Installing a 500 kW solar power system prevents
the emission of approximately 1,200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. According to the EPA, this amount is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of 100 passenger cars or the carbon dioxide sequestered annually by 124 acres of pine forest.
The world desperately needs energy solutions that address problems created by conventional electricity generation. In the United States alone, 50% of all electricity is generated by coal-powered plants, 20% comes from natural gas-powered plants and another 20% is generated by nuclear fission-powered plants. These methods’ negative impacts include:
- Emissions which contribute to global warming and poor air quality
- Price volatility created by global energy commodity market fluctuations
- Depletion of fossil fuel reserves
- National security risks associated with dependence on foreign fossil fuel sources and acts of terrorism
- General health and safety issues related to mining, transportation, processing, consumption and disposal of fuels and wastes
Renewable energy sources offer attractive alternatives to conventional electricity generation. Among today’s renewable energy choices, solar electric power has emerged as the market’s most viable option. Solar electric power is:
- Clean – Solar produces no carbon footprint or harmful emissions.
- Abundant – A single 100-square mile solar power system could provide all the electricity needed in the US.
- Dependable – Solar panels are proven and highly reliable; they have 20-25 year warranties and last 30 to 40 years or longer. And solar power costs are fixed – there is no volatility due to fuel price fluctuation.
- Distributed – Solar energy is available everywhere electricity is used.
- Cost Effective – Current financial and tax incentives make solar electricity cost-competitive with conventional electricity.
- Sustainable – Solar power technology can provide electricity for our world indefinitely, without contributing to global climate change or requiring hazardous (nuclear) waste disposal.
