Solar Power vs. Coal Power

Solar power is gaining ground all over the country. Between 2012 and 2013, the total megawatt hours of electricity derived from the photovoltaic cell (PV cells) in the U.S. doubled from 3.5 million to 8.3 million. Ten years ago, we produce a measly 6,000 MWh. Solar power is definitely booming. What does that mean for coal power? Not much. In fact, even though the government has recently reduced the subsidies it releases to coal, the coal industry doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. It’s going to take some time for the renewable energy revolution to gain enough speed to push coal off its high horse. The Price Breakdown Solar power in Texas, as in most states, is on the rise. Solar cost per kilowatt hour is reducing rapidly as demand has increased and the industry has streamlined its production and installation costs. Solar panels are no longer a status symbol, and more and more are turning to solar power in Texas as not only an environmental but a cost-effective solution to residential energy. Coal, on the other hand, while not rapidly growing, has a strong enough foothold in the nation to keep it fueled for years to come. It comes third in the line of energy consumption choices for Americans after oil and natural gas—in 2014, oil stood at 36 quadrillions Btu consumed, natural gas at 26, and coal at 19. Solar? It rang in at under 1 quadrillion, below both hydropower and wind. Yet even at this level—coal consumption soaring nearly 20 times more than solar energy—solar power in Texas and elsewhere is gaining ground: the price per kWh for coal is 12 cents, and the price for solar 13 is cents. And that’s good news. Effect on the Environment It’s good news because, pretty obviously, solar power is better for the environment. Solar power in Texas is harnessed through PV cells to fuel homes and power grids. It’s a clean energy source that requires no combustion, has a permanent fuel source, and its production produces no noise pollution. You can often receive grants from the government for installing solar panels on your home, excess energy being used to fuel other sources. Coal has its pros too, although none of them have to do with helping the environment. There is a somewhat abundant supply in areas like North America, China, and Russia (if you have the resources to cut it out of the earth). Emissions can actually be cleaned with scrubbers, and it has a low investment price. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good solution. Coal is a nonrenewable source, its ash is hazardous and no one knows where to put it, and it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in a major way. Which would you use? For those interested in solar power in Texas, the message is clear: even though solar energy isn’t as popular as coal, its recent price reduction and virtually zero-emissions technology makes the choice a no-brainer. If you had to choose between two fuel sources that had a one cent per KWH price difference, would you choose the one that is destroying the planet? Likely not. Meet with us about solar power in Texas and we will make sure you reap the benefits of installing solar panels on your roof—all of them. Contact us today. It’s up to all of us to kick coal to the wayside: (O) 1(855) 60-1SOLAR (601-7652) (F) 1(855) 687-7443