Residential Solar Panels: Why not?

In today’s world, we are constantly connected to the grid using energy. From watching Netflix to your bedside lamp, our lives depend on a constant use of energy. When my father came to America from Eritrea, 30 years ago, he was amazed by the amount of energy used and wasted in our culture. As time passed, the reliance on energy became normal to him, but he still searched for ways to change how he used power. Last year, I told my dad about the idea of using residential solar panels as a way of doing our part to transition to renewable energy. I expected him to be shocked or a little resilient due to the cost, but instead he said “it makes sense” and within two months we had photovoltaic solar panels on our roof. For many people, renewable energy sources such as hydropower and solar sound like a futuristic endeavor, but these are modern solutions to an issue that needs to be solved now! By 2050, the world’s population is projected to be over 9 billion people. Although little of the population growth will happen in the U.S., Americans certainly are not helping the problem. We make up 5% of the world’s population, yet consume about 20% of its energy. At our current population growth, those consumption numbers simply are not sustainable! If we do not plan on cutting our reliance on electricity, we can at least retrieve it from the most naturally energy plentiful object in our solar system, the sun. Power plants are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2014, about 67% of electricity generation was rom coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Morally, we cannot keep allowing ourselves to live in such an unsustainable lifestyle. Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions may not affect our daily lives often, but it can cause disasters for people relying on agriculture as their only source of income. When infrequent weather patterns do not allow a farmer to farm consistently, they lose their job and food supply at once. Their reliance on agriculture makes climate change an issue that they cannot ignore. Luckily, the problem of energy consumption is solvable, the solution is available, and you can help! The effectiveness of photovoltaic solar panels has increased sustainably in the last decade while their prices have dropped. By planting solar panels on your roof, you cut down on energy taken from power plants. Even if you do not care about the environment, you will save money through your energy bills. Summertime is the peak of energy consumption due to air conditioning, which is conveniently when there is the most energy to be gained through your solar panels. Most states, including Maryland, also incentivize residential solar panel by paying up to 50% of the installation price. Solar panels can last up to 25 years or longer, saving you thousands of dollars. The question is not why should you install solar panels on your house, it is why should you not?