This holiday season, we look back and reflect on the things we are thankful for. For us here at Rooftop Solar, we sure are thankful for solar energy – for many so many reasons! Here’s a just a few:
1. Sunshine is Infinite – and Free!
The sun comes up every morning, and will continue to do so for at least another 5 billion years or so. Even on cloudy days, the sun is still shining – and solar panels are still generating power. It simply makes sense to harness the abundant, free power of the sun!
2. Solar is a Big-Time Water Saver
Solar is a very clean form of energy, especially when it comes to saving water. Other forms of energy generation – Hydroelectric, nuclear, thermal – use insane amounts of water. Water is used to pump crude oil out of the ground, remove pollutants from power plant exhaust, flush residue after fossil fuels are burned, cool nuclear power plants, and much more. This infographic from Climate Reality Project demonstrates just how much water each source of energy uses.
When you switch to solar, you won’t just save money on your electricity bills, you’ll also save some of the Earth’s precious, dwindling fresh water supply.
3. Solar Provides Jobs
Solar jobs in the United States have increased 86% in the last four years – almost 20 times faster than any other industry. The total number of solar jobs in America at a 2014 census was 174,000, and it’s only gone up from there. In comparison, a census of the coal industry that same year employed 93,000 people – meaning that there are twice as many solar jobs than coal jobs in America. The solar industry also employs a large number of veterans, and the U.S. Department of Energy offers a solar energy job-training pilot program specifically for veterans.
Graphic from The Solar Foundation.
4. Solar Promotes Energy Independence
U.S. energy independence allows us to be less dependent on foreign countries for energy, specifically imported oil and petroleum. Solar energy is a great way to progress into a more energy-independent country and allows the U.S. to be more flexible in international affairs. In addition to energy independence as a nation, it also allows individual home and business owners to take their energy production into their own hands, providing both savings and energy security.
5. Solar Saves Money!
It’s no secret that solar can save home and business owners money over time by reducing or even sometimes eliminating their energy bills all together. But with federal and state tax incentives, solar is also the most affordable it’s ever been.. making it an incredible investment with a great ROI.
You can also qualify for net-metering, which is essentially the utility companies reimbursing you for extra energy production. In Arizona, if you have a completed solar application by July 1, 2017 you can grandfathered in to the current net-metering rate of 14¢/kWh for the next 20 years. If not, the net-metering rate goes way down to 3¢/kWh… so time is of the essence!
Thinking of going solar? Give us a call today and find out if it’s a smart option for your energy needs!
(800) 786 – 7080 | rooftopsolar.us
