If I asked you where the bulk of the world’s solar panels are made, where would you guess? A lot of production used to take place in the United States, but now China has surpassed solar production over the rest of the world. Why does this matter? There are a few ways this manufacturing stronghold can influence how you integrate solar into your own life.

First and foremost, since becoming the leader in solar power production, China’s factories have been able to cut prices for solar panels by an incredible amount. Yes, some of this change did move jobs away from the US and over to China, and we don’t want to diminish that important fact. However on a larger scale, their ability to produce panels has allowed renewable energy to be affordable like it never has been before.

Here’s another aspect to consider: with a country as large as China, they have a sizable influence on the use of solar energy across the rest of the world. People in the states who are skeptical about introducing solar power into their lives just have to look across the sea to realize that it’s being adopted at a grand scale, and that must mean it’s worthwhile.

As a resident of Florida, you reap the benefit of what’s happen with the solar industry worldwide. When technology improves and produces more efficient and longer lasting panels, you get to buy them. When prices become so low that nearly every house or apartment you see will have a solar array gracing their rooftops, you’ll be in a prime position to be one of those individuals who reduces our carbon footprint and makes a positive change for our environment.