Study finds that US has potential to power itself 100 times over with solar energy

In case anyone was still doubting the feasibility of powering the entire country with energy from renewable sources, a new study from the Environment America Research and Policy Center just came along to crush those doubts. The study found that not only could America meet all of its current energy needs easily with solar energy, but solar could even provide up to 100 times the amount of power we currently use. 

Using data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the researchers found that the country has the potential to use solar PV and concentrating solar power (CSP) installations to produce enough power to supply not only the current America, but 99 other hypothetical equal-sized Americas as well. Compared to this potential, using solar power to meet only 10 percent of the nation's needs, as recommended by environmental experts, seems almost like underachieving. However, meeting this goal seems realistic based on the strong growth of solar power in past years, and it would reduce the nation's carbon footprint by 280 million metric tons by 2030, the equivalent of taking 59 million cars off our roads.

The researchers' opinion is clear: they state in their conclusions that politicians on the state, federal and local levels "should adopt aggressive goals for solar integration and implement policies that encourage the adoption of solar power." And in case anyone were to assume that this potential is localized in a few very sunny states, the researchers also make it clear that each state has the potential to source enough energy from solar power within the state itself to meet 100 percent of its own needs.

If you're looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and take advantage of green technologies, contact Alban Inspections for an energy audit today.