Over the last several years, there’s been a lot of talk in tech circles about “disruptive technology,” innovations that change the way entire industries work for consumers. From the sharing economy to online marketplaces to new superfood supplements, scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs have found new and exciting ways to shift whole systems towards sustainable, low-cost solutions. That brings me to one of the original disruptive technologies, one with the potential to create revolutionary change with massive economic and environmental benefits: solar power.

A Future Powered by Solar Energy

Jeremy Rifkin, acclaimed author of best-selling books such as The Third Industrial Revolution and a visionary thinker, recently predicted that “Everyone around the world, in the next 25 years — from small villages to neighbourhoods — will be producing their own solar.” Rifkin’s vision for the future is one I share, which is why Solar Design Studio is dedicated to solving complex problems for today’s solar adopters and helping them achieve the greatest value for their investment. Each residential or commercial project we tackle brings us one step closer to a disrupted future in which clean energy alternatives have replaced our destructive dependence on fossil fuels.

However, Rifkin’s vision isn’t just powered by a concern for the environment. Consumers who switch to solar energy do so because they want sustainable sources of power and because solar power makes practical, economic sense. In areas where utility costs are high, solar energy disrupts consumer dependence on utility companies, allowing them to “cut the cord” and produce and use their own energy. Solar offers these consumers a true choice about where they get their power, and new technology is making it easier than ever before to produce and store solar energy. So, how can you become a part of a solar-powered future?

Solar-Plus-Storage: A Disruptive Combination

For those looking to benefit from solar energy in their home, business, or other property, the greatest value results from producing and storing your own energy for immediate or future use. The solar-plus-storage model means that instead of exporting excess power or selling it back to the utility companies, consumers can store the excess energy they produce for use at a later time. Often, storing solar power results in consumer’s ability to cut the cord from utility companies entirely.

A recent article published by GreenTechMedia examines the increasing value of the solar-plus-storage model. They find that, driven by higher utility prices and declining solar costs, advancements in solar energy storage “make grid-connected solar-plus-battery systems economically optimal for customers in many parts of the country.” Solar storage systems provide additional benefits as well, including “backup power for critical loads in the event of a grid outage and cost savings via peak-demand shaving and time-of-use shifting.”

The best news for consumers is that technological innovation has made these systems both more affordable than ever and a great investment towards future savings.

The Declining Costs of Solar-Plus-Storage

Many of the prospective clients I speak to are passionate about achieving energy independence and lessening their environmental impact, but concerned about the cost of solar adoption. Luckily for them, disruptive technologies such as solar energy thrive because continual innovation addresses issues with cost and investment. In a recent article published by Solar Builder, Chris Crowell breaks down the costs associated with installing a solar-plus-storage system in order to “document progress in cost reductions for the emerging PV-plus-storage market.”

While the costs of solar-plus-storage systems are understandably higher than grid-connected PV solar panels (due to additional technology and installation costs), consumers who include storage in their initial investment are likely to see lower costs over the long term. Consider this: when you invest in a solar-plus-storage system, you are pre-paying at today’s rates for energy that will last for approximately 25 years! There are several financing and incentive options currently available that benefit home or commercial building owners, including Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Through early investment, first-wave adopters of the solar-plus-storage model ensure future savings as well as long-standing energy independence.

Disrupting the Status Quo, One Project at a Time

At Solar Design Studio, we apply our expertise in solar design, engineering, and consulting to help our clients make the most of their investment in solar energy. We’re committed to exploring ways to shorten payback periods and achieve the greatest ROI for each project we undertake. Our experience solving a variety of complex problems allows us to determine the best fit and approach for residential or commercial projects, putting energy independence within your reach.

If you’re ready to embrace the disruptive power of solar energy in your home or business, contact us today for a free consultation and quote based on the size and scope of your solar project. Together, we can achieve your goals and maximize the benefits of your investment.

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