Screen Shot 2014-06-16 at 9.52.55 PM (1)Solar energy has been growing in popularity for years, and it’s recently been gaining momentum. Big names like Apple and Google are paying more attention to both the financial and environmental benefits of solar, and the government’s involvement in a project known as Ivanpah has led to more than $1.6 billion in loans being set aside for research and development within the realm of solar energy.

Multiple investments were pushed toward the Ivanpah project, because it incorporates solar thermal technology over a span of a 3,600 acre plant. But as an individual homeowner or business owner, solar energy shouldn’t feel like an investment. So, why do we always hear of solar energy as an investment?

A few solar panels may not seem like much, but they can do a whole lot. Not only do they save property owners money on utilities, but they help promote clean energy alternatives, which seems to be a “hot” topic these days. But no matter how or why we decide to purchase solar energy equipment, we are always surprised by the price. Some innate part of our brains screams for us to “buy cheap” rather than “buy for quality”. It’s just how our economy is set up!

However, it’s time to rethink how we feel about solar energy. The desire for affordable, effective solar energy equipment in Central Florida and beyond is so great that some of the best minds and biggest companies are coming together to build sleeker, more efficient, and less expensive solar paneling each year. In fact, these days, it shouldn’t feel like an investment to install solar equipment in your home or business because the return is so great, and the cost is lower than it’s ever been.

Let’s face it. Solar energy isn’t an investment. It’s a necessity for our environment and our wallets, so let’s treat it like one.