OPINION: Why isnt Washington County investing in solar industry, development and growth?

Written by Greta Hyland

“Do you see that out there? …It’s called the sun. Let’s go get us a little.”
― Nora Roberts

Where is Southern Utah on solar power – outside of incentives that no one knows about?

A few years ago, I went to Ventura, Calif., and visited the flagship store for the outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia. It was not the clothing that caught my attention, however; it was the parking lot. It was decked out with steel-girded carports that looked like structural art covered in solar panels. Not only was the design visually pleasing, it was smart. The carports collect energy while providing shade for the employees.

My mind immediately jumped to Southern Utah. I couldn’t help wondering why Washington County was not investing in solar power on a government level. Sun and the desert go together like bread and butter – why not harness some of that energy?

I started imagining all of the baking-hot parking lots and roofs of government buildings covered and kept cool under solar panels (not to mention the absence of scalding my hands on the steering wheel on hot summer days). I envisioned constant energy being fed into our infrastructure, lower energy prices, and an economic boom that would provide high-paying jobs. I also thought about the capacity to store the energy and sell it for a profit.

The federal government has given large grants to build massive solar farms out in remote deserts, but it makes no sense to build solar farms out in the middle of the desert when desert communities can do the job. The infrastructure is already there, the environment has already been impacted by development, and the energy source is abundant. Furthermore, the local population can reap the benefits that come with a new energy and job source. I think it’s time for Washington County to enact progressive, forward-thinking and smart economic decisions that benefit everyone – especially while the federal government is offering tax breaks, incentives and grants.

The amount of energy from the sun that falls on Earth’s surface is enormous. All the energy stored in Earth’s reserves of coal, oil and natural gas is matched by the energy from just 20 days of sunshine (Union of Concerned Scientists). That is huge and holds vast potential. The most exciting part is that the price of solar is starting to come down and is becoming more competitive. According to the Solar Energy Industry Organization, the price of a solar panel has declined 60 percent just since 2011, and Walmart is now producing more solar power at its stores than 38 U.S. states. And according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, current tax policies and incentives related to renewable energy play a vital role in creating new high-wage jobs, spurring economic growth, ensuring U.S. global competitiveness, lowering energy bills for consumers and businesses, and reducing pollution.

The opportunity to reap the benefits of solar is ripe. Utah is one of seven states with the best potential for solar power, having the capacity to provide almost one-third of all electricity used in the U.S. Can you imagine what that could mean for the economy here? Not only that, but if our government takes the lead and people see solar panels around town, they will, in turn, start using them.

This is not to say that the state is not trying; it is slowly building its solar capacity. According to Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky program: “The Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City made renewable energy history in May 2012 with the completion of Utah’s largest solar electric system. This 1.65-megawatt solar array features 6,006 solar photovoltaic modules and spans 3.85 acres of the convention center’s rooftop. The project is expected to generate roughly 2,300 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity in its first year, which will satisfy approximately 17 percent of the Salt Palace’s annual electricity needs. In addition, the installation is net metered through Rocky Mountain Power – meaning it is able to feed any electricity it generates back into the power grid.”

With China setting records in solar installation, installing more than any other country in 2013, the market is set to take off. Because of air pollution, China is moving away from coal and toward renewables. China now generates 100GW of solar power, which, according to Bloomberg News, is more than the UK or South Korea’s entire electric capacity. The global economy is responding.

I am often told when I bring up anything environmental, “Don’t stand in the way of progress.” I would say to those of that mindset, “Don’t get left behind.” Now is the time for Southern Utah to shine. While our infrastructure is based on fossil fuels, sticking to them is not progress but rather the status quo – or, even worse, regression. Not only that, it is lost potential not to seize this opportunity that is available for the taking.

We saw our first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building at Dixie State University when they completed the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons Building. It is a local example of sustainable design and energy use. It would be great if the university would continue to lead by working with the city and county to encourage growth and jobs in a sustainable industry by promoting energy-efficient decisions on campus that showcase strategic economic growth for the community, including progress in solar. Who knows? Perhaps if we learn a lesson from China, not only will we build a robust economic market locally that keeps our pristine environment clean and desirable, but we may help to clean up the environment and improve health and wellness across the state, too.