As the urgency to combat climate change grows, nations around the globe are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like solar power. The transition towards cleaner energy is driven by environmental concerns and the recognition of economic and social benefits. Solar energy, with its abundance and accessibility, has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development efforts worldwide, offering a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy security. In this era of rapid technological advancement, countries like the United States are at the forefront of embracing solar technology to meet energy demands and foster innovation and economic growth.
The United States of America
While China holds the undisputed championship belt, the United States has a solid second place in solar power production. The US boasts a rapidly growing solar industry, with solar accounting for a significant chunk of new electricity generation capacity. However, the gap with China is substantial. The US lags in total installed capacity, and many of its solar panels rely on Chinese manufacturing. Despite this, the US is making strides. Government incentives and a growing focus on domestic production propel the industry forward, suggesting the US might be a more competitive contender. However, the World Markets of NASDAQ had this to say, “Wood Mackenzie expects ‘the solar market to triple in size over the next five years, bringing total installed solar capacity to 378 GW by 2028.’”
Cities all over America are working tirelessly to improve their energy resources and switch to renewables such as solar power. Additionally, Las Vegas, Nevada, is the first large city in the United States to be 100% powered by renewable energy. According to lasvegasnevada.gov, “The city has 40 parks, community centers, and other facilities that generate solar power. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center has the most enormous rooftop solar array in the United States, at 8.3 megawatts. MGM Resorts International also has a 100-megawatt solar array that powers 13 properties.” To read more about solar in America, check out our blog: Babcock Ranch: The First Solar Town in America!
The Cost Benefits of America’s Transition to Renewable Energy
One of the primary cost benefits driving America towards renewable energy, particularly solar power, is its long-term economic viability. While the initial investment in solar infrastructure may be substantial, the operational costs are significantly lower than traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. Solar energy systems require minimal maintenance and no fuel costs, making them increasingly cost-competitive. As technology advances and economies of scale drive down costs, solar energy becomes an appealing option for businesses, homeowners, and utilities. Additionally, the decentralized nature of solar power generation reduces transmission and distribution losses, further improving its cost-effectiveness.
Furthermore, pursuing renewable energy aligns with America’s broader economic interests, creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. The renewable energy sector, including solar power, has become a significant source of employment, providing opportunities across the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance supply chains. To learn more about opportunities in the solar field, visit everlightsolar.com/jobs.
Why is America going solar?
Solar power is Earth’s most plentiful energy source and can be harnessed even on cloudy days. The amount of solar energy reaching Earth is roughly 10,000 times greater than the rate at which we use energy globally. According to the latest update from the International Energy Agency, “Global additions of renewable power capacity are expected to jump by a third this year as growing policy momentum, higher fossil fuel prices, and energy security concerns drive strong deployment of solar PV and wind power.”
Therefore, other energy sources are finite; the world’s population can run out of coal, natural gas, and oil over time. With an increasing demand for energy, renewable energy, such as solar power, is a turning point to keep the lights on!
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