There are a lot of reasons to go solar. The immediate energy savings. The ROI. The clean energy and lower carbon footprint. But getting rooftop solar installed on your home or business is set to become a big part of how the United States’ economy grows in the coming decades.
More “Green” Jobs
Studies at the University of Massachusetts found that solar energy strengthens our economy through jobs and other investments in clean energy research and development. Going green is an industry that is booming, and as of 2019 more than 250,000 people are working in America’s solar energy economy, with that number set to grow year over year.
Sustainable, renewable energy offers a wide range of job opportunities that contribute to economic growth. From installers and developers, to engineers and researchers, America is getting to work on helping more and more homeowners and businessowners go solar. Solar, especially here in California, has also grown exponentially, creating many local jobs and opportunities that hadn’t existed before.
Energy Independence
Solar offers the United States the opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign oil and other fossil fuels that must be imported. Our country consumes more oil than we can make, and solar energy, along with other renewables like wind energy, can help us put a big dent on the costs and environmental concerns of carting fuel here from far away.
When we depend less on fuel from overseas, the United States gains more leverage with countries that it imports energy from. Relying on foreign oil enmeshes the US in conflicts and complicated politics of other nations in the Middle East and elsewhere. With the push for more home-grown solar energy in the United States, we can focus more of our energy here where it does the most good.
Tax Incentives
As proof of just how much the solar industry is going to affect the US economy in a positive way, there are currently tax incentives like the solar investment tax credit (ITC) that offer a 26% tax credit for customers who go solar in the next two years. Because the government expects solar to become even more popular as the years go on, this program diminishes in value until it will be phased out completely. To make the most off of the current federal tax incentives, start your solar project now before the tax credit drops.
And the tax benefits aren’t just for homeowners. Business owners can affordably go solar and power their products or services with clean solar energy. This is both a smart financial and a branding opportunity, to show your customers and clients that you support greener, more sustainable business practices.
Solar has been growing in the US for years, and today it’s setting the stage to boost our nation’s economy with jobs and cleaner energy made right here at home. Making an investment in your home’s energy use, or your business’, is an investment in our future, and in the growth of our nation. Want to learn more, or get your own solar estimate today? Click here.
