SOLAR PANELS - SOLAR PANELS POPULARITY

There is a high level of interest these days in energy conservation and living in an
environmentally friendly way. One trend that is gaining popularity is the introduction
of solar panles on the roofs of homes that have energy conscious people who want to produce
their own energy. Everyone is talking about it, but how many people are actually living by
the standards set by the green movement? Of those who are doing it, why have they decided
to make the switch?

While the use of solar panels and other alternative forms of energy production are increasing,
it still only accounts for a small percentage of the total amount of energy being produced in
all forms. In the United States, it is estimated that only .1% of the total electricity being
generated is from solar power. Since the technology is extremely new in the world of energy
production, the tiny percentage is understandable. As more people grasp the idea and
implement it, the amount of solar panel use should grow exponentially.

It is devastating that this highly renewable and reliable source of energy is so minimally
utilized. The most destructive form of energy production, that of coal burning, accounts
for 52% of energy production in the US. The sun produces enough energy every day to power
the entire earth for 27 years. We have the power to harness this, and yet not many are
taking advantage of it! Those who are see the benefits in their monthly electric bill,
if they even still get one, as well as feeling good about the contribution they are
making to the health of the environment.

Solar power is right up there with wind and hydropower, but solar panels are much easier
to incorporate residentially than installing a windmill or waterwheel.
People are making the switch because after only a few years, the money they save by
generating their own power essentially pays for the cost of the panels.
It is great to have independence from the power company and have a way to decrease your
energy bills significantly if not eliminate them altogether. These are the most driving
factors of people making the switch to solar energy production, but of course the fundamental
reason is that it decreases our society’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse
gas emissions. When it comes to the health of your wallet and the environment,
solar panels are the way to go.