The war in Ukraine and the resulting consequences for the global economy demonstrate the importance of being energy independent.
No matter where you live, and regardless of your view of the situation, the economic ripple effects will impact your well-being one way or another. Naturally, people are asking themselves what they can do in this situation. Whether it is to help Ukrainian citizens, add pressure on the aggressors, or otherwise improve their own security. Luckily, there is one thing we can all do right now that will have a positive effect on all of the above: Get solar panels!
In this article, I will show how easily you can find the best provider near you, and why doing so can have a positive impact on your own financials.
War’s effect on energy prices
Ever since the conflict strarted to loom, the spot price of oil and gas have been climbing steadily. This morning, the price for oil was up about 70% in the last three months, seeing its highest level in almost a decade. The prices of natural Gas have also reached new record highs.
Should Russia decide to cut off its supply to the rest of Europe, or Europe decide to boycott purchasing Russian oil, the consequences could be even more severe. Even if the war were to suddenly end, which doesn’t seem likely at this point, the tension that will follow is almost certain to continue driving up the prices for both oil and gas as well as electricity. In addition, European citizens would be exposed to increasing risk of sudden shortages.
Are you prepared for electricity and gas prices twice as high as they are today? Would you be able to get comfortably through winter without natural gas? Or would you like to be secured against such risks, while also most likely saving a lot of money? In that case, you should definitely check out solar.
Europe's reliance on Russian oil and gas
Forgetting the benefits you as an individual will have from energy independence, the past weeks have demonstrated it also at a national and continental level. With Europe getting 41% of its natural gas from Russia, its heavy reliance on Russian oil and gas has been, and still is, a strong deterrent for western countries to add sanctions or avoid indirectly funding Putin's war through buying Russian oil and gas.
Regardless of the outcomes in Ukraine in the next few days or weeks, European countries will look to become less dependent on Russian oil and gas. Germany has already pushed its goal of becoming carbon neutral forward to 2035. But while national goals are great, it is what we can do as individuals that should matter most right now.
By acquiring or subscribing to solar energy, you are helping the world be less dependent on Russia, and thus help end this war.
How you can
If you, or any of your friends or family members live in Germany, Poland, France, Italy, Spain, or Sweden, then I would encourage you to visit www.otovo.com. The site is the StartUp of friends that I have in Norway, and aims to be like an Amazon or eBay for solar panel solutions. All you have to do is enter an address, and it will tell you how well your home could do with solar power and find the best supplier.
You can then geek around with how much electricity you believe you'll use in a month, or what quality of the solar panels you would like to get. You can then see how much money you're expected to save, how much CO2 you're helping reduce in terms of emissions, etc. It's really cool!
As you can tell if you give it a go, Otovo is not just a connecter between consumers looking for solar panel providers and suppliers, it is a software company that helps you predict the energy potential of your roof. That's why I think you will all have fun by checking it out, whether it be with your own home address or that of your family and friends. Let them know how much money they can save, and also why acquiring this NOW is beneficial with the situation that the world is in.
Renewables make you more free and independent
Libertarian-leaning people should be especially interested in having solar panels. Why rely on decade long supply chains and countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia and Russia to provide you something essential to your safety and well-being? Take control of your own energy production neccessary to heat your home, cook your food, and fuel your car.
Please, make sure you also share this with any friends, family members, or connections that you may have elsewhere in Europe. It is, in my opinion, the most impactful thing each of us can do today.
- Save a significant amount of money, as the price for electricity will surpass the cost of installation or subscription.
- Become secure against shortages or stopped supply.
- Reduce dependence on countries who rage wars across the world (not only Russia).
- Help combat the climate crisis.
There really are no excuses not to have solar panels if you or your family have a house. So please, even if it may feel bothersome or inconvenient, find the time to look at your opportunity to get solar panels and also share it with others.
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