Solar energy can benefit the climate today

The earth is under constant assault from within. The burning of fossil fuels is placing man in a very difficult predicament. Climate scientists have reaffirmed once again that fossil fuels are the nemesis that must be defeated in order to avert the worst of climate change's effects. Solar power is playing a large role in today’s electrical grid. This is especially true in states where solar energy proliferates. Record summer heat in dry states like California and Arizona extended the electric power grid, testing its ability to process extreme temperatures and the rising use of solar power across the Southwest. There are now more rooftop solar panels in use during severe heat waves, which is forcing electric utilities to ask residents to save energy later into the evening to prevent blackouts. Electricity use from the power grid shifts to later in the evening when the sun’s energy subsidies.

Peak power demand and solar power

The shift in peak electricity demand is expected of conditions to which the electric grid will have to adapt in the coming years as electric utilities build new wind and solar power plants. The state of California mandates new homes be made with rooftop solar panels, and climate change, scientists believe could lead to more common and extreme heat waves. Peak power usage once came during the hottest times of day when rooftop solar panels produce the most power. However, residents are now using more electricity from the grid when the panels generate less power as the sun dips lower on the horizon. This change means power companies sometimes use less solar energy and more fossil fuels to keep the power on when electricity need is highest. Adjustments must be made during severe heat waves to avert blackouts and equipment failures.

Peak energy periods and solar energy

Usually, people consume the most electricity during the hottest times of day, when solar power helps power companies rely less on natural gas “peaker” power plants, which are used only when times of high demand. This shift forces companies to use the peaker plants at a time of day when they can’t use as much solar power to fortify the plants that run on non-renewable fuels. This means they rely more on natural gas and other traditional energy sources to keep the power on when electricity demand is highest. On hot days, workers often return home and turn on their air conditioners just as solar panels begin to generate less power. As the sun dips lower in the sky, the panels are less effective. Oppressive heat waves affect the electric power grid in many ways.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system! The earth is under assault from fossil fuels and the need to adopt solar has never been greater. There is no way of generating energy that is safer, more efficient, and more cost friendly than solar power. Climate experts are warning that we must curtail our fossil fuel usage or face dire consequences. Is anyone listening? How long do we have to hear these warnings before something actually changes? Fortunately, there is a mild solar revolution occurring due largely to the constant climate change news. But the scientists warn that we don't have much time left and we must take drastic action immediately unless we like the idea of coastal flooding, severe weather events and much more. The choice is clearly ours to make and we can choose what kind of world we are passing on to future generations. Maybe it's too late to reverse climate change completely, but every effort we attempt is momentum to slow global warming.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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