Located in the heart of America, the city of Omaha is rich in history and has a lot going on. While the city is most popularly known for its barbeques and corn cakes, it also has a vibrant community of young people who care about the environment and sustainability. These people are the driving force behind many of the green measures that have been taken so far in the city, and it shows in the way that things are run. For example, most of the city’s streetlights are now solar-powered, and the public transport system is all-electric. These innovations save a lot of energy and lead to a more sustainable city.
As part of the Global Cool initiative, an international climate change initiative, Mayor Jean Stothert declared October 25th as Solar Energy Day in commemoration of the United Nations’ International Day of Climate Change. The mayor, along with staff from the city’s utilities, gathered for the event on the steps of the Old Federal Building in downtown Omaha to highlight the many sustainable options available to residents and businesses in the city.
The Mayor spoke about how Omaha is leading the way to a more sustainable future,
“Omaha has always been a city that has looked at new ideas and new ways of doing things. Whether we’re looking at our streetlights or our water supply, from the very beginning we’ve been trying to find a better way,” she said. “Many communities don’t have the luxury of time that we have in Omaha, but we also want to encourage them to look at what they can do now to make their community more sustainable and more green.”
The city is investing in sustainable solutions and looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. One way it’s trying to reduce its ecological footprint is by creating a food forest on the outskirts of town. Residents have helped plant more than 66,000 trees so far, and it’s all part of a city-wide effort to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and become more eco-friendly. The trees are meant to provide the city with green space and timber for construction.
This is one of the many projects that the Nebraskan community is participating in to help the environment. It’s also one of the reasons why residents are interested in renewable energy sources and how they can be used to generate electricity.
Solar Energy Day Celebration
On Solar Energy Day, the Old Federal Building in Omaha was the setting for a celebration to highlight the many sustainable options available to residents and businesses in the city. Local businesses like PEMCO, Good Earth Renewables, and Midwest Renewable Energy Services were in attendance, along with many others. Representatives from these companies shared information about various renewable energy projects that the city is involved in or considering getting involved in.
The organizers of this event worked hard to ensure that it was free of charge and that everyone who wanted to come had a place to sit. They succeeded, and it was a great turnout. Everyone who came was interested in finding out more about solar energy and how they can be involved in generating their own electricity through this available and abundant source.
A Guide to Going Solar
If you’re interested in exploring a sustainable option for your home or business, here’s a quick overview of how and where you can go solar.
The Benefits Of Owning Solar Panels
One of the main reasons why people are interested in solar energy is because of its many benefits. If you have solar panels on the roof of your home or business, you’ll have the opportunity to generate your own electricity which can be used anywhere you want. This is especially beneficial if you’re living in a region that doesn’t have a lot of sunlight hours, like Nebraska, for example.
The electricity you generate will be completely renewable and will be very stable. In the event of a power cut, your solar panels will be able to provide the necessary electricity to keep your home or business running. If you have several panels, you’ll be able to generate enough electricity to serve your needs. In sunny regions, solar energy is the ideal solution for homeowners and businesses because it allows for energy independence.
Where Can I Go Solar?
There are many places where you can go solar. You can get panels and put them on your roof or get a business to install them for you. You can get panels in many different sizes and shapes which means you can fit as many solar panels as you need onto your roof. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunshine, you’ll be able to generate a lot of electricity which you can sell back to the grid.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Solar?
The price of solar energy depends on many factors. The size of your system will determine the price you’ll have to pay. On average, homeowners and businesses in Nebraska pay around $0.26 per kwh. To put that in perspective, the national average is $0.32 per kwh. The price per kwh varies by company and can be a little higher or lower depending on the offer. The cost of installation depends on what type of roof you have. If you have a flat roof, it’ll cost you around $15,000 to $20,000, while a pitched roof or a tile roof will only cost you around $10,000 to $12,000.
Saving Money And The Environment
The costs of traditional electricity sources like coal and nuclear power plants are expensive. Not only does it cost a lot to generate electricity, but it also costs a lot to purchase it from fossil fuel based power plants. If you have solar panels, you’ll be able to generate your own electricity which will cost you less money in the long run. Also, by generating your own electricity, you’re cutting out the middle man and avoiding the high costs that come with purchasing electricity from traditional power plants. If you reduce your electricity consumption, you’re also helping to reduce the strain on the environment.
Over the past few years, the cost of solar energy has come down significantly, and it’s becoming much more affordable for homeowners and businesses. In 2020, the average price per kwh was around $0.12, and it’s expected to drop even more in the coming years. If you want to explore the many benefits of solar energy, or if you’re interested in installing panels on your roof, it’s now possible to do so without going broke.