Florida leads the nation in solar energy
Evyn Moon studies
TAMPA, Fla. – It’s no shock that Floridians are utilizing their sunshine. The state is now a frontrunner in photo voltaic vitality, rating second nationwide for solar energy capability behind Texas.
This 12 months, practically 30,000 residents put in photo voltaic panels.
“That’s why they name it the Sunshine State. It is sensible to make the most of the pure reward now we have,” mentioned Stephen Smith, the CEO of the Southern Alliance for Clear Vitality.
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One main issue behind the surge is the numerous drop in the price of photo voltaic panels, which has fallen by about 40% within the final decade.
Photo voltaic vitality advantages patrons and the setting, particularly throughout hurricane season.
“With photo voltaic and battery storage, you possibly can maintain the lights on whereas others are with out energy for days,” Smith mentioned. “The underside line for why photo voltaic is so essential for environmental safety is it’s displacing the burning of fossil fuels, primarily the burning of both coal or fossil fuel.”
Regardless of the upfront prices — usually $10,000 or extra — Smith factors out that photo voltaic is a long-term funding that pays off via financial savings and elevated house worth.
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“Should you’re staying within the house long run, you may recoup the funding and see financial savings,” Smith defined.
Smith believes Floridians ought to make the most of their namesake useful resource much more.
“The truth that we don’t use it extra simply is not sensible,” Smith mentioned.
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