Geopolitics, Energy Prices Make Solar The Smart Move

Rising energy prices, geopolitical concerns and the danger excessive carbon emissions pose to

the environment all make finding alternatives to traditional fossil fuel based electricity sources

an urgent matter. Expanding the use of green technology, particularly solar energy, can reduce

U.S. dependency on foreign oil and fossil fuels in general.

U.S. domestic production of oil is up, thanks to the advent of fracking technology and higher

overall energy prices that make the technology cost effective. This technology can have dire

environmental impacts and no matter how much oil is produced domestically, reliance on

foreign sources of oil will remain necessary so long as our economy is powered by fossil fuels.

Reliance on foreign sources of oil entangles the U.S. in the politics of unstable areas of the

world, a circumstance that can lead to costly interventions and other problems. Energy

independence will allow the U.S. to pick and choose its allies more carefully.

Reducing dependency on fossil fuels is also an important human health issue. Fossil fuel use

can contribute to higher rates of illness among people, as well as endangering important

ecosystems important for food and pest control. Finding greener, cleaner means of providing

power isn’t just about energy prices and geopolitics, it’s also about mitigating the environmental

and human cost of ongoing population growth and development.

Solar power provides an opportunity to break the American addiction to oil. Economic

conditions, improvements in technology, green policies and energy deregulation are making

solar power more financially feasible than ever, to both electricity providers and consumers.

The price of installing solar panels in residential homes has decreased, thanks to industry

factors as well as government incentives. Utilities and other organizations are also using solar

power as an electricity source more often. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association,

the number of solar power installations grew by 76 percent last year.

Battery technology is also improving, making the day closer when solar users won’t have to

depend on the traditional grid for power at all ever closer. Deregulation that is helping to free up

capital among electricity providers to invest in solar is also helping to further develop this energy

source.

Providing energy customers with a means of comparing and contrasting the various energy

options available to them can also help promote green energy solutions. Sites allowing energy

customers to compare electricity rates can help them make better decisions about the electricity

providers they use and whether installing solar panels at home may be a cost effective solution.

With regard to transportation, increased use of solar energy sources to power electric vehicles

can greatly reduce the need for oil imports. In 2011, the U.S. imported about $150 billion worth

of foreign oil. By increasing the number of electric cars on the road and providing ample solar

powered charging for the vehicles, the amount of foreign oil imported can be greatly reduced.

By increasing the use of solar and other green energy sources, the need for foreign oil and

fossil fuels in general will decrease, creating a more prosperous, secure and energy

independent America.

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