The Use of Solar Energy

Solar energy is clean, cost-effective, and renewable, which helps reduce the use of fossil fuels. Even though solar energy has great potential, it is used much more in some states than in others because of variations in weather, infrastructure, and rules. It is interesting that Vermont, which gets relatively little sun, has installed more solar panels than sunnier states like Florida. This paper explores how state laws in Vermont and Florida support or limit solar energy use and how this will affect renewable energy in the U.S: The Use of Solar Energy.

Vermont, despite being known for being cloudy and cold, has managed to make significant progress in encouraging solar energy through helpful policies and incentives. In Vermont, homeowners who make excess energy through solar can receive a retail credit through net metering and get some money back on their power expenses (Keady et al., 2021). Vermont offers tax breaks and property tax abatements on sales and property for purchasing solar installations, making solar energy more financially accessible.

The state has passed a Renewable Energy Standard requiring utilities to get their electricity entirely from renewable sources. A problem is that the permitting process for bigger residential solar setups needs to change because electrification increases the need for electricity.

Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State” because it receives so much sun, has been slower to use solar energy, which is available in high amounts. While the state ranks third nationally in total solar capacity, its utility-scale system makes it hard for many residents to adopt solar energy. Florida has no Renewable Portfolio Standard and prohibits power purchase agreements that have supported solar energy in other states (Grataloup et al., 2024).

Lately, legislators have ended the metering incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These policy decisions have contributed to the state’s continued reliance on fossil fuels. Although some places, such as Babcock Ranch, use solar wells, many communities cannot shift to solar due to regulations.

How Vermont and Florida have approached renewable energy shows that state regulations matter. Because Vermont provides financial help and sets high solar targets, the environment is suitable for developing solar energy (Tabassum et al., 2021). Meanwhile, restrictions and fewer incentives on solar in Florida have slowed interest in solar energy despite the area’s plentiful sunshine.

The difference between these situations shows that valuable regulations are needed to foster clean, renewable energy. While the U.S. works to reduce climate change and create energy sustainability, state-level choices will help determine the nation’s future in renewable energy.

References

Grataloup, A., Jonas, S., & Meyer, A. (2024). A review of federated learning in renewable energy applications: Potential, challenges, and future directions. Energy and AI, 17, 100375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2024.100375

Keady, W., Panikkar, B., Nelson, I. L., & Zia, A. (2021). Energy justice gaps in renewable energy transition policy initiatives in Vermont. Energy Policy, 159, 112608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112608

Tabassum, S., Rahman, T., Islam, A. U., Rahman, S., Dipta, D. R., Roy, S., Mohammad, N., Nawar, N., & Hossain, E. (2021). Solar energy in the United States: Development, challenges and future Prospects. Energies, 14(23), 8142. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14238142

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The use of solar energy, a clean, renewable, and free energy source, is not widely used in areas where it would be ideal. For example, Vermont’s climate is cloudy and not particularly warm, whereas Florida has the nickname the Sunshine State.

Research solar energy use in Vermont and Florida, or in other states in the U.S., and comment on the policy issues that are either promoting or discouraging the use of clean, renewable energy.

The Use of Solar Energy