The world needs energy solutions to address problems created by conventional electricity generation. Almost half of the electricity consumed in the United States is generated by coal-burning power plants; ~20% comes from natural gas-powered plants, and another ~20% is generated by nuclear.
ALL OF THESE METHODS CREATE SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE IMPACTS:
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Emissions and their "contributions" to global warming and poor air quality
- Price volatility created by global energy commodity market fluctuations
- Depletion of fossil fuel reserves and the national security risks associated with dependence on foreign fossil fuel sources
- General health and safety issues related to mining, transportation, processing, consumption and disposal of fuels and wastes
IN CONTRAST, SOLAR ELECTRIC POWER IS:
- Clean - Solar produces no carbon footprint or harmful emissions
- Cost Effective - Current financial and tax incentives can make solar electricity cost-competitive with conventional electricity in many states
- Dependable - Solar panels are highly reliable, with 20-25 year warranties, and useful lives of 30 years or longer. Once installed, solar power costs are fixed since they are not subject to fossil fuel price volatility
- Distributed - Solar energy is generally available much closer to end users, reducing transmission infrastructure costs, decreasing dependency on the utility grid, as well as freeing up land for other use
- Abundant - A single 100-square mile solar power system could provide all the electricity needed in the U.S.
- Sustainable – Solar power technology can provide electricity for our world indefinitely, without the negative impacts of our current sources of power.
