Solar Energy Power Systems Revolutionize Landscape – GWC Mag

By Hunter Adams, Co-Founder – Detach Reset Solar

While solar energy power systems (panels) used to be a niche technology. However, they are now becoming a mainstream energy source. Indeed, solar energy power systems are leading a paradigm shift away from finite and environmentally harmful fossil fuels. More toward cleaner, renewable sources of energy.

Positive strides in the reduction of carbon emissions

According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), humans are already seeing the ramifications of warming the Earth by only one degree Celsius in the form of record high temperatures, heavy weather, wildfires, droughts, and flooding. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (which would entail further dramatic consequences), the IPCC has stated that emissions would need to decrease approximately 45 percent by 2030 and reach “net zero” by 2050. This means that in less than 30 years, any carbon we emit would need to be offset by the same amount being taken away.

Solar energy power systems are fast establishing themself as one of the top methods for producing green electricity and achieving this goal.

Rooftop solar arrays produce 12 times less carbon emissions than gas and 20 times less than coal. Furthermore, according to The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, an acre of utility-grade solar panels prevents the emission of 121 to 138 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. 

In this way, harnessing the power of the sun has a positive impact on the environment. Innovations in solar materials, efficiency, and storage have accelerated the transition from fossil fuels.

Advances in solar technology

Advances in solar technology have enabled this radical transformation in the energy landscape. For instance, higher-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) cells have increased the overall energy output of solar panels. 

When solar cells were invented in the 1800s, they could only capture one percent of the sun’s energy, and by 1954, that figure had risen to six percent. Today’s homeowners enjoy 20 percent efficiency, and some cutting-edge inventions promise over 47 percent.

Storage solutions have also improved. Current solar energy batteries can store solar energy for up to five days, which means power is always available, whether or not the sun is shining. Not only that, but these systems are also more durable and last longer than earlier versions.

Additionally, developments in smart-grid integration and microgrid systems have enhanced the reliability and scalability of solar power. This makes solar a viable and attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuel sources, even for businesses and other large organizations.

Solar energy becomes more affordable

The upshot of these new technologies is that solar energy is becoming increasingly cost-effective. According to the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan, solar power systems now cost 89 percent less than they did in 2009.

Meanwhile, recent government initiatives encourage homeowners to adopt sustainable energy systems. Tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offset some of the expenses related to purchasing and installing solar panels, for instance.

Increasing adoption of solar energy

As solar systems have become less expensive, renewable energy has become increasingly accessible. As these systems have become more efficient, they have also become more practical to integrate into our daily lives and infrastructure.

In consequence, more and more people are adopting clean and sustainable energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), “Power generation from solar PV increased by a record 270 TWh in 2022, up by 26% in 2021.” Indeed, the IEA predicts that solar systems will become the world’s largest source of energy by 2027.

Democratizing the energy grid

When people actively participate in generating their own power, they also feel increasingly self-reliant. This decentralized, more democratic model of energy production challenges the top-down conventional utility business model. As an added bonus, it allows our nation to be less dependent on foreign sources of oil.

Meanwhile, consumers’ increasing adoption of solar drives further interest and investment in green energy from entrepreneurs and industry. In a cycle of continuous improvement, ongoing research and innovation propels the solar industry forward. This paves the way for an even more resilient and diversified energy landscape in the future.

Ensuring our future

Harnessing sunlight has fundamentally shifted the way people perceive energy. Now an economically viable and reliable green solution, solar power has revolutionized the energy industry. In the process, it protects our future on our one and only planet. 

— Hunter Adams is the Founder and CEO of Detach Reset Solar. With a four-year journey in maintenance, Hunter’s expertise is evident through the successful completion of over 1200 projects and active involvement in more than 2000 solar initiatives. His unwavering dedication has earned the trust of 700 companies nationwide, showcasing his reliability. As a maintenance leader, Hunter’s commitment to excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of innovation have cemented his reputation as an industry pioneer. Hunter Adams is firmly committed to propelling Detach Reset Solar as a trailblazer in energy solutions with a profound positive impact on the world.