January 28, 2016 | By RGR Marketing Blog

Solar Inspiration

Solar energy is amazing, isn’t it? Those of you in the solar installation business may be more knowledgeable than anybody about photovoltaic systems and how they work, but even you probably sometimes forget how mind-bogglingly cool solar energy is.

Solar is disruptive. It’s turning the energy industry on its nose. It has the old guard shaking in their bespoke brogues. It’s a little bit like rock and roll when it was still wholeheartedly flipping the bird at the powers that be. It’s going to shake things up in a major way, and its recent growth spurt is nothing compared to what’s to come.

It’s the perfect solution for so many of our problems, and it seems like it’s finally taking hold in the hearts and minds of people everywhere, from the West Coast to the Bible Belt.

Solar energy is basically like plucking gold out of thin air. What could be cooler than that? It’s no wonder that solar is starting to inspire creativity. Let’s take a look at some creative new solar projects, from art installations to electric gardens.

Come Together Right Now… Over Solar

Government agencies are jumping the solar bandwagon en masse. And why wouldn’t they? Going solar allows them to save revenues for other projects, build more sustainable communities, and earn points with environmentally conscious taxpayers.

Of course, President Obama’s requiring government agencies to work together to cut federal emissions by 40% over the next ten years might have something to do with it, too.

Some government agencies are now pooling their buying power to get great deals on solar infrastructure. San Francisco’s Regional Renewable Energy Procurement Project, or R-REP for short is a group of 19 government agencies that recently purchased 31 Megawatts of solar capacity for Bay Area schools libraries, fire stations, and medical facilities. New York’s Sustainable Westchester group will soon be powering 100 public buildings and parking lots with solar.

The Federal Government is getting in on the action, too. Through the FASPP, several government agencies are leveraging big buying power for cost savings on huge solar installations in the southwestern U.S.

Sonumbra

While government agencies are getting creative with their buying power, others are busily exploring solar’s capacity to inspire on a visual level. Take, for example, the solar installation known as Sonumbra. This interactive play space features solar-powered fiber-optic parasols that provide shelter during the day and beautiful light shows at night.

Solar for All

Cost has long been a barrier for many would-be solar adopters, but that’s changing. And indeed, it must if solar’s potential for climate change mitigation is to be fully realized.

President Obama is getting creative about eliminating America’s dependence on fossil fuels. He tripled the target for solar on federally funded low-income housing to 300mW by 2020.

HUD will be encouraging states to take advantage of Community Development Block Grants for solar projects. FHA borrowers will be given flexible borrowing options for going solar. In addition the DOE’s National Community Solar Partnership will work with communities, states, NGOs, and solar companies like yours to make solar energy available to those whose homes are not viable installation sites.

Silicon Forest

Silicon Forest is the nickname for the cluster of high-tech companies located in and around Portland, Oregon, but it’s also the name of a high-tech art installation by local artist Brian Borrello. Constructed of stainless steel and LED lights, his solar-powered work depicts a series of glowing trees.

Solar Assistance in Minnesota

When it comes to subsidizing energy bills for low-income families, Minnesota’s RREAL has had enough. No, they’re not talking about slashing social welfare benefits. Their Community Solar for Community Action Project aims to invest the money currently being spent of fossil-fueled energy subsidies on solar gardens, instead. For struggling families, solar is the gift that keeps on giving.

SunFlowers, an Electric Garden

Austin, Texas’ Mueller community got creative with its solar energy plant by turning it into an attraction in its own right. The solar garden actually looks like a series of giant flowers that light up at night and casts a relaxing blue light during the day. So far, the installation has saved more than 380,000 kilowatt-hours of energy.

Get Inspired!

Poets and painters have been drawing inspiration from the sun since time immemorial. Now, we’re seeing a new wave of solar-powered creativity. Whether you’re a sculptor of metal or a crafter of public policy, now’s the time to get creative with solar energy.

[Photo via: Pinterest]

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