Exploring Solar Energy

More and more people have begun embracing renewable energy as a viable alternative to the status quo at a rate of about 20% a year for more than a decade. The statistics show we will continue to see an increase of advanced photovoltaic projects throughout the country in the coming years. While our current form of harvesting the sun’s power may be new – with the technology getting better all the time – the attempt is most definitely not.

People who lived about 6,000 years ago recognized how precious the sun’s energy was. If houses were built correctly, they could hold the sun’s energy in winter. Later solar energy was used as an alternative to firewood and heating water for some industry. Later still innovators like da Vinci and Einstein began the work that looks familiar to us today. We have been trying to escape the limits of finite resources for ages. Sometimes we do have to look back to go forward.

Don’t you need to live in a desert?

It may surprise you that the rainy Pacific Northwest supports great innovation in solar energy use through America’s first Solar Highway Project and the Northwest’s largest distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems on ten warehouse rooftops. We have a progressive utility supported by forward-thinking leaders, businesses, and communities. 

Quick Facts on Solar Energy:

• Solar PV power creates no pollution and does not emit greenhouse gases.
• Everywhere in the continental United States has greater solar potential than solar leader Germany.
• Every hour the sun beams more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year.
• Solar energy is becoming increasingly affordable.

I am sure you are thinking by now that solar energy is pretty awesome. Have you thought about adding solar PV panels to your home or business? Why or why not?