Rising gas prices are causing a pinch at more than just the gas pump. Homeowners are also directly affected when fuel costs rise, as it becomes more expensive to heat and cool their homes. Experts expect the impact of the current upward trend in gas prices to drive solar power demand.
In the past, the solar industry has benefited from inflated gas prices. Now, with solar demand already up thanks to the cost of solar panels going down and government incentives/rebates, more homeowners have already installed solar on their rooftops. As other people look around, solar becomes the obvious answer to the issue of crushing energy costs.
There is good precedence for this prediction. In July 2008, when oil reached $147/barrel, solar power consultants received numerous calls requesting information on renewable energy. Today, its more than just a question of cost. Many Americans desire to gain control over future utility rate hikes and to cut reliance on foreign oil for safety and security concerns.
In addition to more homeowners considering solar panels for their rooftops, we expect to see more electric vehicles in garages. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, EVs and PHEVs were the hottest cars on the showroom floor. Consumers are snapping up the new electric cars as fast as automakers can create them, and some options include solar panels to power A/C.
With solar panels on residential rooftops or garages, some people will literally be driving on solar energy…. and smiling big as they drive past the gas stations demanding over $4/gallon!
Nice article, indeed it is very understandable, you made a great job regarding to the link between gas and solar power, it looks very obvious. Because of current issues in Arabic countries, gas prices will rise, again. Solar Power is therefore, a great opportunity to offset this inflation and one of the best way to generate renewable energy.
Hopefully, it’s getting more and more popular !