It’s easy to see just how bad the air quality is in the Los Angeles area. The brown layer of smog hanging over the basin is a constant reminder of what we are breathing in on a daily basis.

The American Lung Association (ALA) has just released its 2009 report on air quality around the nation and to no surprise Los Angeles County has been rated one of the worst. According to the ALA, 6 out of 10 people in the U.S. live in a county where they are exposed to unhealthful levels of ozone or particle pollution. Los Angeles County in particular, has received a fail grade in levels of both ozone and particle pollution. With poor air quality linked to heart and lung disease, strokes, respiratory disease and more it is more apparent than ever that something needs to be done.

The ALA does offer several suggestions on what can be done such as driving less and conserving electricity. One suggestion in particular though is especially relevant to solar in Southern California:

“Clean up dirty power plants. Coal-fired power plants are among the largest contributors to particulate pollution, ozone, mercury, and global warming. The EPA should immediately take action to reduce emissions and expand clean-up requirements for power plants nationwide. The American Lung Association has taken legal action repeatedly to fight to require power plants to clean up.”

- Executive Summary, 2009 State of the Air Report, American Lung Association

By installing a solar electrical system to provide your home or business with power you are reducing your reliance on the grid and dirty power. Solar is clean, simple, and releases you from paying rising rates as utility companies raise their prices. Over 20 years a 4kW solar electrical system can save over 200,000 lbs. of CO2 from being released into the air, all while saving you money on your electric bill.

Los Angeles area utility companies are offering solar rebates that can help you with the upfront costs on a system and the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit can help you save even more.

If you have any questions on how a solar system can benefit your home, business, and the environment in Southern California call or email Solar Electrical Systems today.