Climate crisis and the solar solution

Scientists have been looking for cleaner sources of energy in light of the dramatic climate-related weather events dominating the news. Alternative energy is a broad term referring to energy sources that don’t spew noxious gases into the air. Today a number of carbon-neutral sources are being developed and promoted as the key alternative energy sources of the future.

Government participation in alternative energy development

Speaking publicly on the importance of alternative energy to the US economy, President Barack Obama made this statement discussing his economic recovery plan:
"To finally spark the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double the production of alternative energy in the next three years. We will modernize more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills. In the process, we will put Americans to work in new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced - jobs building solar panels and wind turbines; constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings; and developing the new energy technologies that will lead to even more jobs, more savings, and a cleaner, safer planet in the bargain."

In order to be effective, alternative energy requires a cooperative effort between government, industry, and consumers.  Because of the scale of the energy issue, and its impact on the economy, government investment, oversight, and planning are essential to an intelligent energy market.  Upgrades to the national electrical grid, known as the Smart Grid, will ensure that large wind farms in the midwest, and solar electric generation projects in the deserts, can distribute their energy to the cities where it is most needed.  

What is the history of alternative energy?

Switching from one source of energy to "alternative" sources have occurred numerous times over history.  Two transitions, from wood to soft coal, and from whale oil to petroleum, were motivated by depletion of the main fuel source.  Basic economics dictated that as the main fuel source became less plentiful, driving prices higher, alternative sources of energy became more attractive.  Crude oil, our primary source of energy today, is showing characteristics of depletion.

Alternative energy demand today

Today alternative energy demand is increasing for many reasons.  Prices of crude oil have fluctuated wildly in the past few years causing gasoline prices to triple to the $5 per gallon mark.  This was a wake-up call for  Americans to think about energy in new ways.  A spirit of nationalism combined with a demand for energy independence has produced interest in local, renewable, alternative energy sources like solar and wind.  Today, energy from the sun and wind holds a small percentage of US energy output. 

To do your part, install a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.