From Guest Blogger Emily Folk: Why Solar Energy Will Become Essential to Every Industry

We are living in the midst of a revolution. Twenty years ago, the concept of renewable, alternative energy sources was just a pipe dream. Now, we have functional examples of wind and solar energy that are coming close to providing 10% of America’s power needs every day. And the promise to do much more.

The benefits of renewal energy have been made abundantly clear, and as our infrastructure changes to accommodate this new power source, it will come to define the way that businesses operate. Not just in America, but worldwide. That means that if you start a business tomorrow, you had better make plans to create some solar power.

It Never Runs Out

Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, on which much of the world’s power systems operate, solar power is free and it comes from the sun. Science tells us that yes, that will end one day. However, when you compare it to our supply of petroleum, natural gas or coal, the easy money is on the sun. That’s why we began exploring a means of generating solar power in the first place, it’s renewable.

In the past, it was difficult to know what to do with the energy once it was stored. We’ve solved that problem now. Companies can use it to run their power meter backwards, and we’re increasingly able to allow stored solar energy back into the existing power grid. But even if you’re not able to contribute what you generate, you might not have to if you have enough capacity. And there’s another advantage…

It Goes Anywhere

Even in gloomy London where it’s grey all the time, you can generate solar power. But think bigger than that. London already has well-established infrastructure but in places like remote corners of Africa where no established power grid is in place, you can begin the makings of a standalone power system just by installing solar generation at your facility. In New York, residents of some neighborhoods are leveraging blockchain technology to trade energy back and forth without ever having to purchase power from a utility.

Solar makes energy a commodity of the people! And that means that you as a contributor can not only look good to your clientele but also by generating more clean energy you can contribute to the cause of protecting the planet and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives there. That’s a global mission that your business can be a part of no matter where you are located or what industry you’re in.

The Incentives are Good

For all of the reasons we’ve pointed out here and more, governments want businesses in their countries to use solar power. That’s why in so many places, you have seen the introduction of programs to incentivize solar panel installations. Consider the fact that you’re installing a piece of hardware that will pay for itself in 10 years through the power it generates. Now, add to that a tax break, it might be 10%, 20% or 30% on the money you spent to install that hardware. It’s like getting free money. You’d be a fool not to take it and it’s an investment in the future.

The future is solar, there’s no question. And we’re only beginning to see what this technology can do. As we install more solar, the technology will become better. Solar will become more efficient and cheaper. Failing to get on board now will cost your business money, so consider how you can integrate solar panels in your new location or add them to an existing one if you haven’t already.