In a recent article in Scientific American, the author asks “Are We Entering the Photovoltaic Energy Era?”. The answer is hopeful, according to reports from the International Energy Agency. The International Energy Agency is an intergovernmental organization based in Europe that was established after the 1973 oil crises. Despite its original focus being to respond to the disruptions in the supply of oil, it now has the mandate to focus on the “3E’s” of energy policy which are energy security, economic developments, and environmental protections. It has been promoting renewable energy as of late.

This year may be the start of a solar movement more widespread than any other. Solar has been gaining ground as the technology improved and the need for it increased in the past few decades but this growth was unprecedented. The reasons may come as a surprise. Countries that have found themselves in dire need of power and solar power was their only choice, as well as the countries who decided to step up and go for solar as a whole are the driving force in the reduction of solar panel pricing. Where there is demand, often manufacturers step up with supply, and this is where China comes in according to the International Energy Agency. China has led the world in making cost effective solar panels for the past three years to meet the increased demand at lower costs than their competitors.  In the past, in the U.S., the main consumer of solar panels were homeowners, now the main consumers are actually the electric utilities. People are still choosing to “go solar” on the home front, but the big business are now catching on to the money and earth saving trend.

Solar upgrades are more than an investment in the environment, they are good for the finances. It is more cost effective than ever to have them installed and once they are running, the monthly energy savings cannot be denied. For any energy wise consumer who is ready to upgrade the price is right, right now to find a reputable solar company in Firestone start enjoying cleaner cheaper energy.