The Way of the Future: Solar Energy

By Maddie Medina

One of the most difficult things for a person to deal with is change. But for all of us it’s a part of life. Except, of course, when people continue to deny basic science and call it a “hoax”. In 2016, Governor Scott Walker erased all information on climate change from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. On April 29th of 2017, President Trump followed suit. In the new tax bill that was recently passed in the Senate, there is a plan to cut funding for grants and incentives for green energy. They have done more than continuously not care about the environment; they have refused to endorse education on climate change publicly and are taking measures to keep the people uneducated.

Solar energy development has been in the works for nearly 200 years and solar panels are becoming increasingly more affordable and efficient since the discovery of the photovoltaic effect in 1839. The price of solar panels have actually dropped almost 60% since 2011 and clean energy has created tens of thousands of jobs. And yet here we still are, relying completely on fossil fuels that cause more political and economic strife than anything. The price of traditional energy fluctuates constantly, reacting to political rhetoric, issues with supply, etc.

Renewable energy is still an investment of our dollar, but it is also an investment in our future. We may be too late to stop climate change, but we can limit its effects and slow it down. The McFarland School District stated its goal is to have its graduates “make a positive contribution to a changing world”. So why don’t we start right now? We have the chance to become a role model; to inspire a change. I believe installing solar panels at the school is not only a great environmental choice to make but it would also inspire other schools to take action as well. Unfortunately many people still are unaware of the major benefits of solar panels. Listed below are the top reasons everyone should consider solar energy:

1. Solar energy reduces your electric bill:

Depending on the size of your system and the amount of electricity you need, you may even be able to completely eliminate your electric bill. But even if you still need some traditional energy, the savings on electricity will be tremendous. Utilizing a solar system also saves money in the long term; most owners will see savings starting around $1000 in the first year.

2. It can also generate income:

If your solar system produces more energy than needed to run your home, you can export the excess energy to the grid. This will cause your electrical meter to run backwards and deduct costs and, in some cases, you may be paid for the electricity.

3. Greater energy security:

When homes and businesses are on the electricity grid, their electric bill is subject to change based on the market, current supply or sometimes even political influences. With solar energy running your home, your energy costs will rarely fluctuate. For the people who decide to only displace 50% of their energy costs with solar panels will still see the economic fluctuations, but they’ll be minuscule compared to a home completely on the grid.

4. Solar panels are more reliable:

The electrical grids and power plants are subject to failure, which means hundreds or thousands of homes are left without power. This is especially concerning during severe natural disasters when these homes are often left without power anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. Since solar panels are typically distributed, even when part of a system is damaged, there’s still other parts of the system that are generating energy for the home’s consumption.

5. Solar panels work even on cloudy days:

While it’s obvious that sunny days will produce more energy, indirect and diffused sunlight still generate energy. Cloudier locations still receive around two to three hours of sunlight and can generate anywhere from 10% to 25% of the normal energy it can during a sunny day.

6. They don’t create pollution:

The production of fossil fuel, especially hydraulic fracking, requires significant water resources and in turn causes water pollution. Coal and natural gas plants are also to blame for air and water pollution which are extremely detrimental to human and animal health. They have both been linked to cancer, heart attacks, breathing problems, and neurological damage. By replacing these energy sources with renewable energy we can not only reduce the significant pollution, but also reduce the overall health condition of the citizens.

7. Solar panels are built to last:

A myth I’ve heard spewed from many people is that solar panels aren’t worth it because of their short lifespan. They have told me that it’s almost impossible to break even with the installation costs when the system only lasts 3-5 years. The truth is solar panels these days last upwards of 25 years, making it entirely possible to make back the costs of the installation.

Since many people argue the original cost of installation outweighs the benefits of utilizing green energy, it is important to emphasize that solar panel prices have fallen almost 60% since 2011 and are continuing to drop. With current state incentives, grants and tax cuts, the costs can be covered without too much stress.