Alternative energy sources such as wind, geothermal, hydro and solar have grown increasingly popular as ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the grid by decentralizing power production.
Solar energy, which converts energy from the sun into thermal or electrical power, is rapidly expanding across America and the world. Solar energy can provide numerous benefits, but like most things, also has its share of drawbacks.
Solar’s Growth
Over the last decade, solar energy production has grown 25% on average per year and installation costs have dropped more than 40%, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Department of Energy research projects solar energy to rise from 4% of our nation’s total energy production to 45% by 2050, potentially requiring nearly 10.4 million acres of land in solar production — an area about 30% larger than the state of Maryland.
DOE expects 90% of projected solar development to be…
