Description

Today, North Americans are facing some of the largest
energy price increases in history. Crude oil is selling at
record levels, and energy cost reduction has again become
a high priority for homeowners as well as commercial
building owners. The rapid expansion of solar heating
technology in Europe is quickly making its way to North
America and other areas of the world. Ecological concerns
over global warming, as well as national security issues
associated with oil importation, are also factoring into
energy supply decisions. In short, North America and other
industrialized countries are poised to enter an era where
energy conservation and use of renewable energy sources
will play a major part in their future prosperity.
Here are a few facts that help us realize the potential
impact of renewable energy, now and in the future:
• In one second the sun releases more energy than has been
used by mankind since the beginning of recorded history.
• In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is
used by the entire population in one year.
• In 2006 the renewable energy industries in the United
States generated nearly $40 billion in gross revenue,
while creating nearly 194,000 jobs. *
Source: Management Information Services, Inc. and American Solar Energy Society, 2007.
• A major international oil company predicts that renewable
iiiienergy will supply 50% of the world energy by 2040.