About Solar Energy
Why Solar?
Solar energy is reliable, abundant, clean, and affordable. According to the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the levelized cost of solar power decreased by 71% from 2011-2021, making it cost-competitive with wind and natural gas1.
1 American Clean Power, “Clean Power Annual Market Report 2021 Executive Summary,” Clean Power, May, 2022, 2021-ACP-Annual-Report-Final_Public.pdf (cleanpower.org)
Solar Energy’s Success
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, there is enough installed solar capacity in the U.S. to power 23 million average American homes-- over 121 gigawatts (GW). In 2020, this growing industry employed more than 230,0001 Americans. Invenergy-developed projects produce 6,000+ megawatts of solar energy across 50 projects.
1 Solar Energy Industries Association, “Solar Industry Research Data,” SEIA, 2022, Solar Industry Research Data | SEIA
How Solar Works
Solar panels capture the natural power of the sun and convert it into electricity. Solar photovoltaic cells were invented in 1954 and were deployed on a small scale for homes and businesses as a solution during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Since that time panel efficiency has increased with improved technology, and costs have decreased rapidly, making solar power a viable utility-scale solution for today’s energy demand.
Invenergy is dedicated to implementing innovative solar technology at its facilities to generate efficient and reliable solar power. By deploying the most advanced solar technology, Invenergy maximizes efficiency of our projects, while promoting responsible stewardship of the land that hosts the panels.
These technologies include bifacial modules and solar tracking panels. Bifacial modules capture sunlight on both sides of the panel, taking advantage of light reflecting off the ground. Solar tracking panels adjust their tilt so that they follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing their energy production.
Low Cost Solar
Solar power saves consumers money. Adding solar energy to the generation mix reduces electricity prices, helps protect against future price shocks, and makes the energy market more competitive.
In today’s changing energy landscape, energy security is more critical than ever. This has placed an emphasis on the need for more locally produced energy resources and the lowest-cost option is renewables.
After all, there is nothing more predictable and reliable than the sun rising every day. Conveniently, this is also when our energy demands are the highest. This means that solar energy generation peaks when we need it most at a low cost, making it an important factor in our energy mix.
Environmental Benefits of Solar and Responsible Development
Solar energy is a clean technology that does not produce harmful emissions that contribute to global climate change. In 2021, national solar power avoided approximately 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions1. That’s the equivalent of 15 million cars off the road. That same year, Invenergy’s clean energy portfolio—which includes over 6,000 megawatts of solar power—offset 49.7 million tons of CO2. That’s equivalent to planting 326 million trees or removing 9.8 million cars off the road. Invenergy is dedicated to being a responsible developer by ensuring regulatory compliance and ethical practices across project development and operations. Additionally, Invenergy’s in-house Environmental Compliance and Strategy team are subject matter experts in natural resource management, federal lands, policy and permitting, and vegetation management. This team consults on every project throughout its lifespan. We also work with appropriate staff at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure regulations are followed throughout all phases of the project.
1 American Clean Power, “Clean Power Annual Market Report.”
Solar Vegetation Management
Each solar site that Invenergy develops will have a specialized vegetation management plan. Varying by geographic regions and site-specific conditions, Invenergy will implement native plants and grasses within the project area. This means that the topsoil will be protected and even improved during the project’s lifespan. This will also minimize soil erosion, sediment runoff, and the proliferation of weeds ensuring the land remains healthy.