Ten or fifteen years ago, we all thought solar power was going to be the big thing by now. In a way, we predicted correctly. Several countries throughout the world rely heavily on solar power. However, we’re still largely relying on traditional fossil fuels, and, at least in the US, it largely rests upon the shoulders of the individual to take a step forward and switch to solar power.
Luckily, the technology behind solar power is becoming more popular these days, thanks to the plummeting cost of installing solar power. Installing a full household system might cost anywhere from ten to forty thousand, but this is ninety percent less than what it cost to do the same twenty years ago. Studies have further suggested that the prices will continue to decline, rapidly.
Cost is something to consider; remember that solar power actually saves you money in the long run. It may take a number of years, but, because a solar powered home that is plugged into the power grid and generates more energy than it needs will put that excess energy into the grid, many solar powered home owners receive rebates from the government.
It’s really kind of strange that the US seems to be catching onto this last. In Israel, for example, all newly constructed apartments and homes are required to use solar water heating (whatever you may think of the federal government telling you how to build y our own home, this at least reflects the attitude towards solar power in that country). Throughout much of Northern Europe, there are similar laws in place, and some 20% of all home heating is provided by solar power.
Actually, solar power was gaining popularity in the US in the early 1980’s, after the energy crisis of the time. The high sales were partly thanks to federal tax credits for solar collectors. In 1984 alone, sixteen million square feet of collector panels were sold throughout the US. But then, in 1985, fossil fuel prices dropped, and President Ronald Reagan got rid of the tax credit, and the demand for solar power went down. If you wanted to be cynical, it’s not hard to link this with our current dependence on foreign oil.
Luckily, solar power is catching on again, thanks in part to the plummeting price on the technology, as well as recent fears regarding fossil fuels and global warming. Not a moment too soon, honestly.
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So true, and easy to get started.
Experiment with a small set-up and start switching over to a solar electric generated battery bank.
I run a small fan all summer long for free using a simple 15watt panel to a battery & small inverter, with power over to charge AAA batteries & my laptop.
That , as a hobby, turned into valuable power during recent power outages.