Rooftop solar power has grown exponentially in the United States over the past several years. In fact, from 2010 to 2014, U.S. solar energy capacity grew by a whopping 418 percent!
Casual observers may notice that more rooftop solar panels are popping up on both homes and businesses every day in cities and neighborhoods all over the country. So what do experts see for the future of power provided by the sun?
Despite its growing popularity, solar power still makes up only a small fraction of the energy mix used in the United States.
In fact, even with the industry’s robust growth, it still only accounts for about 1 percent of the nation’s total capacity. The good news is that the sky appears to be the limit for this beneficial industry.
Homeowners aren’t the only ones taking advantage of solar energy. Today, almost as many businesses are opting for photovoltaic systems as well.
From a business perspective, harnessing the sun’s energy offers a way to turn unused roof space into an asset — and even a profit center — for the company. It’s also a great way for commercial property owners to lease the space on their rooftops to utility companies, to bolster their property’s leasable area.
Today, 30 states require utility companies to use some renewable energy. In those states, it is quite common to see solar panels installed on retail stores, shopping center roofs and parking canopies everywhere.
Last but not least, many consumers are more likely to give their business to a company that has made the commitment to invest in renewable power technologies. Businesses throughout the United States have reported experiencing this public relations bump.
Something new, and something that you will soon be seeing a lot of, is the solar carport.
Essentially, these are parking structures covered with photovoltaic panels. You will see them on corporate campuses, at public schools, and more and more at shopping centers and grocery stores, too.
These large arrays provide power to the businesses where they are installed, and if they produce more than the business can use, they also provide power to the community at large.
The primary reason that solar energy has really taken off over the last several years is its historically low cost, coupled with growing concerns about the stability of the U.S. power grid and utility infrastructure.
With rebates and tax incentives offered on both state and federal levels, rooftop panels and solar energy systems are accessible today to people of all socioeconomic levels. However, the greatest growth today is among the middle class.
This is a highly promising trend, because it means that people no longer view PV power as a luxury, but as a necessity. That signifies good things for energy independence and cost savings!
Are you ready to become one of the many U.S. residents who has said goodbye to the greedy utility companies and made the switch to reliability and energy independence? Why not give us a call today, and let us explain how a PV system could benefit your home or business?
Intermountain Wind & Solar serves homeowners and businesses throughout Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. Call us today and get moving on your own rooftop solar energy system.
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