We at SolarPros feel that educating yourself on the world’s energy sources, renewable energy, and the effects various energy sources have on the environment is of the upmost importance. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the best energy infographics (graphics that allow you to digest a large amount of information in a quick way) so you can better understand what solar is all about. Ingest the information, enjoy, comment, and share away!

Infographic #1: Feeling the Heat

How much energy is consumed in the world each day, month, and year? And, what are the environmental effects of these energy sources? Get a grasp of carbon’s footprint below:

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Infographic #2: Solar Panels vs. Gasoline

Ever wonder how solar energy and natural gas stack up to one another? Compare the two energy sources by cost per watt and cost per gallon through the years…

Infographic by Sunrun – home solar, simplified

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Infographic #3: The Graph: Future of Solar Power

Created by the German Advisory Council on Global Change, this infographic depicts the future of solar energy – from 2000 through 2100. You’ll notice that at the far left is our current state of energy use, then as the graph goes on the sources change dramatically, as in 2040 a dramatic inversion occurs. The German government predicts by 2060, solar power will be the largest energy share.

1) Every hour the sun beams onto Earth more than enough energy to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year. (National Geographic)

2) Despite the drawbacks, solar energy use has surged at about 20 percent a year over the past 15 years, thanks to rapidly falling prices and gains in efficiency. (National Geographic)

3) With tax incentives, your solar power investment can often pay for itself in five to ten years.

4) The average price of a solar panel has declined by 51 percent in the last year. (Solar Energy Industries Association)

5) Solar energy can not only be used to heat your home, but also to heat swimming pools and power outdoor lighting and RVs. (About.com)

6) If every house in the United States had solar energy, the national savings would reach $147 billion annually.

7) The National Renewable Energy Lab reported in 2010 that homes with solar energy sold, on average, 20 percent faster than non-solar homes.

8) According to Rochester Solar Technologies, one 10 kWh solar system can prevent 4,237 lbs. of sulfur dioxide and 1,364 lbs. of nitrogen oxides entering the air over the system’s lifetime.

9) The lifetime of solar panels (photovoltaic panels) on average ranges between 20-25 years – different solar panel companies may give different guaranties for the performance and operation of their solar panels. (Renewable Energy Power)

10) The annual energy bill for a typical single family American home is $1,255, resulting in $144 billion spent per year for 115 million U.S. households. The amount of money you save by going solar depends on many different factors. Energy prices fluctuate by state. The national average per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is $0.117. (One Block Off the Grid)

• A California jail was recently awarded a $3.5 million contract for solar panel installation project that officials estimate will cut electrical bills by more than 40 percent, or $460,000. (More at Ventura County Star)
• The ongoing battle between Georgia Power and solar energy startup Georgia Solar Utilities was a hot topic during the Savannah International Clean Energy Conference this past week. Georgia Power recently proposed to acquire 210 megawatts of additional solar capacity over a three-year period, which would give the utility 271 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to power 117,000 homes. (Read more at Equities.com)
• In the advent of Hurricane Sandy, portable solar generator businessman Chris Mejia donated three 10 kW units to the area, driving the trailers to where they are needed. (Read more at Forbes.com)
• Canadian Solar Inc., one of the world’s largest solar companies, recently announced it has been ranked on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. (Read more at HeraldOnline.com)
• Last week, the International Trade Commission finalized tariffs that will be 23.75 percent for Trina Solar, 35.97 percent for Suntech Power, and 30.66 percent for remaining manufacturers. This was the first shot at China for subsidizing its solar industry, but industry analysts predict the magnitude of subsidized solar in China to only increase. (Via The Motley Fool) (More on how solar is outpacing other areas of the worldwide economy.)

• Wired.com recently captured an aerial view of the soon-to-be largest solar thermal power plant in the world. Located inSouthern California’s Mojave Desert, the plant plans to make enough electricity to run 140,000 homes all by focusing the sun’s energy to create steam. Here’s a recent image of this Google-funded solar project. (Read more at Wired.com)

“The solar industry has grown at significantly higher rates than most other industries in the past several years, making it one of the foremost creators of new jobs in the United States,” said Andrea Luecke, The Solar Foundation Executive Director. “These new solar industry jobs are sustainable, cannot be outsourced and play a critical role in our country’s economic recovery.”

Falling solar equipment prices is cited as the primary driver of jobs growth in this solar energy field. Solar panel prices have dropped 29 percent from October 2011 to October 2012.

With the staggering drop in price for solar panels and equipment and the robust (and growing) workforce, does that mean that solar energy is anticipated to become a leading source of energy for American citizens? With these internal and external economic factors on solar’s side, the answer is clearly: YES. In fact, U.S. developers will install around 3,300 megawatts of solar panels this year, nearly double the amount installed in 2011, according to a study released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research.

