Are solar farms economical?

Solar energy is an economical energy source and increasingly provides the cheapest electricity available in many parts of the US and Canada. Over the last decade, costs have decreased by 76%. The costs of a solar plant’s fuel remain stable compared to fossil fuel plants, which fluctuates significantly. Furthermore, solar farms generate millions of dollars in lease payments to local farmers, ranchers and other landowners over their lifetimes, creating a new, stable income stream to ensure local farms and ranches can be passed on to the next generation even when commodity prices are unstable. Federal tax policy has helped the renewable energy industry flourish, generating new jobs and local tax revenue in rural communities across the United States.

Is solar energy efficient?

The power grid already manages energy variability, as customer demand changes throughout the day. Solar power is predictable and only marginally increases variability on the production side of the power system. In many regions, solar power output increases during the day when demand is higher, especially in the summer. Thanks to sophisticated controls and power electronics, modern solar farms can provide the same or better grid reliability services as conventional power plants. Furthermore, advances in energy storage technology are improving operators’ ability to mitigate the intermittency of renewables without burning fossil fuels.

Does solar energy receive energy incentives?

All forms of energy receive federal support. Solar’s primary incentive is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a federal tax credit that encourages business investment in solar energy and provides communities with billions of dollars in local and state taxes. While the ITC is winding down for solar, the unsubsidized cost of solar energy is now either competitive with or cheaper than virtually all other sources of electricity.

How long does it take for a solar panel to pay back its own carbon footprint?

According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, it takes between six months and two years for a solar panel to produce all the energy used during its lifecycle, depending on the location, solar irradiance and technology. Furthermore, no additional fuels are required to generate electricity once the panels are installed: that sets this type of technology apart from conventional forms of energy generation. Solar farms generate emissions-free energy, use minimal amounts of water and have a far lower carbon impact than conventional fossil fuel sources. As electrification transforms more industries, such as transportation and manufacturing, the residual carbon footprint of solar power will shrink even further. Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or longer, and many of the first solar systems installed over 40 years ago are still operating today.

Are solar panels recycled?

Enel Green Power is committed to sustainability and leads the industry in best practices for the circular economy. Solar panels, known as photovoltaic (PV) modules, can be reused in some cases, while other components can be processed or recycled responsibly. We continuously work with partners, such as Echo Environmental, who provide 100% recycling services of solar panels in conjunction with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)’s national PV recycling program. Moreover, in order to protect landowners, Enel Green Power lease agreements include decommissioning requirements that oblige us to bear the cost of restoring the project area at the end of a project’s useful life. Learn more about our commitment to landowners.

Do solar plants impact the environment?

Our team of experts carefully design projects to minimize environmental impacts. We also coordinate with regulatory bodies to secure all necessary environmental permits. We burn no fossil fuels, require no transportation for fuel, and use minimal amounts of water to produce power from our solar farms. Solar farms do not create carbon dioxide or any other emissions when they generate electricity.

How much land does a solar farm occupy?

A utility-scale solar plant requires 5 - 10 acres per MW of electricity generating capacity. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the entire US could be powered by just 0.6% of the country’s land mass.

Do solar plants impact wildlife?

Our solar farms help preserve and create a habitable environment for all animals. By avoiding toxic fossil fuel emissions, solar energy promotes clean air and water for wildlife. Solar energy has been endorsed by leading environmental and wildlife groups, and we diligently study wildlife patterns to design projects which minimize potential impacts. We work with researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to create habitats under our panels for pollinators and other insects which benefit native grasses, flowering forbs, legumes and the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, laws and regulations in the US pertaining to solar plants’ environmental standards are some of the strictest in the world. Each project undergoes rigorous federal, state and local regulatory examination for natural resources and habitat conservation.

Do solar plants impact human health?

There has never been a scientific, peer-reviewed, medical study that has linked solar farms to any adverse health effects. Rather, our transition to renewable energy will avoid additional carbon and other air pollutant emissions linked to public health concerns, as well as reduce the water usage that is often necessary to operate fossil fuel power plants; a solar plant uses 25% of the water that agriculture would require for a similar area of land. Solar farms also avoid the production and landfilling of combustion waste, which is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels.

Solar farms can integrate dual-use practices into their sustainable design which encompasses regenerative agriculture, conservation landscaping, enhanced vegetation practices, preserving ecosystems and wildlife, improving water quality and providing pollinator habitats. All of this creates shared value for the community. Dual-use solar is an innovative model connecting nature and photovoltaic design. Learn more here.

15 facts about Solar Energy in the U.S.

Facts about Solar Energy

The future is bright for solar energy in North America. The adoption of utility-scale solar is rapidly increasing as technology improves and becomes cheaper. It is estimated that solar will account for 30% of electricity generation in the US by 2030.

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Facts about Solar Energy

Facts about Solar Energy

FAQ

Are solar farms economical?

Is solar energy efficient?

Does solar energy receive energy incentives?

How long does it take for a solar panel to pay back its own carbon footprint?

Are solar panels recycled?

Do solar plants impact the environment?

How much land does a solar farm occupy?

Do solar plants impact wildlife?

Do solar plants impact human health?

Dual-use solar

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