According to a recent article featured in Forbes, the rise of solar power is as inevitable as it is unexpected. The benefits of solar may seem obvious to those familiar with the technology, with its relatively cheap cost over time and obvious sustainability advantages, but for some reason solar power hasn’t received the same attention as other energy sources such as oil, natural gas, coal and even wind power.

When asked why solar power hasn’t received the hype of other integral fuel sources, Forbes contributor Karl Smith offers up his take.

“The reason why is simple. There is no policy issue here. With most energy products from fracking to biodiesel to wind, there is some relevant policy issue. Will carbon be taxed? Will fuel economy standards be raised or modified to include certain types of power sources? … These question are basically irrelevant to the future of solar,” writes Smith. He then added, “Saying the world will be solar powered is like saying computers may play some role in the future economy.”

For sustainability-minded businesses and consumers alike, now is the perfect time to hop on board the solar trend. Apart from rising fuel prices, the toll the oil industry is taking on the American ecosystem can no longer be ignored.  Even as the southern shored struggle to recover from the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico  three years ago, new reports of oil leaks are emerging on a fairly frequent basis, including the ExxonMobile Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill on March 29, 2013 and the Exxon Pegasus pipeline spill that occurred in Ripley County, Missouri, on May 1, 2013.

If you’re considering implementing solar power in your California home or business, contact the experts at West Coast Solar. They can provide you with a consultation and help you make the best decision based on your needs.