Why Solar is Important
5 Reasons Why Solar Energy Is Important
1. It's Good for the Environment
The difference between solar energy and conventional electricity is that solar energy does not rely on the use of fossil fuels, does not pollute air or water, and does not contribute to global warming, making it the preferable option for many. Solar energy works with the earth’s natural resources, whereas conventional electricity depletes or harms them.
2. It’s a Reliable, Cost-Effective Energy Source
The sun is a renewable energy source. Fossil fuels will eventually run out, butsunlight won’t. For that reason, solar energy is highly reliable. And unlike fossil fuels which are expensive to mine and utilize, it doesn’t cost anything to receive sunlight. A one-time installation of solar equipment is all that’s needed to reap the benefits.
3. It Saves You Money in the Long Run
Though the cost of installing solar panels or a solar electric system has decreased in recent years, some may still find the initial investment in solar energy to be intimidating. However, the key is remembering that installation is a one-time event, whereas paying for conventional electricity is a frequent, ongoing, and expensive obligation, especially as electric rates continue to rise. Making the investment in running your home or building off of solar energy will save you considerably more money over time.
4. It Creates Jobs and Spurs Economic Growth
Did you know that the solar energy industry creates more jobs than any other US sector? According to the most recent National Solar Jobs Census report by The Solar Foundation, solar energy adds jobs 17 times faster than the overall US economy. As of 2019, there were approximately 250,000 solar energy workers nationwide.
5. It Promotes Energy Independence
Energy independence means not having to rely on the power grid. Not only does this method make you vulnerable to price spikes, but it’s also prone to outages, particularly on Long Island and in NYC. With no other means of powering your home, you could run into a variety of issues in the event of bad weather or damage to power lines. Using solar energy, especially when paired with a backup battery system, allows you to not be tied to unreliable power grids when you need energy most.