Harnessing clean energy from the sun is the hottest topic of the decade. As we speak, this sustainable renewable energy source is lowering our carbon footprint by reducing dangerous greenhouse gases. 

People worldwide demand clean energy to save our planet by absorbing solar energy efficiently through advanced solar panel systems.

1. The New York Times predicted a solar power future

Did you know that the first solar cells were built by Bell Laboratories in New Jersey in roughly 1950? At the time, The New York Times wrote that the silicon solar cell “may mark the beginning of a new era, leading eventually to the realization of one of mankind’s most cherished dreams—the harnessing of the almost limitless energy of the sun for the uses of civilization.”

The New York Times predicted a solar power future, and they were right. For the next 50 years, the United States will make solar technology accessible and affordable for utilities and consumers worldwide. Solar energy produces clean solar power that benefits everyone by making the most of the sun's rays.

Although other countries are beginning to pull ahead… it started here with us. Americans are demanding solar power, and with the support of solar power companies and our state and federal governments, we can get back to being #1 in solar.

2. Solar power from the sun is not political

Here’s another fact: Both Democrats and Republicans support the use of alternative energies. Residential rooftop solar is extremely popular, but solar power plants are growing, too.

One of the world’s largest solar thermal power plants is in California, but there are dozens and dozens of solar plants cropping up in red and blue communities all over our country.

For example, a big clean-energy star that is making the news is Ale Ross, Mayor of Georgetown, Texas. Mayor Ross has made it his city’s mission to be powered entirely by renewable energy.

This Republican loves green power and understands that it’s good for his residents. Less pollution and lower electricity generation costs is something that every politician can get behind.

3. Solar panels save our planet, lives & money

There has been a rapid rise in the consumption of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. This resulted in a rise in dangerous CO2 emissions that has led to planet warming and the “greenhouse effect.”

The research is that converting to sustainable energies to run our planet can reverse the greenhouse effect and make our planet a safer place to live. We’re doing this now by increasing solar capacity worldwide.

Solar energy facts show that the International Energy Agency recently claimed solar power to be the fastest-growing source of solar energy in the world and that solar radiation is being harnessed globally to "shine brightest."

Additional research indicates that the health and environmental benefits of wind and solar energy amount to $88 billion. A U.S. Department of Energy study shows that reductions in pollution from clean energy prevented 7,000 lost lives in the United States from 2007 to 2015. Solar energy users save lives and money with these clean solutions.

4. The price of sunlight is zero

The sun is not sending us a bill to charge our houses with solar power through our solar panels. The price of sunlight is zero.

Coal and natural gas are not free, and they are expensive and volatile. You never know when these dirty fossil fuels - which are not sustainable—are going up in price or going down (utility prices have systematically gone up over the past decade). 

There is no fuel cost with sunlight. This means that our state and local governments can better calculate the cost of producing electricity with solar panels. They can do this in advance to determine energy needs, as the sun is the most abundant energy source that is consistent and stable. It shines every day, and it’s free.

For rooftop solar panels? You, too, will know how much it’s going to cost for the life of your solar panel systems. A residential average solar panel system provides energy at the same utility rate every year for 20 years (at the minimum). That’s the same bill for two decades. Positive, great news for a change!

5. Solar creates jobs and incentives

Our government is paying attention to the demand for solar energy from both residential homeowners and businesses. Our Energy Department supports a lot of research and development to expand our nation’s solar market. The news just keeps getting better.

There is also a federal tax credit for solar rooftop homeowners who want to buy. Currently, the residential federal solar tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction against your federal income tax equal to 26% of the final cost of install solar panels on your home.

This benefit exists through December 31, 2022. In 2023 the residential tax credit will step down step down to 22%. In 2024, the tax credit for residential solar panels will end.

Today, this means thousands of dollars in savings. If your system costs $19,000, you’ll save $5,700 in a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your income taxes that you would otherwise pay the IRS. That’s thousands of dollars of greater news.

Many states continue to offer incentives and rebates at the local level. Make sure you look into all opportunities. Your solar panels advisor should be able to help.

Jobs? The solar energy industry workforce increased by 168% in the past seven years, from about 93,000 jobs in 2010 to over 250,000 jobs in 2017. Compared to 50,000 jobs in the coal industry in 2016, there were 260,000 solar-industry jobs (Smithsonian, April 2018).

Compared to 50,000 jobs in the coal industry in 2016, there were 260,000 solar-industry jobs. (Smithsonian, April 2018).

A brighter future for everybody with renewable energy

Sustainable power pulled from the sun benefits all walks of life, all demographics, all nations… all people. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory continues to research and develop new ways to harness solar energy, ensuring that the solar energy industries association and others can lead the way.

Solar panel installations are rising, and the solar capacity of our nation is growing rapidly. Solar batteries are also becoming a key component in storing and utilizing the energy collected.

Sunrun is doing what it can to help, one rooftop at a time. There’s no question about a brighter future with smart, clean energy for everyone. Get a complimentary solar quote. Let’s talk solar!