Global energy markets are notorious for being unstable and price fluctuations from these markets have a significant impact on the United States’ economy.
One of the most effective ways to decrease our nation’s dependence on foreign oil is by encouraging solar PV installation on a personal and national level. The sun is a nearly infinite source of energy that will allow us to remain unaffected by the rising price of oil while maintaining political flexibility in international relations. An independent energy market is a less volatile energy market.
According to Nadine May, a graduate student at the University of Braunschweig, it would take about 25,000 square miles of solar panels to meet the energy needs of the entire world. This sounds like a lot of space but it is only about the size of West Virginia.
The environmental benefits of solar are appealing too. An average 5 kW system will prevent the release of 73 tons of carbon over a 25 year period. Keep in mind that the average lifespan of a solar PV system is 30 to 40 years. If only five percent of homes in the United States installed solar panels, that would be the same as taking 7.7 million cars of the road or planting 6.9 million trees.
There are so many reasons to go solar! If you are interested in getting solar for your home or simply want some more information, contact Now Energy LLC at 512-614-0498. We install in the Austin and San Antonio areas.
Photo Credit: Solar Energy USA