US solar industry says solar has pivotal role in cutting CO2 emissions

May 28, 2014 -The US should take advantage of solar power to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the electric segment in a cost-effective, economical and effective manner, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on Tuesday.

The association explained that solar power has the potential to help the states comply with existing carbon emission rules and other requirements under the Clean Air Act due to the quickly falling prices and expanding generating capacity. Its “Cutting Carbon Emissions Under §111(d): The case for expanding solar energy in America” report comes a week before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveils new emission standards for each state on June 2.

“For many states struggling to reduce their carbon emissions, solar can be a real game changer,” said SEIA’s president and CEO Rhone Resch. According to SEIA, the generated electricity from solar parks will help save 13.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2014 alone. Currently, the 13 GW of solar plants throughout the US help offset the burning of 14.2 billion pounds of coal.

At present, the US solar industry provides jobs to 143,000 people and is responsible for 30% of the country’s installed power capacity. The country’s solar parks generate enough power to meet the demand of almost 2.5 million households.

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