Recently, there has been a major shift in the way we look at and interact with energy. The energy industry used to be considered a “dying” industry. Experts were predicting that renewable energy sources such as solar power would replace fossil fuels. Thanks to projects like the Delaware Solar Project, that prediction no longer seems so accurate.
Why Are We Allocating More Resources To Solar Energy Now?
In 2015, global energy demand was 68.7 quads (quadrillion British thermal units), and it’s expected to reach 77.2 quads by 2025.
In 2022, global energy demand is expected to reach 81.8 quads – this is a 24% increase in just 4 years! The growth is mainly attributed to China, which has the largest population in the world and the biggest appetite for energy.
The growth in demand for energy is putting a major strain on the world’s resources. The United Nations has warned that we only have 12 years to limit global warming to an acceptable level. In order to meet that goal, we need to significantly reduce our energy consumption – and fast!
That’s the motivation behind why we’re seeing such a massive shift toward renewable energy sources such as solar power. It’s not yet clear whether we’ll be able to reach the 77.2 quadrillion British thermal unit target by 2025, but we’re doing everything possible to make sure that we reach that goal.
The Growth Of The Solar Energy Industry In Delaware
The demand for solar power is projected to increase by 29% in 2022 – that’s faster than the overall energy industry! The number of solar power projects is expected to grow from 657 MW in 2021 to 834 MW by 2022.
Experts predict that solar energy will be a $23.9 billion industry by 2025. The installation of solar panels has increased exponentially in the past few years due to the reduced costs and increased efficiency that modern-day solar panels offer. In 2021, there were just 138 MW of installed solar capacity in Delaware, and it’s expected to reach 834 MW by the end of 2022.
The solar energy industry is a big contributor to the state’s economic development. Between now and the end of 2022, it is estimated that the industry will create over 50,000 jobs in the state.
Why Are We Allocating More Wealth To Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is more profitable than fossil fuels – especially now, as solar power prices have come down significantly. Modern-day solar panels can generate electricity at a much lower cost than previous generations of solar technology. Thanks to the continuous improvements in technology, efficiency, and reduction in cost, solar power has become financially viable.
Some estimates say that solar power is now more cost-effective than traditional sources of energy – even before taking into account the cost of the equipment and installation. That’s caused a fundamental change in the way we look at energy. For the first time in human history, we have the opportunity to replace a major portion of our energy needs with an environmentally-sound and cost-effective option.
Even better, when we invest in renewable energy, we’re putting money into the state’s economy. More and more people are choosing to invest in solar power, and it’s not hard to see why. In 2022 and beyond, renewable energy sources like solar power will continue to evolve and improve, and traditional energy sources like fossil fuels will continue to decline in price as we continue to develop cleaner and more efficient ways to generate electricity.
Delaware Has A Significant Opportunity To Lead The Sunset
Delaware currently gets less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day on average. Thanks to shade screens and tree-lined streets, the state doesn’t often get blazing hot conditions. That makes it an ideal place for solar power generation.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the entire state is suitable for solar power projects. The location of the Sunset Terrace projects makes a big difference. On the land, solar power projects can be sited anywhere – even under cloud cover! Thanks to its favorable location, the Island Lake project was able to utilize the sunset to provide electricity to the Delaware Valley.
The location of the Sunset Terrace projects also makes a big difference in terms of the power generation potential that the state has. Sunset Terrace projects are situated so that they can capture the last rays of sunlight before it gets dark – increasing their generation by 7-9% compared to other siting options.
Experts believe that Delaware has the potential to generate up to 4,600 megawatts (MW) of solar power – enough to light up nearly every home in the state. If we maximize the use of solar energy in the state, we could significantly decrease our energy consumption and create thousands of jobs.
The Importance Of Sustainability In The Energy Industry
Experts in the field of sustainability say that it’s essential to consider the impact of our actions now, more than ever. The modern world depends on clean energy sources – especially now, as the world continues to heat up. However, we must be careful not to overexploit natural resources – especially as the demand for energy continues to rise.
When we look at the environmental impact of the traditional energy sources that we’ve been relying on for years, it’s clear that we need to make a significant shift toward renewable energy sources.
The production of crude oil has a significant impact on the environment. The process of drilling for oil has been shown to have a huge impact on both air quality and water quality. In some cases, it’s even been shown to contribute to climate change.
Even the manufacturing of fossil fuels has been shown to have a significant impact on the environment – particularly when it comes to the air we breathe. The process of mining and transporting the raw materials for fossil fuels is destructive to the environment. It takes a lot of energy, and it contributes to global warming. As we learned in Hurricane Katrina, when the power goes out, so does the air conditioning – and with it, the ability to resist the heat.
In order to avoid these pitfalls and to ensure a better environmental impact, experts say that we should transition to renewable energy sources as soon as possible.
Delaware’s Renewable Energy Resources
Delaware is located in the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s bordered by the Greater Philadelphia Area to the north, Maryland to the east, West Virginia to the south, and the Chesapeake Bay to the west. The state gets less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day on average – a far cry from the 36 hours of sunshine that Florida gets on average. That makes it an ideal place for solar power generation.
Experts predict that the solar energy market will explode in the next few years, and they’re right. The demand for solar power is projected to increase by 29% in 2022 – largely due to its low installation costs and high return on investment compared to traditional energy sources.
Delaware’s Geography
Delaware is considered a gateway to the east for people traveling along US Route 1 and 40. Those roads connect the Delaware Valley with Pennsylvania and New York, respectively – two of the largest states in the country. The Philadelphia Area is also home to numerous airports, making it easily accessible from around the world. The location of the Sunset Terrace projects makes a big difference. On the land, solar power projects can be sited anywhere – even under cloud cover! Thanks to its favorable location, the Island Lake project was able to utilize the sunset to provide electricity to the Delaware Valley.
The Atlantic Ocean is located off the coast of Delaware, and it’s home to numerous beaches – some of which are famous worldwide. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you could always head for the shoreline and enjoy some peace and relaxation.
Delaware’s Economy
The economy of Delaware is classified as being “strong”, and it shows in the numbers. Since 2010, the state’s jobs have increased by 15%, with over 50,000 new jobs since then. On a yearly basis, Delaware has the 4th largest economy in the country. It’s also considered one of the most business-friendly states in the country. These factors, in addition to its stunning coastline and rural areas, helped make the state a focal point for new businesses.