Higher production rates, more panel installation, and a growing workforce…. The future of solar is looking brighter than ever.

President Obama has supported solar and wind energy, but has resisted drilling on our own soil. Romney believes the government should allow drilling and allow the private sector to take over most aspects of energy innovation. Romney believes competition among solar and wind companies will keep the American spirit alive and in the long run will stabilize the economy. Obama is certain that government stimulus is necessary to kick-start innovative technology in energy.

[More solar news and events...]

Energy Use

Governor Romney has vowed to commit to change the way America uses energy. He agrees that global warming is taking place, but cautiously believes that man is inherently responsible for the state of the ecosystem. On contrast, Governor Romney clearly supports the use of renewable resources to lower energy consumption and costs. Energy efficiency is a must in order to minimize the dependence on foreign resources. In fact, he has created a policy named “No Regrets” which promotes using renewable energy that can enhance energy independence.

Romney supports the use of both solar and wind, while also recognizing our nation’s need to utilize these innovative ways of energy generation. While it seems that both candidates agree on the support of alternative energy sources, this is where Romney and President Obama differ. Romney believes we should allow the private sector to move forward with innovations and implementations in energy participation. In order for America to become a leader in the way we use energy he supports a hands-off approach by the federal government. Partnerships, innovation, empowerment and reduced regulation are methods that the government can encourage, but not be in charge of.

Energy Independence

Romney has set a goal of helping America move to energy independence in the next eight years. Critics argue that much of his plan focuses mostly on fossil fuels while leaving out the wonders and use of things such as wind and solar. Romney would argue that drilling and expanding resource development is a first line of defense against foreign energy dependence. Without an immediate improvement in the economy through inexpensive energy sources, future growth will be curtailed and the possibility for renewable energy expansion threatened.

Bipartisan Commitment to Energy

No one can question President Obama’s commitment to the environment. President Obama is an advocate of creating new ways to produce and streamline energy use in America. Recently, Obama made statements indicating that dwelling in past technologies without purposeful forward thinking strategies is not in the best interest for America. In general, Obama believes that no stone should be left unturned and that all efforts should be directed towards energy independence. Critics would argue that this shotgun approach leaves too many avenues open and actually limits our ability to pursue responsible sources of energy.

President Obama believes that solar and wind power are stalwart solutions to today’s problem. His recent efforts to stimulate corporate production of these technologies backs up his intentions. His continuous call to “clean energy” maintains an idealistic overtone with a visionary’s passion. Continuous governmental involvement and a steady flow of cash are the bastions of Obama’s plan. His mantra seems to be, pay now or pay later.

But, critics argue that hiscurrent administration is putting money towards solar and wind, which is extremely expensive, while resisting other forms of energy, such as drilling for oil on our own land. President Obama appears to want the Federal government to lead how all of this plays out and keep a hands-on approach in finding solutions. This is an expensive endeavor in a weak economy.

More reading: The Political Guide | Image courtesy of Consumer Energy Report

The survey revealed the following key points:

• Nine out of 10 voters feel that the U.S. should develop and use more solar energy. Both Republicans (84 percent) and Democrats (98 percent) were in support of solar initiatives.
• 78 percent of voters say the government should provide tax credits and financial incentives to encourage the development and use of solar energy.

• The industry more than doubled the amount of solar installed in the US in Q2 of 2012 compared to 2011, and growth is expected through the Q3 and Q4 of 2012.
• The average solar energy system has dropped 50 percent since 2007 largely due to innovations in system financing and technology advancements. In fact, major brands like  on solar to keep costs low for consumers.

This survey was conducted by The Hart Research poll, included 1206 American voters, including an oversample of swing voters (resulting in 762 swing voter interviews) has a margin of error of ± 2.8%.

Home Solar Power Discounts – One Block Off the Grid

Though solar power may be increasing in popularity and people are beginning to realize the importance of sustainable living, there are still many unknowns. So, we are here today to answer a few key questions about solar energy:

What is Solar Power, and Why Should I Use It?

There are quite a few good reasons as to why you should look at this alternative power source. Sunlight is free and in abundance in most parts of the world. Although not all areas and climates are suitable for this alternative form of power (think Seattle or Portland), there are lots of places that are ideal for solar energy (Most U.S. states, Europe, Australia, and especially countries that are encircled by the equator).

As conventional fossil fuel stock is becoming more scarce, their cost is beginning to steadily incline and will only get more expensive as time goes on. By investing in solar power now,  after the initial outlay to install the system you can save money on electricity and can also in some cases, where you have a surplus of energy, sell this back to the power companies, so you can even make a profit out of it.

