Achieving Energy Independence with Solar
As recent global events have shown, the world’s energy supply chain is a complex system interwoven with social, political and economic factors.
For whatever reason, when a disruption in the supply chain of oil and natural gas occurs it can cause a ripple effect of affecting everything from domestic gas prices to cost of shipping consumer goods. This can lead to security issues and even inflation.
Currently, the United States produces roughly 18 million barrels of crude oil daily but still relies on foreign production to supply the remaining 7.9 million barrels the country needs on average, with most of that being imported from Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and until recent geopolitical events, Russia. That’s just petroleum. Fossil fuels like natural gas and coal also play a major role in America’s domestic energy production as well.
This is why, as a nation, the United States must find a way to become energy independent by creating energy sources that can be produced and sustained without any reliance on foreign suppliers. Solar energy is the best means to achieve that.
While wind turbines currently account for around 8% of the country’s utility-scale energy production, there are geographic limitations to how and where they can be deployed.
Biofuels are resource intensive and require large operations to provide on an industrial scale.
That leaves solar as the easiest and most readily available form of sustainable and renewable energy currently available.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, solar power currently accounts for 3% of the country’s electric generation. That number is expected to climb to over 20% by 2050. That is because solar is the most affordable and accessible renewable energy source available. It is estimated that over 75% of the country is geographically suited to utilize the sun as a source of power at a utility scale. Solar will become even more viable as a source of energy as more advancements are made.
IntriEnergy’s patented technology platform is one such advancement that can unlock up to 60% more of the sun’s power. The Platform comprises three uncomplicated, yet novel innovations, enabling a high-power, low-cost solar cell.
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