Electricity generation is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States (EPA.gov). Greenhouse gasses, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide, are emitted into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gasses to power our homes, buildings, and cities (EPA.gov). This leads to the deterioration of the surrounding environment, air quality, and public health in the process.

Utilization of solar power and other forms of renewable energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by electricity production. With advanced solar conversion technologies, solar energy is harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrated solar-powered mirrors and converted into electricity, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels. (U.S. Department of Energy).

Planning and saving money for adding a solar component to your home that lowers the bills and also powers your Electric Vehicle is the way of the future. We can all become both producers and users, even selling and storing the energy our community needs through batteries and EV’s with bidirectional charging if we add this to our long-term goals and take advantage of government rebates or tax credits in the process.

Another means of using the powerful heat generated by our sun is via passive solar. This is done by heating up walls or other surfaces by day and using the captured heat together with airflow and insulation to stay warm through the night.