Solar Power Equals A Less Oil and Gas Dependent Future
Solar power has been around for years and has been viewed upon first as some type of hippie green movement in protest against oil and gas based electrical power. However, in the face of rising oil prices and turmoil in the Middle East, power obtained from solar energy is suddenly the hottest new trend. The good news is the development of systems to harness the sun's rays for powering homes, offices and even cars has been developing for years now and finally being put into play and in fact many homes already rely on solar power.
The Benefits
Perhaps the biggest benefit of solar power is the fact that the sun provides a limitless source of energy and it's free! Of course, the initial outlay of equipment and labor to set your home, office or other space up for solar power can be cost prohibitive but once you have it installed, utility bills go down and within just a few years the solar equipment has paid for itself.
Independence from the chains of the oil and gas and utility industry is another benefit to harnessing the sun's rays for power. Not having to rely on others for power is an amazing thing especially in light of the strife in the Middle East and even in the event of storms and natural disasters when power could be interrupted.
Environmental consciousness can be added to the pros of solar power because you become more aware of the power you use in your home and other activities in your life. You become more conscious in what you do that wastes power and you will make a concerted effort to change it. By not relying heavily on oil and gas power, you are doing a small part in saving the environment as well, especially since solar power produces no CO2 emissions, a major culprit in global warming.
Availability
Solar power is readily available right now but can be expensive at the onset, which precludes many homeowners from outfitting their own residences with the proper equipment. However, construction and architectural companies could do their part by designing new homes and buildings with solar power already built in so there is no added expense later down the road when it could be a requirement. Sure, construction costs would be a bit more expensive at the beginning but it is an investment in the planet's future. Consumers could start incorporating solar power in small ways until they have the means to go more global with such things as solar powered outdoor lights, pool heaters, security cameras and more.
