Solar plays a real role in protecting our planet. It cuts emissions, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and gives homeowners a way to create long-term impact. At ARC, we build solar systems that make that possible every day. Earth Day is a moment to reflect, to act, and to raise awareness about the power each of us holds to make a difference.
Earth Day began in 1970 as a national environmental teach-in. It was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson after a major oil spill in Santa Barbara. That first event mobilized 20 million Americans and sparked the modern environmental movement.
One average solar panel can offset about 175 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year. A full system can reduce emissions by several tons annually.
Solar energy used to be considered a luxury. Today, it’s the cheapest source of new electricity in many regions. The cost has dropped over 80% since 2010. Programs like givepower provide electricity and other renewable solutions to underserved communities.Â
More than a billion people across over 190 countries now participate in Earth Day activities. It has become the largest civic observance in the world.
Fossil fuel power generation uses large amounts of water for cooling. Solar panels use almost none. Homes that switch to solar help save thousands of gallons of water every year in addition to it’s other benefits.
A standard 6-kilowatt solar system can offset the same amount of COâ‚‚ as planting more than 100 trees every year. The environmental value adds up fast
According to studies from Zillow and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, homes with solar panels often sell for more money and faster than those without it.
Most rooftops sit unused. Installing solar turns that space into a power source, allowing your home to generate clean energy every day.
Unlike generators or other backup sources, solar is silent. It operates without noise or pollution and works seamlessly once installed.
Distributed solar helps reduce strain on the grid. Especially during peak demand hours, solar systems can help utilities avoid brownouts and blackouts. Battery storage adds even more value by allowing homes to store excess power and use it during outages or when the grid is under stress.
The federal Investment Tax Credit currently covers 30% of system costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates or performance-based incentives that you can pair together.
Most residential panels last 25 to 30 years. Many continue producing electricity well beyond their warranty period with only a slight drop in efficiency. Solar even provides added protection to your roof during this timespan.
Wind energy is another powerful renewable source that contributes to reducing emissions on a large scale. Utility-scale wind farms generate clean electricity without burning fuel or polluting the air. In many regions wind turbines supply power to thousands of homes, helping states reach their clean energy goals faster.
The solar industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the United States, from engineering and manufacturing to system design, installation, permitting, and inspection. Because ARC is a full-service solar company, we employ all of these professionals in-house. That means every project we build creates local opportunities and keeps quality and accountability where it belongs – right here at home.
Pairing solar with battery storage can provide power even when the grid goes down. It’s an increasingly popular choice in areas affected by storms or wildfires. If you do not have batteries tied to your system you will not be able to power your home when the grid goes down.
Solar isn’t just about saving money. It’s one of the most direct ways individuals can fight climate change from their own home.
In just over 10 years, U.S. solar capacity has grown more than 30-fold. What was once niche has now become a major part of our national energy mix. This growth isn’t limited to the U.S. Countries across the world are adopting solar at a rapid pace, from large-scale utility projects to off-grid systems that bring power to remote communities. Solar has become a global movement toward cleaner, more resilient energy.
Since it’s inception in 1970, Earth Day has helped inspire the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act.Â
Many schools and colleges now use solar not just to cut costs, but to give students hands-on learning in clean energy, engineering, and environmental science.
Small steps matter. Earth Day is about raising awareness and taking action. Choosing solar is a decision that supports cleaner air, lower bills, and a healthier planet for future generations. Whether you’re cutting back on single-use plastics, planting a tree, or investing in renewable energy, every choice adds up. Earth Day reminds us that sustainability isn’t a one-time effort… it’s something we build, day by day.
In 2024, ARC installed over 2.5 megawatts (MW) of solar across homes and communities in the Midwest. That number might sound technical, but it represents real power. Not just in electricity, but in long-term impact.
1 megawatt equals 1,000 kilowatts (kW). It measures how much power a solar system can generate at its peak. So when we say 2.5 MW, we are talking about the ability to produce up to 2.5 million watts of clean electricity when the sun is shining.
That kind of energy replaces a significant amount of fossil fuel use. It helps power neighborhoods, lower emissions, and create a more sustainable grid.
So what does 2.5 MW really mean?
Power over 250 homes for an entire year
Run the St. Louis Wheel non-stop for 5+ years
Keep 100 toasted ravioli ovens running 24/7 for 10 years
Offset the emissions of nearly 1,000 gas-powered automobiles
Run 20 high school gyms across STL county for a full school year
Power Forest Park’s art museum, zoo, and science center all at once – for months
Save over 1.3 million gallons of water (when compared to fossil-fuel electricity generation)
This tool provides a general estimate based on average conditions in Missouri. It assumes your home has a south-facing roof with minimal shading (receives around 4.5 hours of peak sunlight per day) and uses Ameren’s current residential electricity rate of 13.72¢/kWh.
Your results reflect a typical setup and are meant to give you a strong starting point.
Actual savings and system design may vary based on your home’s layout and energy use.
ARC is the operating name of Advanced Renewable Concepts, LLC, a locally and minority-owned solar installation and design company serving Missouri and Illinois.
