As solar gains more popularity, more homes, cars, and even planes are being powered by the sun.
With solar becoming more common, people’s curiosity is growing about so many aspects of how solar works. While there’s a ton to learn, some facts about solar are just cool!
Continue reading as we cover 5 cool facts about solar you likely didn’t know.
1. Solar hit record breaking growth in 2020 despite the pandemic
In 2020, the global pandemic was just getting started, and many industries would be negatively impacted. But did you know that the solar industry actually grew during this time?
As the pandemic put a damper on people’s wallets, homeowners were looking for something that could save them some money. Homeowners turned to solar to save on heating and cooling costs, and to push back against continued rate hikes from power companies across the US.
According to SEIA, solar installations in the US in 2019 shot up 43%, with19.2 gigawatts of power generation created. Just in the 4th quarter of 2020, the US added 8 gigawatts of solar energy to the grid!
Given that a single gigawatt (GW) is enough to power about 190,000 households, that’s a lot of homes with clean energy.
2. Airplanes can be powered by solar energy
Most of us are aware that solar energy can power things like cars, trains, and even the space station! But did you know that planes can also use sunlight to fly?
Pilots Bertrand Piccard & Andre Borschberg piloted the solar powered plane, flying 26,000 miles at an average speed of 45 mph.
How? The pilots were flying the Solar Impulse 2: a solar-powered aircraft equipped with more than 17,000 solar cells. The plane weighs about 2.4 tons and has a wingspan of 235 ft.
Who knows, maybe one day soon you’ll be flying in a solar powered plane!
3. The solar industry is a major job source for the United States
Did you know that in 2021 the US solar industry jobs rose 9% in 2021?!
The growth was seen primarily in companies that handle installations, with job growth of 255,000. In general, over the last 10 years solar has seen a huge increase, doubling in size since 2011.
That makes the solar industry one of the fastest growing job markets in the US!
4. Putting solar on your home increases its value
Solar is becoming a hot commodity that’s attractive to homeowners.
When you put solar on your home it actually can increase your property value by almost 10%.
Additionally, one study found that listings which highlight eco-friendly features sell up to 10 days sooner, and homes with solar are selling for 1.4% more than those without.
5. You can use solar to charge an electric vehicle (EV)
Looking to invest in an electric vehicle? When you go solar, you’re getting more out of your investment in an electric car.
Rather than seeing your power bill skyrocket with each charge of your car, or having to make awkward stops at charging stations in town daily or weekly, you can charge your car at home.
Solar energy systems can be designed to include enough energy generation to cover your home’s energy usage, and even the addition of a dedicated home charging station.
Enticed By Solar? Purelight is Here to Help!
If you’re looking for a way to save more money, take control of your wallet, and reduce your carbon footprint, solar is a great option!
Work with your local solar experts, and make your switch to solar seamless and affordable..
Take a 60 second survey today to find out if your roof qualifies for Purelight’s $0 down program.
