The
world needs energy solutions to address problems created by conventional electricity generation. Almost 50% 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: - 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
