As the U.S. invests more resources into solar energy production, the economy will gain momentum. The economic impact derives from potential savings to businesses, the creation of jobs within the solar energy industry, the need for skilled workers, and reducing reliance on foreign countries for fossil fuels. Take a look at how each of these solar energy benefits will improve the U.S. economy in the coming years.

Savings to Businesses

Investments in a business have the common goal of making or saving money. For example, an investment into a more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems helps reduce electricity costs. The same principle can be applied to the installation of solar panels. Paying less for electricity consumption and receiving tax credits allow the business to use the savings on other needs, which include wages. Commercial and residential building owners can receive up to a 30 percent tax credit through the end of 2016, reports the Solar Industries Energy Administration®. As a result, employees achieve greater economic stability. These savings help improve the economy through increased consumer spending on all levels.

Creation of Jobs in Solar Energy Production

Solar energy companies, such as Golden Solar, contribute to the economy through business growth. As a solar energy company grows, the business must invest more resources into the company. For example, the business will need to purchase additional equipment, expand headquarter premises, and hire more skilled workers. If the business opts to build new operation centers, construction costs will be incurred. Each expense represents income through the employment of construction crews, installation technicians, office staff and those selling products to the company. Therefore, the company helps to create and sustain additional jobs, which improves the economy.

Increased Demand For Trade Education

Between 2012 and 2022, the demand for photovoltaic installers, or PV installers, is expected to grow by 24 percent, asserts the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For a person to become a PV installer, most companies require training and solar panel installation instruction through a trade school, apprenticeship or other post-secondary educational institution. This further improves the economy as more people climb out of poverty and into a credible, growing work environment.

Decreasing Reliance on Fossil Fuels

Within the past decade, the U.S. has seen some of the worst environmental and political disasters in history. Consider the impact of the ISIS and the BP oil spill on fossil fuel production. Today, the U.S. needs to focus on obtaining a reliable, safe source of energy. Solar energy production lacks negative environmental impacts and can be operated at nearly any location in the U.S. As a result, U.S. reliance on foreign oil for energy production is gradually decreasing, which allows for increased investments into U.S.-based markets. Furthermore, this places the US in alignment with other environmentally-conscious countries. Since the cost of harvesting solar energy is much lower and safer than the harvesting of fossil fuels, it can bring savings to millions of Americans through reduced energy costs. Utility-scale solar energy harvesting is expected to grow by 100 percent by the end of 2016, reports the US Energy Information Administration. As the U.S. continues to move in the direction of harvesting renewable sources of energy, especially solar energy, the U.S. economy will continue to improve.

There are very few objections to solar power, and yet it still hasn’t been as universally adopted as we might like to see. There are practical and aesthetic concerns of course, but some of it does seem to be rooted in people’s resistance to change. While many property owners are interested in investing in solar panels, many are hesitant as they believe solar panels are an eyesore.  Thankfully, many solar panel manufacturers are working around the clock to create solar panels that are  not only energy efficient but aesthetically pleasing as well.  A great deal of effort is striving to make these panels look sharp, modern and able to fit with any home decor.

The purpose of solar power

The purpose of solar power is to let the sun do all of the work. No more mining for fuel, no more wiring fiascoes: just natural light powering everything we own. It sounds fantastic, but humans are still new to this process. Companies are trying out different ventures to see what their niche is in the market, and who they can work with to achieve success. For example, Emirates Insolaire in Dubai has partnered with SwissINSO SA in Switzerland to develop colored glass which can fit onto most solar panels. The colored glass has already been installed onto the facade of a building in Switzerland, and is estimated to be able to meet the needs for 2 families for a year. These types of efforts are still in their infancy, but can translate into real change. At Eindhaven University in the Netherlands, you can find colored glass lining a highway, which looks beautiful and promotes renewable energy to everyone who passes by. It also serves as an excellent sound barrier, and the glass can be used at a variety of different points in any city from bus stops to outdoor furniture. While colored glass currently won’t generate as much electricity as traditional panels, it is both cheaper and nicer looking than the regular black panels. Solar power is a beautiful thing, but if people perceive the actual means to get it as ‘ugly’ then the world may never even see the benefits. There are clear trends in solar power, and it seems poised to make the breakthrough that will get everyone (and we mean everyone) to start seeing solar power as the only way to go. The energy collection methods, price and installation process continues to improve in both big and small ways every single day. Sometimes it just takes a small shift it people’s lives, such as a neighbor getting solar panels or the local high school promoting renewable energy to create a much bigger impact on the world.

With climate change comes the need for the world to switch from traditional sources of power. One of the most eco-friendly alternatives is solar power. This is all about harnessing the power of the sun which is then converted into energy. The world is need of solar power because of it’s sustainability. Solar power is renewable, meaning that we cannot exhaust it. It saves you money since it comes free of charge and also gives you peace of mind due to it’s reliability. In addition to this, solar energy reduces global warming since it does not emit the much loathed gases that destroy ozone layer. There is a great need for consumers to make a switch to solar power for residential and commercial premises, but there are some common myths that have kept many consumers away.

1. Solar Panels are Costly: It is common for consumers in general to wait for prices to drop’ on any product in the market. While value for money cannot be trivialized, it is time to think of how much one can save from installing solar panels in the near future. You will be able to reduce your power bills by a good percentage while the panels, with proper care, can last for years.
2. You still have to pay a power bill regardless: When opting for solar panels as a means of power for residences or businesses, they are connected to the power grid. For the units generated through solar power that are excess at the end of the day, the grid uses the net metering system to credit the consumer’s power account with these units. When the solar panels have not generated enough power, the credit accumulated is what the customer gets to consume. Therefore, in essence, the consumer’s power bill lowers over time.
3. Solar Power causes property value depreciation: Many people believe that installing solar panels can cause the property value to depreciate. This is because they do not consider them stylish or beautiful enough on any real estate property. Because developers have understood the value of solar energy, they have opted to install uniform panels on their properties that do not take away from the design. In addition, there are various designs in the market that can suit any property’s aesthetic.
4. You live in a cool climate area, so you do not need solar panels: It has been assumed for the longest time that without constant sunshine, solar panels will not work. In actual fact, all they need is ambient light to function. What happens instead is slight percentage changes in power production from region to region.

The importance of solar energy is the positive impact it has on the environment. A basic 3KW solar panel system in place for over 30 years can save on about 178 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is the same as planting over 6,000 trees or taking 150 cars off the road. Panels come with a lifetime warranty which means there is no need to worry about maintenance and repairs. In fact, the budget spent on solar energy is considered one off’ which means there are rarely any recurring costs. Therefore, when looking for a power source that is friendly to the environment, saves on carbon emissions, is dependable at all times and offers financial savings, then solar panels are well worth it. Good solar panel providers will offer payment plans or financing options to ensure that the customer can afford the system by any means necessary.