What is the Future of Solar Energy in the US?

Did you know that in 2020, solar power made up just 3% of all electricity generation? And, did you know that enough sunlight hits the Earth’s surface in an hour and a half to manage the whole world’s energy consumption for an entire year? 

Solar power is an effective, yet not widely used, form of energy. The U.S. has the resources to convert more forms of power to solar energy, but not a lot of the energy consumption in the country comes from solar energy. Many people find it expensive and unattainable when, in reality, it’s actually a very practical way of powering your home.

Chariot Energy works to bring concentrate solar power to as many homes and businesses as possible and works to inform people about the benefits of solar power. If you’re interested in green living and using less electricity in your day-to-day life, our solar energy company may be the best choice for you.

The Basics of Solar Power

Solar power is light emitted from the sun that is then turned into different types of energy like electric and thermal. Most solar power plants in the U.S. are located in the Southwest, since that region gets so much sunlight every year; however, solar energy is used across the country. 

As climate change becomes more of a concern every year, many people want to learn more about renewable energy sources like solar energy in order to power their homes and businesses. In such places, solar energy can be used for anything from heating water to lighting our bedrooms to keeping our houses warmer or cooler. 

Photovoltaic vs. Concentrate Solar Power

Solar energy comes in two main forms: photovoltaic and concentrate. Both forms of solar power work in different ways. 

Photovoltaic produces power when the sunlight hits the solar panels. The energy emitted from the light is absorbed by the PV cells (also called solar cells) in the panels, which causes electrical charges that move.

The charges move because of an internal electrical field in the cells. Electricity is then able to flow. 

Concentrate solar power uses mirrors to reflect sunlight onto receivers at a single point, converting the solar energy into heat.

Concentrate solar power plants (CSP) work in a unique way; they heat water that steers steam turbines used in coal plants, but concentrate solar power plants do not generate greenhouse gas emissions like other forms of power do.

Concentrate solar power is best fit in places that get high levels of sun. The amount of solar radiation that reaches each part of Earth varies, which is why concentrate solar power is popular in places like the U.S., since we get ample sunshine that powers the concentrate solar power grids.

CSP plants are also unique because electricity can be generated even after the sun goes down; during the day, when the sun is out, the water gets so hot during this timeframe that steam continues to be produced for a few hours after sunset.

Chariot Energy also builds large-scale CSP plants, meaning many buildings can be powered by just one solar energy plant. 

Why Is Solar Energy Better?

In general, solar energy is better for the environment. It’s a renewable energy source, which is energy that comes from natural resources that are continuously replenished, rather than from limited resources that are not sustainable forever. Solar energy is easier to sustain over long periods and does not take fuel to work.

As mentioned before, solar energy does not contribute to the growing number of greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution throughout the world, meaning that those who use solar energy don’t contribute to climate change in as many ways as other people. Over the past 20 years, 75% of all human-produced carbon emissions came from burning fossil fuels.

Solar energy can also help you reduce or entirely eliminate your electricity bill, saving you money altogether. Through net metering, you can save money to go towards your next solar energy bill. 

Often, solar panels produce more energy than a home or business actually needs, usually on highly sunny days. When this happens, your electricity meter begins to run in reverse, so that the power that isn’t being used goes back into the electric grid.

Every month, your electricity meter calculates how much energy your home or business uses vs. how much wasn’t used that was then added back into the grid, and you only pay for the net usage. 

Finally, solar panels also have an average lifespan of 25 years, so there aren’t high costs that go to replacing them every year.

Why Chariot Energy is Unique

Chariot Energy wants to bring solar energy to as many homes and businesses as possible in Texas. Many think solar energy is expensive, and through many solar energy companies, it is. But at Chariot Energy, we are both the wholesaler and the providers of solar energy, meaning that we make the panels used in the grid, as well as produce the power the grid uses.

With us, there’s no extra or hidden cost to bringing solar energy to your business or home!

Also, with the way our power grids work, we also don’t need to install solar panels on your roof, so there’s no maintenance involved for you. The energy comes from our solar farms, which deliver the energy directly to your home via transmission lines, with no panels needed. 

So, Wanna Make the Switch to Solar Energy? 

Switching to solar energy can be a great change. It’s fairly cost-effective, reduces the greenhouse gases released into the air, and doesn’t require high maintenance from you to keep them working efficiently. 

If you’re interested in making the switch to solar energy, contact Chariot Energy for more information to find the best solar energy plan for you.