If builders start putting solar panels on all new American homes in 2020, the United States could more than triple its current solar power capacity by 2045, according to a new report released today by Environment America Research & Policy Center. Such a policy could also cut current annual carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by more than 9% by 2045.
“Every home and structure built without solar is a missed opportunity,” said Bret Fanshaw, Go Solar Campaign director with Environment America Research & Policy Center. “Generating renewable energy from our rooftops helps homeowners and their communities, reducing both electric bills and pollution.”
In May, California became the first state to propose building all new homes with solar panels, a policy which would go into effect in 2020. The state energy commission estimates that a solar homes policy, coupled with energy efficiency improvements, will save homeowners $19,000 in energy and maintenance costs over the course of a typical 30-year mortgage—double what they would add to the cost of a home. Later this week, the California Building Standards Commission will meet to review the proposal.
“The new National Climate Assessment makes it clear that we need to stop burning fossil fuels as soon as possible, and solar energy is key to that transition,” said Abi Bradford, policy analyst and report co-author with Frontier Group. “Installing solar panels on all new homes could add more solar energy capacity than the entire country currently has installed—including utility-scale installations—in just six years from 2020 to 2026.”
The fastest-growing states would add the most solar energy if the policy were adopted, with Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona ranked at the top. The report also provides state-by-state estimates for the potential reductions in carbon emissions.
“We can have solar-powered communities right now and for years to come with smart policy choices,” said Fanshaw. “And the most efficient time to install solar panels is when workers are already on the roof.”
News item from Environment America
Hey, a free, clean energy source is a good thing however, a few minor facts (obtained from the EIA website which is excellent for energy data):
-Solar energy currently only produces 6/10 of one percent of the US annual usage for energy. Triple would mean a whopping 1 1/2% by 2045. Good but insignificant on a national usage level.
-Fossil fuels. Sorry but we are not going to be off fossil fuels for probably 100 to 150 years. 80% of current energy production in the US is from fossil fuels. 10% from nuclear. Balance from all renewables.
Need lots of energy to spin a steam turbine on a consistent basis at a power plant. Also, production and usage will increase through 2050. Check the EIA website which is very accurate.
-Good potential to have solar produce energy for a house and sell the excess to the power grid. However, for the foreseeable future it is an offset not a replacement.
-Since the US is loaded with coal, natural gas and oil why don’t we put extensive research and development into cleanly using these energy sources. It would be cheaper, faster to improve the current large complex energy supply system than to try and completely change it. Remember most of this energy goes to power plants.
-Nuclear fusion. Big potential but the technology is still aways out. This would be a viable clean, cheap energy source on a large scale.
Anyway fascinating subject with all kinds of cool technology and ideas. Will be interesting to see where it goes.