall, solar energy helps reduce pollution to improve air and water quality while also helping to fight global warming and the depletion of resources like fossil fuels.
Solar Energy & Its Economic Advantages
Asking “Is solar energy renewable?” is one thing, but most prospective adopters also need to understand the financial impacts. The industry is now valued at over $70bn in the U.S. alone while it has created over 280,000 jobs in the sector. This contributes massively to society.
Solar energy is already responsible for over 5% of total energy production, and that figure is only set to keep growing. In addition to job creation, it supports the economy courtesy of property taxes and land leases that stem from investments into solar panels.
The wind energy sector is growing at a relatively similar rate, but these are the two main power sources to see growth. The economic advantages on a personal level include;
- Reduced energy bills, which is hugely important given current energy costs from the grid, and the chance to sell excess energy to the grid.
- Increased property value equating to roughly 4% of the home’s value, which supports the benefits of energy savings.
- Financial savings, as well as peace of mind, gained from not losing electricity when there is a problem with the grid.
Both residential and commercial solar energy infrastructure can deliver a wealth of financial benefits. Systems can be scaled, even with battery banks, alongside growing energy demands. The average homeowner can expect their investment to pay for itself within the first eight years or so, even without taking the increased property value into account.
The financial benefits can be seen with immediate effect and enjoyed for years to come. As the impact on the economy from a societal outlook continues to grow, those rewards will soar too.
Solar Energy & Its Accessibility
It’s great to know that a technology or resource offers benefits from a theoretical viewpoint. However, this counts for very little when it isn’t supported by practicality. Many technologies, including items like driverless cars, have a bright future. But solar energy can be used now.
Solar energy boasts a rich history and has enjoyed widespread adoption in recent years. From a financial perspective, installation costs have dropped by 40 to remove one of the biggest barriers. This instantly gives solar an advantage over alternative renewable energy sources.
It’s not only the installation costs that make solar energy more accessible than wind, hydro, et al. Other key factors to consider include;
- Solar energy can be generated from virtually any location. Wind, and especially hydro, only work in certain conditions.
- The equipment (solar panels) are far more compact than wind turbines and other renewables, making them more accessible for homeowners.
- Batteries and solar storage ensure that solar energy provides a far more consistent solution than alternative options.
Solar energy is the leading renewable power source from a financial perspective as well as an environmental one. Above all, though, it is the most accessible for the average user. It’s affordable, quick to install, and can be used in a far more extensive range of settings. For that reason, it will continue to dominate the market for years to come.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of solar energy and how to introduce it to your Midwest home, get in touch with our advisors for a free quote today.
