Solar Power is a Growing Trend
Solar power, once only popular in perpetually sunny states like California and Arizona is now embraced among northern states like Minnesota and Massachusetts. The key may be that now solar power is tested and has proven it can work throughout the United States and the world. Or it may be that when connected to the electric grid in either Minnesota or Massachusetts, overproduction of electricity during peak production is credited to the homeowner. When power is needed during off production hours, the homeowners purchase power using those credits . Regardless of why, it is clear that solar power is a growing trend.
Residential Solar Power Growth
In a recent article by CBS, homeowner Peter Samsel listed several reasons for recently installing his solar panels stating, “I want it to be a proven technology and now it is.” Going solar ending up costing $21,000 out of pocket, and the savings will be roughly $3,000 a year. Samsel expects to recoup his costs within 7 or 8 years.
Homeowners are looking for green energy alternatives that are affordable. With the renewable energy tax credits, the more than 70% drop in solar hard costs in the last decade alone, more homeowners are rushing to convert to solar powered homes. The number of homeowners switching to solar is expected to triple by 2030 according to SEIA. That would mean the number of homes powered by solar would go from 4% to 13%.
Tech & Retail Giants Leading Commercial Growth
The solar power conversions don’t stop with residential usage. Large corporations have also gone to clean energy solutions. Amazon is committing to the purchase of 100,000 electric delivery vehicles this year. Walmart and Target run several stores on solar power.
Facebook announced purchases of enough renewable energy to run all of its operations globally. It set the goal to be powered 100% by renewable energy sources by 2020. It looks like that goal is met.
Google met a similar goal for 100% renewable energy for its global operations in 2017. Google originally met those goals through power purchase agreements for solar and wind projects. Today, Google partners directly with utility companies, such as Tennessee Valley Authority to fuel its data centers. This is Google’s biggest solar investment yet.
Retail giant Walmart plans to go 100% renewable energy by 2035. It commits to power its facilities with 100% renewable energy, wind, solar or other, by 2035. Additionally,, Walmart plans to electrify all of its vehicles while zeroing out emissions from them, including long-haul trucks, by 2040. Finally, the retail chain plans to transition to low impact refrigerants and electrified heating equipment in its centers by 2040.
Walmart’s retail competitor, Target has committed to sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Other large companies are lining up similar goals and arrangements.
Overall Solar Power Trends
SEIA estimates that annual growth in renewable energy sources will be around 5.12%, in combined residential and commercial applications. What does this mean for homeowners considering solar conversion?
According to Renewable Solar Resources of South Vicksburg, Minnesota, the time for solar has arrived. Solar power is a proven energy resource. By investing in your own solar panel rooftop array, you too can improve the environment. More, you could realize a return on your investment within the first eight years of installation. Solar power is a growing trend because it is working. We expected it to work in sunny California, but it works in the northern climes of Minnesota, too. When you consider solar power, visit https://www.renewable-solar.com/contact or call Randy Golla at (888) 432-9024. The solar consultation offers a full picture of how solar could power your lives.