It is true that the initial outlay for a solar power system can be quite expensive; but you have to look at it as an investment. Over time, the system will save you money and as already mentioned, can even earn you money as well. Additionally, governments around the world offer incentives and tax rebates for solar power. These rebates though are being made smaller and smaller as time goes by so now is an opportune time to invest.

Also, the amount of money earned for selling back solar power equipment to the power companies  quite regularly. Once you get into an agreement with your power supplier on the rate you will get, this is usually locked in for a lengthy period of time, sometimes up to 20 years. This means that if they review the rates, you will earn the same amount as per your agreement for the duration of the contract, no matter how much they reduce it by. So if you get a 20 year agreement, take into account the cost of the initial outlay, minus any rebates offered by the government and also the money earned from selling power back to the supplier, ultimately you are going to be in profit over the long term.

[More on rebates and cost of solar panels.]

What About Other Alternative Power Sources?

There are other alternative power sources available, but let’s be honest, not everybody has the space to create a wind farm or the means to install hydroelectric power within their residences.

• Many view solar energy as the least invasive of the alternative power sources available as there is no need for large amounts of running water or big windmills.
• Solar power is clean and quiet and once installed, you may not even notice it is there.
• Solar installation is setting a good example for your community
• It can increase the value of your property
• Solar power you will help create and maintain green jobs
• Solar power systems have a long life span as well, so the need for replace parts every year or so doesn’t even exist

By using solar power in your residence or business, you are playing a role in creating a cleaner and healthier world for us all to live in. There is an initial outlay involved, but over time this will be recuperated and can even earn you money depending on the level you choose to install into your home. Clean, sustainable, and limitless quantities, what more could you ask for? Ask yourself, “Do I really care about the environment we live in, and the future of your family?” If you answer “yes”, then choose a solar power system for your home or workplace.

About the Author: This article was written by Misty Angel on behalf of AVIC Energy Sydney. AVIC Energy is a leading worldwide supplier of solar panels in Sydney and they rank 250th in the Global Top 500 largest corporations in 2012. Misty is a keen blogger on technology and green issues and is always looking for ways to help maintain the planet and reduce his carbon footprint.

Whether you’re interested in green living, residential solar energy, green products, Twitter supplies a great reel of information. Twitter feeds contain some of the latest and greatest news in the industry, allowing you to keep up on what’s going on.

Here is our list of the top 15 solar feeds on Twitter:

@Greenpeace – The organization is all about protecting the environment and keeping peace. They offer is a number of articles about companies and countries that have excelled at implementing solar panels and greener trends.

@TreeHugger – With 180,000 + followers, the organization is focused on green living to the extreme. They have a significant number of tweets that cover everything from solar energy to green living tips.

@REWorld - With more than 21,000 followers, the feed claims to be the number one source for renewable energy news. Their feed includes plentiful links to articles about what’s going on in the world of renewable and sustainable energy.

@350 – This is more of a global movement than a feed. It discusses the climate crisis and how renewable energy can help.

@feedthegrid – Sustainable and renewable energy news can be found on the Feed the Grid Twitter feed. They cover not only solar and wind but also tidal, biofuels, and much more.

@cleantechies – This feed covers a lot about the green world including green building, resource efficiency and even climate control.

@insideclimate – With more than 11,000 followers, Inside Climate News offers non-partistan information and news on clean energies. The organization is a non-profit organization that speaks freely about clean, carbon and nuclear energy as well as environmental science.

@energycollectiv – Energy and climate issues are discussed in detail here, including the political side of these issues.

@GreenEnergyNews – This feed is all about ground-breaking news in the green industry, including companies that are offering green and solar products for consumers.

@earthtechling – Technology at its best is seen throughout the tweets on this feed. This Portland-based website features top green technology news, information about clean energy, and the latest and greatest green gadgets on the market.

@puregreenmag - Pure Green Mag is about embracing green living with style. You’ll learn about ways to decorate your home using the greenest products on the market through their informative tweets.

@sierra_magazine – This feed provides you with lifestyle tips, environmental news and even some organic recipes to enjoy.

@votesolar – This feed by the Vote Solar Initiative is focused on mainstreaming solar energy and providing useful tips to help you get there. This feed has more than 5,000 followers – largely due to its sound advice they provide on solar technologies and sustainable living.

@naturalenergyhq – Solar and wind energy is discussed in great lengths in this Twitter feed. There are a large number of followers and many of them join the discussion and  contribute other articles pertaining to hot green topics and products.

@solarfred – This feed is run by Tor Valenza, owner of UnThink Solar, a boutique communications and marketing agency devoted exclusively to the solar industry. The feed offers not only solar facts and news, but offers tips to market a solar product or service. Tor also writes for @REWorld.