A lot has changed in the recent years of solar energy. Science has advanced and our understanding of the changing climate has called for more serious efforts in the solar energy market. In 2015, 10% of the energy consumed by Americans was from renewable sources. By 2017 that number was 11%, which is almost nominal. However, half of that renewable energy produces electricity and accounts for 13% of U.S. electricity consumption. Now renewable energy accounts for 17% of U.S. electricity consumption.

What that data dump ultimately means is Americans are generating around the same amount of electricity from renewable energy sources, but utilizing it more efficiently to create electricity.

That being said, there are still some pros and cons you should be aware of if you're looking to start using green energy.

Pros of Using Solar Energy:

• A Sustainable Renewable Resource

  • This is the biggest pro because solar energy comes from the sun. This particular resource keeps on giving day after day.

• Generally Cheaper Than Traditional Energy

  • In general, green energy services are often cheaper than other forms of energy. Because of up and coming solar farms and community solar energy projects, solar energy is a beneficial option for both you and the environment.

• Tax Credit For Using Solar Energy

  • The federal solar tax credit was extended to 2020, giving you more savings for your solar energy.

Cons of Using Solar Energy:

• Can Be Costly To Install

  • Though the overall cost of going solar can be a lot cheaper, getting fully installed solar energy panels on your home can cost more at one time than just staying with your current energy utility.

• You May Not Catch A Lot Of Sun

  • You could try to access a community solar farm if you're lucky enough to have one near you. Most likely you will want to install solar panels on your home. If your roof is covered by trees or you just don't catch much sun where you live, you may not be able to actually get solar power.

Green energy services are working every day to make it easier to access solar energy. Recent years have seen updates to important components to solar systems, like batteries which can hold better reserve energy when it's not too cloudy. Combine that with the falling cost of solar energy overall and you have a system where the pros are starting to outweigh the cons.

Starion Energy is a licensed electricity and gas supplier in the deregulated energy market since Sept. 2009. Energy deregulation gives consumers the choice of an alternative electric supplier and determines the rates and terms at which they purchase electric generation services. Starion services markets in CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, & PA. Starion is strategically positioned for continued growth in new markets for years to come. For more information visit www.starionenergy.com.