Guess who had a record-breaking year for solar in 2015? The good ol’ U.S. of A.!
According to a recent CNBC article, the nation installed 7,286 megawatts of solar power last year. The figures, based on data from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), represent an increase of more than 1,000 megawatts from 2014. But that isn’t all. Solar also beat natural gas capacity for the first time. 29.5 percent of all new electric generating capacity in 2015 was met with solar.Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the SEIA, said that, in the next few years, “Solar [will] continue to reach unprecedented heights as our nation makes a shift toward a carbon-free source of energy that also serves as an economic and job-creating engine.”
This is not news to us, of course. As a Southern California solar company, we truly believe that the future of electricity generation in the U.S. is solar power, especially with the increase in affordability. Many states are already at the point where solar electricity is “economically competitive with conventional energy sources,” according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. These states include Minnesota, Texas, Hawaii, and California.
Benefits of Solar
Going solar comes with an array of benefits that you can’t ignore, especially when it is competitive with conventional energy sources. Just in case you are not already convinced, here are few advantages to keep in mind: Solar power…
- Helps slow down/stop global warming.
- Saves you money.
- Provides energy reliability.
- Provides energy independence.
- Creates jobs.
