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WAUSAU, Wes. (WSAW) - We are in the process of an energy transition today, says the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Fossil fuels are still in use, but more and more businesses and homeowners are turning to solar power.
"More solar installations will be installed in the next two years than in the last 40 years," said Randy O'Brien, Olson Solar salesman.
In the past, solar panels were only used on remote oil fields and space satellites, but that is no longer the case.
"If you look specifically at the decline in the cost of solar power, from the time we started in 1990 to today, it's been 40 times cheaper," said Nick Hela, executive director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.
Now businesses and homeowners can afford to go solar.
"You know, five years ago, ten years ago it was a little slow, but lately it's become very popular and very busy," O'Brien said.
Many customers choose solar energy as a way to combat high energy prices and protect the environment.
"We see taking measures to protect customers as a form of insurance against higher energy prices. The higher the cost of energy, the higher the return on investment in a solar power system," Al-Hilla said.
Meanwhile, businesses and municipalities can benefit from tax incentives.
“The federal government's research and investment has helped a lot as well. And then the tax policy is helping move solar energy forward.”
The energy cost of a three bedroom home is not as astronomical as it used to be.
“On average, in a system this size, you're probably talking about 15-25 panels. A good rule of thumb is about $1,000 per panel,” O'Brien said.
Although it may seem expensive, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks.
"No commodity can match the cost of energy drops from solar and wind, and now solar and wind are the cheapest electrons on the grid," Hila said.
Customers can ask questions about the solar transition at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's 32nd Annual Energy Show in Custer, Wisconsin, June 23-25.
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