Hello fellow solar enthusiasts and welcome back to my blog. Today, we’re going to delve deeper into some commonly held misconceptions about solar energy, specifically regarding the amount of land needed for solar power production. This topic was recently addressed by solar pioneer Dan Shugar in his enlightening series that dispels solar myths, which I’ve found incredibly insightful.
Let’s begin with a name you might have heard before – Uncle Bob. He’s the typical character who’s always questioning the practicality and sense of switching to solar power. One of his main apprehensions, which you might have encountered too, is “Isn’t solar taking up too much land?”
So, is Uncle Bob right? Should we worry about solar panels consuming our precious landscapes? The answer is a resounding no. Even if we were to power our entire country solely on solar energy – day and night, every appliance and device – the solar array for homes and businesses would cover less than one half of 1% of the entire land area. That’s far less invasive than Uncle Bob might think, isn’t it?
Furthermore, a significant portion of solar installations isn’t on open land but rather on structures like rooftops or carports. Not only does this tackle space issues, but it also adds a valuable asset to your property. Installing solar panels for your home indeed increases its market value and demands considerable interest from potential buyers.
Another fascinating strategy being adopted by innovative solar companies involves dual-use applications. Ranchers and farmers are now combining soil productivity with energy generation, leading to solar power plants co-existing with cattle, sheep, or even bee hives. This concept is not just ecologically beneficial, but has promising implications for agricultural communities who often have to fight economic hardships.
Solar companies are dedicated to community growth and economic development, contrary to the belief that they produce at one corner of the world for usage at another. The manufacturing processes don’t just make use of local workforce and industries, but also try to revitalize dormant facilities.
Shifting to solar energy has proved to be an unprecedented opportunity to create job openings, even in areas that were once considered economically nonviable due to failing industries. For instance, a formerly stagnant steel facility in Pittsburgh sprang to life when it was repurposed to start manufacturing for modern solar plants – a heartening example of how the solar revolution is resurrecting the manufacturing sector.
So, contrary to Uncle Bob’s belief, solar power is far from a land-guzzling behemoth. In fact, it’s an innovative, eco-friendly, economically beneficial solution that many solar companies are embracing, leading to the development of more-efficient solar panels for your home and communities alike.
Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll debunk more solar myths. Don’t miss out on being the most informed person at your next gathering – even when Uncle Bob tries to bring down solar energy once again!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/15/debunking-solar-myths-what-about-all-that-land/
