Solar….What’s all the “buzz” about?

The environment has moved to the forefront of the county’s priority list and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. There are so many options; we don’t know where to start. Everyone wants to do something, but it’s so overwhelming many throw their hands up in defeat. Does doing the right thing have to be so hard?
According to John Allen, of Earth, Wind and Solar Systems in Hamilton, TX, “solar is an option that everyone is currently using whether they realize it or not.” Solar energy is used to power calculators, traffic signals, weather stations, and even satellites in space. Solar panels, as small as a computer microchip or as large as an elephant, simply turn the sun’s rays into energy we can actually use.
When asked why solar is so great, Mr. Allen began ringing its praises. “Solar is the cleanest power generating option we have today. Solar power produces absolutely NO pollution, greenhouse gases (CO2) or noise.” Mr. Allen went on to state that solar is dependable and virtually maintenance free. Solar panels are made to withstand 125 mph winds, 1 inch hail, and temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solar power can actually eliminate power surges, black outs and brown outs. By generating a portion of your own power with a solar system, you reduce the amount of power that the power company needs to generate. During peak usage, some power companies are forced to reduce the load on their systems. This is achieved through black outs and brown outs. Many only last a few short minutes but are inconvenient to say the least. Solar powered systems allow you to generate your own power that can be used immediately therefore preventing your power supply from ever being interrupted.
John Allen, of Earth, Wind and Solar Systems, continued to explain that solar power does not require a customer to drop their utility company although the option is available. Most of Earth, Wind, and Solar Systems’ customers continue to stay “tied into the grid” and only generate a portion of their power, called partial loading. A partial system allows someone to generate a certain amount of power each day. The customer then decides what to do with that power. It can be saved with battery storage or sent back to the power company. Mr. Allen went on to say that “partial loading is great because is allows a customer to customize their own system and expand it in the future as technology progresses.”
Cost seems to be the biggest obstacle to solar power, but the federal government and local electrical providers are helping to ease the pain. The federal government is offering a 30% personal income tax deduction for anyone who installs a solar powered system. Many electrical providers are offering rebates and other incentives for their customers as well.
Solar may not be the answer to our environmental crisis, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction. If everyone were to take just one step towards a cleaner Earth, think what an impact that would have on future generations. We don’t have the ability to turn back the hands of time, but we do have complete control over our future. Don’t just think about getting green: do something to become green.