Household Solar Panels: Reducing carbon footprints and electricity bills in the United States

Over the last five years, the United States has experienced a tremendous increase in the usage of solar energy as an alternative renewable energy resource. In 2013, the number of solar installations increased by 42% from 2012 and comprised 29% of all new electrical installations, an increase from the 10% reported in 2012 by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The years preceding continued the trend as 2015 saw a 30% increase from 2014 and an additional $18 billion invested into solar energy technology. The future of solar energy use shows no sign of slowing in popularity as the overall attractiveness of saving money on home utility costs with consistently low fixed rates, reducing the national carbon footprint and having a renewable resource that can be produced and maintained within the United States while creating more jobs, stimulating the national economy and reducing the reliance on foreign countries for energy remains high in the American consciousness.