The Electrification Movement Is the Most Exciting Transformation of Our Time
With the advancement of technology and a growth in eco-awareness, people are moving away from technologies that use coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels and towards technologies that use electricity as a source of energy.
Not only is this new tech reducing our dependency on non-renewable energies, but it is often more efficient, lower cost, and cleaner than traditional energy sources.
Some call it “going electric,” but the electrification movement is one of the most exciting transformations in modern history. As one of the leaders of the electrification movement in the Santa Clara Valley, the team at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric put together a short guide about this tremendous transformation.
Read on to review the highlights of electrification and how you can join the movement.
What Is Electrification?
A simple electrification definition is to describe it as replacing technology that runs on fossil fuels with tech that is powered by electricity. As the overall electric grid becomes cleaner, the technology and appliances we use in our homes and offices will also become cleaner. Electrification ultimately looks to move power to more renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
While the idea of electrification may seem like something that will happen in the future, this movement is already underway. Just look around at the multitudes of electric vehicles, at-home charging stations, smart electrical panels, and solar power panels that are already in use. The electrification movement is not just here; it is gaining momentum.
Why Is Electrification Important?
Electrification is such a hot topic these days because of its potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. On the environmental front, reducing carbon emissions from the transportation, building, and industrial sectors will help combat climate change.
According to studies, 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from residential energy use, 29% come from the transportation sector, and 30% from the industrial sector. Focusing on these three areas can make a significant impact on carbon emissions throughout the country.
Electrification is not just about protecting the environment; it also stands to create jobs across the U.S. The Transition to All-Electric Buildings program in California, for example, is expected to create over 100,000 full-time jobs. Most experts agree that the electrification movement could soon lead to 25 million jobs..
Home and business owners will also enjoy cost savings due to reduce energy usage by electric technologies. All electric homes and buildings are less expensive to build and maintain than those that rely on non-renewable fossil fuels.
What Does Electrification Look Like in the Real World?
It is easy to think about the electrification movement as an abstract concept. While this transformation has conceptual elements, it also has practical components in use today. As electric and smart technologies gain more ground in the mainstream market, home and business owners are finding ways to join the movement and reap the benefits sooner rather than later.
Solar Integration
For the last 15 years, rooftop solar panels have been the most popular and powerful point for going electric. Previous solar power systems would send unused energy back to the power grid, and homeowners could essentially sell this excess back to the power company and earn a small profit.
Modern solar systems can meet home energy needs and charge home energy storage systems. These solar energy storage batteries keep the lights on even when the sun is not shining and further reduce the homeowner’s carbon footprint.
Energy Storage Systems
Even homes that do not use solar power are equipped with an energy storage system to store power and supply it on demand. These are popular in areas with variable electricity and higher power costs during certain times of the day. Batteries are charged during off-peak hours and then supply power during the more expensive peak times.
Whole-house battery backup systems are also popular in areas with frequent power outages due to weather or an older power grid.
Electric Vehicles
The sale of electric vehicles is growing at an exponential rate. In 2021, for example, sales doubled that of the previous year and set a new record (6.6 million units sold worldwide). Ten years ago, only 120,000 EVs were sold. Auto manufacturers continue to invest money into research and development of new EV technologies.
As drivers transition away from gas-powered vehicles, electricians are called for at-home electric vehicle charger installation. Level 2 home charging stations allow drivers to keep their cars charged at a lower cost and with more convenience than public charging stations.
Microgrids
When home or business owners use a renewable power source and an electrical storage system, they can create microgrids. Microgrids allow properties to operate independently from the primary power grid for extended periods of time.
Home Automation
More than half of Americans currently use some kind of smart home technology. While most people think of home automation as simply being able to control various devices from their smartphones, it has evolved into much more.
The adoption of a smart electrical panel, for example, provides greater flexibility and control of your power usage. You can create schedules and prioritize specific electrical circuits in your home, switch between power sources (solar, backup battery, the primary grid, etc.), and ultimately reduce overall power costs.
Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric: Your Guide to Electrification
Whether you are looking to take a step into the electrification movement or need help maintaining/repairing your existing electrical equipment, let Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric be your guide. We are here to serve, from installing your Level 2 EV car charger to setting up a new smart panel in your home or office.
Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric has been at the forefront of the electrification movement in Gilroy, CA, and the Santa Clara Valley for years. We have the skill and experience to help you reduce your carbon footprint, lower your power costs, and enjoy the convenience of modern electrical technologies.
Do you have questions about how your home or business could benefit from joining the electrification movement? Give us a call today for your free consultation and conversation.