Recently on this blog, we’ve tackled some of the most common misconceptions about solar energy solutions, using data and statistics to support the fact that this alternative power option is cost-effective, good for the environment and able to successfully operate even in cloudy climates.

Another myth that has been perpetuated over the past few years is that solar energy requires a significant amount of land. Opinion pieces in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times have stated that solar power uses up numerous natural resources and is “land intensive.” A reporter from the Los Angeles Times even suggested that a future of solar energy means “sacrificing the desert to save the earth.”

Although solar photovoltaic (PV) ground installations do take up space in the desert, facts show that it is not nearly as extensive as some observers have implied. In 2011, the Energy Information Administration revealed that it would only take 4 percent of the world’s desert area to supply electricity to everyone on the planet. Additionally, according to the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the number of rooftops available to host solar panels drastically reduces the amount of land needed. In fact, the NREL states that applying solar PV to 7 percent of cities and residences in the United States could provide power to the entire country.

The best way to go about investing in solar energy solutions is to get in touch with a company like West Coast Solar whose knowledgeable staff can take you step by step through a fully integrated construction process. We have an extensive background in the roofing industry and will take care of the entire installation to guarantee that you’re getting the best quality products and services. We’re also happy to answer any additional questions you have that may help inform this important decision.