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Residential Solar Panel Installation
Solar Energy 101
In this chapter we’re going to break down the basics of solar energy, including:
- Why solar energy is taking off
- Why old energy sources are running out
- Why alternative energy sources are becoming increasingly important
- Why you should look to the sun to power your home in 2023
The Rise of Solar Power
Solar might seem like a fad, but it’s not going away anytime soon. According the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in November 2022: “Solar power accounted for 2.8% of U.S. electricity generation from all sources in 2021.” (2)
That may not seem like much, but it doesn’t stop there. With major legislation in place to promote solar adoption, the move to solar is expected to accelerate in coming years. In fact, in a 2021 report done by the U.S. Department of Energy, one of the key findingswas:
Solar Energy Snapshot 2022
Let’s take a look at recent reports from SEIA summing up the growth of solar in 2022: (1)
- In August 2022, the U.S. passed the Inflation Reduction Act(IRA). The law includes many incentives for solar manufacturing and installation, including a 30% tax credit to homeowners who install rooftop solar.
- In Q3 2022, the U.S. solar market installed 4.6 gigawatts (gW) of solar capacity, bringing the nation’s total solar capacity to 135.7 gW, enough to power 24 million homes.
- Solar accounted for 45% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the US in the first three quarters of 2022.
Read the full SEIA report
Solar as an Economic Engine
As of 2021, Interstate Renewable Energy Council reports that more than 255,000 Americans work in solar , with an increase of over 20,000 jobs that year. In addition, the IRA is expected to spur job growth in the solar sector in coming years.
Solar also employs about 30% of individuals identifying as female and 2020 saw a significant increase in the employment of various ethnicities. In addition, veterans make up a larger share of employment than the rest of the country. (4) Solar is a great industry to boost the economy, as the more people who choose solar energy for their home, the more jobs it creates. These jobs include extensive training programs for the investment of knowledgeable employees that desire a lifelong career in solar.
The EPA has significantly raised its outlook for electricity generation from wind and solar again.
The Importance of Solar Energy in the Future
Renewable energy sources offer more flexibility to our electricity grids at a time when our grids need it most and homeowners need a break from electricity costs the most.
Ever-expanding electrical networks, increased demand on outdated grids, more pull of electricity required to power homes, appliances and cars — our demand for energy in the coming years is only going to intensify and become more unstable.
And the share of available fossil fuels will continue to decline.
It’s also a well-known fact at this point that clean renewable energies like solar and wind are better for our planet. The future generations who will need enough energy to power the civilizations of their own.
If we don’t curb our use of non-renewable sources soon, there will be none left for generations, not so far into the future.
It’s becoming ever more important in our current world to have alternative sources of energy.
Old News: Fossil Fuels
Our old sources of energy are running out.
That’s right. Fossil fuels (like coal and gas), the most widely used sources of energy on Earth, are non-renewable.
If you don’t believe us, take a look at this. This image shows us renewable vs. non-renewable sources and how much potential energy they provide each year.
Image source: GW Solar Institute
