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How Local Governments Can Benefit from Solar Technologies
Though we are still quite a distance from widespread solar implementation, due mostly to the need for a transition into the equipment and systems that will be required, there are still many towns and cities around the country using solar power wherever possible.
Need an example? If you live in an area with a community swimming pool, particularly one that is located out of doors, it is likely that the majority of that pool's water will be heated via a solar panel or system.
It is really quite remarkable to take a look around with an eye tuned to find solar fixtures and systems at use in a town or city's facilities. Today, solar lighting fixtures tend to be the installation of choice because they are easy to install, durable, reliable and low maintenance.
Consider that a majority of towns will have at least one public building where all kinds of business occurs. It is quite likely that at least one flag pole exists at each of these locations. This means that each of these flag poles will require illumination after sunset. Not many towns want to pay for the cost of running a high energy flood or spot light, or for paying for the frequent replacement of the fluorescent bulbs. A common solution is an easily installed solar fixture that offers the same brilliant illumination as the traditional electrical fixture without the need for any additional expenses.
Solar fixtures also appear frequently in areas where town vehicles and equipment are stored and used. For example, many towns install solar motion sensor lights on the surrounding areas of their utility buildings. This deters would-be thieves or vandals and also makes it safer for any employees who must reach these areas after the sun has set.
A walk through many town parks would also reveal the presence of many types of solar flood lights. For example, one of the most popular options in solar lighting currently sold is solar lamp posts. These offer the same durable materials, finishes and appearance of traditional lamp posts, but without the need for any wiring or difficult mounting. In a single afternoon an entire park's lighting system could be easily switched over to a purely solar operation. This could save thousands in electrical services as well as bulb replacement and maintenance or repair.
It is easy to imagine the environmental impact of every town in the United States switching over to solar options just in exterior lighting alone. With over ten thousand towns and cities, that could easily translate to a huge benefit to the planet.
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