Solar energy offers the potential for energy independence and a clean environment. Solar is a renewable and clean energy source that can be used for a variety of useful purposes. It can be converted into electricity, with solar panels, to power electronics such as lights, and computers. It can also be used to generate hot water through a solar collector and heat exchange system. As the financial and environmental costs of burning fossil fuel for energy increase, people across the world are turning to inexhaustible energy resources like solar for power.
After decades of research and development, solar power is now practical for all energy consumers. Many residential homeowners are turning to solar power by installing solar panels on their roofs to reduce or eliminate their dependence on utility provided power. Solar power can also be used to sustain an "off-grid" home, as NYIT is doing with its Solar Decathlon entry.
In the US, there are more than 275,000 photovoltaic installations. On Long Island, New York, The Long Island Power Authority has been supporting solar through its Solar Pioneer Program by offering financial incentives to help reduce the up front costs of the system. There are now over 600 solar homes on the Island . New York State also offers tax credits for solar electric installations.
Solar Benefits:
- Clean, pollution free energy
- Renewable, reduces dependence on imported oil and other fossil fuels
- Offsets externalities generated from traditional large power plants:
- Pollution, smog, nuclear waste
- Global warming
- Noise
- High voltage electricity Transmission lines
- No groundwater used
- No Smoke stacks or nuclear cooling towers
- Stabilizes energy rates because there are zero fuel costs
- Distributed generation (solar power located at end user) reduces inefficiencies and interdependency of power grid, makes for more reliable and affordable power
Our vision is for renewable energy sources such as solar power to replace fossil fuels and nuclear energy sources. Click here for more information on how you can use Solar too!
