Solar energy is considered to be the most effective form of renewable energy. Clean and cost-effective advancements in solar energy technology are reducing cities’ reliance on the traditional power grid and reducing energy costs across the board. It takes just fifteen solar powered street lights to power an electric vehicle for one year. Imagine the power solar energy could provide to a city, or even an entire country?
Reduced Grid Dependence
Widespread solar power usage reduces the need for infrastructure upgrades on the existing grid. Not only will individual consumers save money by relying on a renewable energy source, but governments will also financially benefit too.
Global energy markets are volatile. Relying on foreign fuel to power a nation comes with many costs and can threaten economies around the world. The Russia-Ukraine war’s effects have impacted the world, resulting in higher fuel costs. And not only was the war to blame for higher fuel costs, the COVID-19 pandemic began the price hike, making the cost of heating homes, transporting goods, fueling cars, and manufacturing products climb.
Solar energy technology reduces reliance on the existing grid and foreign fuel, allowing for increased economic stability and independence. Energy autonomy isn’t only essential for our planet’s wellbeing, but it is paramount for a government’s security, stability, and progress.
The Financial Benefits
U.S. State and federal incentives are offered to individuals and businesses who want to transition to solar powered energy. The Federal Solar Tax Credit is available to U.S. residents that provides them a credit for 30% of the total solar system cost that is applied to the federal tax liability once the system begins operating. Although a transition to solar panels and solar energy technology is expensive, the actual price has dropped by 60% within the last decade.
Local rebates are stipulated via each city. For example, the City of Philadelphia offers its residents $0.20 per watt installed, amassing an average of $1,700 back for an 8.5-kW system typically installed in Pennsylvania. Depending on the state, transitioning to residential solar energy in the form of solar panels could increase your property taxes, as is the case for the state of Pennsylvania.
The City of Los Angeles has approved the installation of solar lighting for future street lighting applications. Los Angeles City has moved forward with battery technology that lasts for 10-12 years, instead of the older five-year battery models. The new lights also address battery theft concerns with their mounting assembly, making this an ideal technology upgrade for the city.
Improved Safety
Consider the increased safety that solar powered night-lighting could bring to your city’s walkways. Providing safety for homeowners and community residents is a priority, along with powering our planet using clean technology.
While many people are fortunate to have electricity in their homes, many cities and municipalities aren’t able to power their parks and local walkways. Installation and maintenance costs are a budget challenge for some cities; therefore, some parks and paths remain in the darkness.
Summer Night Lights, a program started in Los Angeles, extended night hours in parks by keeping lights powered until midnight. The City of Los Angeles took on this program to reduce city violence. By providing lit pathways in areas that are normally in the dark, local governments and municipalities are allowing for positive social change in their communities.
Self contained solar powered street lighting is an easy and cost effective solution for cities. These units require little follow-up maintenance because self-contained units are powered directly by the sun’s rays – you do not need to set up an additional panel for the light source to be charged.
Solar is Smart, Safe, And Effective
While energy costs continue to climb, governments are searching for the cost-effective and clean method of powering cities. Solar energy not only reduces monthly energy bills, it avoids compounding future expenses on aging infrastructure grids. Solar lighting installation does not require trenching, reducing environmental disruption and making lighting possible in environmentally sensitive areas.
Solar energy is a solution that can be applied to a variety of situations and settings. The technology continues to make advancements that are not only better for communities, but for our planet as a whole.