Here comes the sun, and it’s definitely all right! Come with us for a little time-traveling trip back to the era of good vibes and flower power. Back in the ’60s and ’70s, solar power was just starting to become a reality. It’s come a long way since then! In fact, solar power has come a long way since the days of Woodstock.
From Flower Power to Solar Power
Given that it’s February, now is the perfect time to show some love for solar and all the benefits it provides. Many of us can still recall the “Season of Love” and all those good peace vibes (or mostly recall!). It’s probably around that time that you first learned about the possibilities of solar power. Solar first showed up in satellite technology in the 1960s. Technology continued to advance at the same time the seeds of the environmental movement were being planted. It wouldn’t be long until solar was coming to residential neighborhoods.
One of the first times solar power was used to supply power to a building came in 1973 at the University of Delaware. Just three years after the first Earth Day, “Solar One” featured a solar-powered rooftop at the college. It also gave the world one of the first glimpses of the possibilities of solar. Did you know that, in 1979, solar panels were added to the White House?
Through the ’80s and ’90s, solar panels started to appear on homes throughout the country. The benefits to our environment became clear. This occurred at the same time the dangers of fossil fuels were just beginning to become apparent. Today, solar power remains a clean energy alternative, one that doesn’t pollute our air or water or harm our environment.
An Easy Way to Love and Protect Your Planet
Solar is just as cool as it was back in the times of bell-bottoms and tie-dye. You loved doing your part for the environment in the early days of the green movement. Now, the stakes are even higher.
In the last few years, the devastating effects of climate change have become crystal clear. We’re witnessing the damaging effects of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. Devastating forest fires, superstorms, and disappearing coastlines aren’t dire predictions anymore. We’re experiencing them at an alarmingly frequent rate. Thankfully, switching to solar energy can be one of the easiest ways to do your part in being a force for positive change. You probably couldn’t think of a better Valentine’s gift to the planet than a solar panel installation.
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy nationwide adoption of solar power holds many benefits. In their report, not only does solar power have the potential to reduce our carbon footprint, but it also has the ability to minimize our water consumption on a national scale. The Office’s study goes on to project some 25,000 lives saved with a reduction of pollutants.
New Reasons to Love Solar Power
Today solar energy is far from the solar panels your parents might have used. Technology in solar cells and energy storage has progressed immensely in the last decade. Solar energy has become much more efficient, affordable, and effective.
Decades ago, solar cells had an efficiency (the amount of sunlight solar cells convert to energy) in the single digits. Compare that to today, where we can now offer some of the highest efficiency solar panels available, exceeding 25%. Today, you also have greater options, with high-efficiency panels available for smaller rooftop spaces and cost-effective models that can be used on larger roofs.
Backup battery innovation now means you can store energy in case of a power outage, something your non-solar neighbors can’t do. And with tax incentives, there’s no better time to make the switch to solar.
Remember, switching to solar with Steel City Solar gives you the environmental benefits of clean energy, while giving you the security and consistency of remaining on your energy provider’s grid. Show your love for the planet by making a quick call to your local solar energy supplier Steel City Solar. We’ll give you a no-hassle free estimate custom to your home’s particular needs. Experience the power of solar! You’ll feel great knowing you’re helping the environment while saving money on your energy bills each month.
