Solar Energy – July 2026

SUSTAINABLE CARMEL

July Focus: Solar How does solar energy work? Solar panels. Photovoltaic (PV) cells absorb energy from sunlight, creating electrical charges that respond to the cell’s internal electrical field and cause electricity to flow.  Solar batteries. Capture excess electricity from solar panels during the day and store it for later. The sunny side of your utility bill Installing solar panels can save the average homeowner between $37,000 and $154,000 over 25 years. Owning your energy production protects you from increasing electricity rates. Solar panels combined with a solar battery system can provide power during grid blackouts and balance electricity loads. Good for your wallet, better for the planet Powering 100% of the average homeowner’s home with solar is equivalent to eliminating the emissions produced from driving 19,316 miles in a car per year.  The average U.S. household switching electricity generation from fossil fuels to solar power has the same emissions reduction effect as planting 125 trees per year.

Mark your calendars! Learn about solar technology in this sustainable living seminar. Presented in partnership with Carmel Green Initiative and Solar United Neighbors. Solar 101  Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Carmel Clay Public Library

Brought to you by theEnvironmental Stewardship Committee View the Carmel Climate Action Plan at ClimateCarmel.com