I feel like I've been blogging a lot about solar recently, disproportionately so over other forms of renewable energy. But maybe that's just because solar is really taking off in the here and now, and I've just got to share all the exciting articles I find on it!
This new article, Solar Power is growing so fast that older energy companies are trying to stop it, is from Vox.com by Brad Plumer. Despite the overly-dramatic headline, his message reads true: solar is soon going to be a highly competitive form of energy, so much so that it could really threaten typical gas and oil utility companies. In fact, Plumer states that solar popularity dramatically increases, utility profits may decrease as much as 41%.
While solar still contributes only a miniscule portion of America's power, companies like SolarCity are making it easier than ever to install pannels with their no-downpayment policy. Big upfront costs used to scare the average consumer away, but paying monthly increments make solar so affordable that it becomes a viable option for everyone. Even now, every four minutes a new solar setup is installed in America.
Of course, to save their own skins, utility companies are trying to retract or downgrade solar subsidies. Other groups are proposing monthly fees for residents with solar--some upwards of $50! But the pro-solar stance is strong and backed by groups like TUSK (Tell Utilities Solar Won't Be Killed) and, surprisingly, an offshoot of the Tea Party that focuses on environmental issues.
Who will win out? Will solar be able to surge ahead, undisturbed by this political whiplash? Read the full article here and stay tuned for more updates!
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