On the surface, the idea of adding solar panels to all structures soaked with sun seems like a no brainer. But for some there has been questions on how valuable solar PV power actually is. I don’t understand how someone could find any negatives with power from the sun. The initial cost can be expensive but in states like California, there are huge tax credits for people ready to go green. There is even incentive from the power company in what’s called net energy metering according to the LA Times.
Net energy metering is when a customer with solar panels collects more electricity then they can use and in turn sells it back to the power company for a profit or credit on their next bill. I have a friend who has grandparents that have lived in Southern California their entire life. They set up solar panels on their home in the late 80s. This part of the country has been all about the environment for a long time and his grandparents are a prime example of this. They have basically been getting free electricity for the sunny months out of the year for two decades.
The argument in California has to do with the 2.5% cap on net energy metering as stated in California solar: Use it or Lose it. As more people in California install solar panels, power companies are gaining access to more free electricity. At some point, they just don’t need anymore and at this is when customers with extra energy will not be credited for their electricity contributions.
A couple things could come out of this scenario. One is power companies figure out a way to send the extra energy off to places who could still use it, they could store it in massive batteries to use as needed or people with solar panels could buy a large battery to store the extra energy. Once full, a residence would effectively have free electricity for so many kilowatt hours. It is all very interesting.
One thing is for sure and that’s places like American National Solar at http://www.americannationalsolar.com/ will keep providing people with the tools to get off the grid if they would like. When the time comes to buy my own home, one of the first things I’m going to be looking for is an ample place to setup solar panels. They are the future especially in places of the country that see more sunshine then grey skies.
Filed under: free electricity, solar panels
Renewable energy is critical for our society’s survival. After all how long can we rely on the conventional forms of energy like fuel, gas etc. The power of Sun shall bail us out.