There still seems to be plenty of confusion and doubt concerning the ability of the sun to provide sufficient energy in certain parts of the continental United States.
The technical term for the amount of available solar energy reaching the surface of the planet is called solar irradiation. While the amount of solar irradiation is less in more northern parts of the country, there’s still plenty available to make solar viable.
Unfortunately, some of this confusion comes directly from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In the following two images, the NREL’s makes it appear like the potential solar irradiance drops off significantly for parts of the country that are not in the South West. The reality of the matter, which can be seen from an image on the right provided by William Driscoll from PV Magazine USA, shows that a good percentage of the solar potential is still available across the U.S. In fact, other parts of the country have at least 70 percent of what the South West has.
To put this massive solar potential another way, only a 160 square kilometer piece of land would be required to provide enough power for the whole country. That’s a very tiny percentage of the total land available. Of course, one of the great things about solar is that it is easily distributable. Obviously, solar power plants can be built virtually anywhere. The point here is to highlight the fact that space is not an issue as we transition to a solar plus battery storage energy infrastructure.
From a practical perspective, homeowners in the more northern states would require an extra solar panel or two to match the amount of energy captured in the southern states. Is this significantly more expensive? Not at all, this would add approximately $300 to $600 to the total cost.
The, on average, cooler northern states actually have an advantage over some of the hotter parts of the country. The reason is that many electronics, including solar panels, are slightly less efficient in hotter temperatures. Solar panel systems require light, not heat.
In summary, the United States has an incredible potential for the expansion of its use of solar energy. We are still early days for our transition to renewable energy. Those homeowners, businesses, and utilities that decide to invest in solar power now will find that they can build solar systems to provide all of the power they need. Starting now will have them saving money sooner than later too!
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential is a complex issue that requires further research and understanding. While solar energy has the potential to be a sustainable and renewable source of power, there are various factors that contribute to its feasibility and effectiveness in different regions. These factors include geographical location, weather patterns, infrastructure requirements, and economic considerations. It is important for policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals to collaborate and address these challenges in order to fully harness the solar potential and move towards a more sustainable energy future.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential highlights the need for more comprehensive research and clear communication. While solar energy has the potential to greatly benefit our environment and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, there are various factors that can influence its effectiveness in different regions. These factors include geographical location, weather patterns, and government policies. It is important for individuals and policymakers to have access to accurate information and data on solar potential in order to make informed decisions about its implementation. Continued research and collaboration among scientists, engineers, and policymakers will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of solar energy and addressing the confusion surrounding it.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential highlights the need for further research and education on this renewable energy source. While solar power offers numerous benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and long-term cost savings, misconceptions and misinformation have created uncertainty among consumers and policymakers. To fully harness the potential of solar energy, it is crucial to address these concerns, provide accurate information, and promote the adoption of solar technologies. By doing so, we can pave the way for a sustainable future powered by clean and abundant solar energy.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential is a complex issue that requires further research and understanding. While solar energy has the potential to be a sustainable and renewable source of power, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Factors such as geographical location, weather patterns, and technological advancements play a significant role in determining the viability of solar energy in different regions. It is crucial for policymakers, scientists, and industry experts to collaborate and invest in research and development to fully harness the solar potential and overcome the confusion surrounding it. With continued efforts, solar energy can become a key player in our transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential highlights the need for increased awareness and education about this renewable energy source. While solar power has the potential to greatly benefit our environment and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, it is important to address the misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround it. By providing accurate information and promoting the benefits of solar energy, we can encourage more individuals and businesses to embrace this sustainable solution and contribute to a greener future.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding solar potential is a complex issue that requires further research and education. While solar energy has the potential to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change, there are still uncertainties and misconceptions surrounding its feasibility and effectiveness. It is important for governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in comprehensive studies and public awareness campaigns to dispel the confusion and promote the adoption of solar energy as a viable and sustainable solution for our future energy needs.