Everyone knows the financial benefits of solar energy. Solar photovoltaic cells reduce energy bills significantly. They also attract federal and state tax credits.
Another well-known benefit of solar energy is its positive impact on the environment. This renewable energy source is marketed as an environmentally friendly option, but do you really know how exactly it benefits our surroundings? Here’s how:
1. It Reduces Air Pollution
Air pollution is a serious problem around the world. The issue is especially common in major cities in developed countries like China and the US.
One of the biggest culprits behind this problem is the use of fossil fuels. These fuels break down to emit gases such as carbon dioxide, which are awful for the environment.
Additionally, the gases have been linked to increased health issues like cancer and respiratory diseases among populations living in major cities and near fossil fuel power plants.
This is one of the significant environmental issues that solar energy eliminates. The technology in solar panels does not produce any harmful gases. It harnesses energy from the sun and converts it into electricity without any dangerous byproducts. That’s why solar is categorized as clean energy.
2. It Reduces Water Consumption
Water is a finite resource that must be conserved. Sadly, fossil fuels require the use of this resource to produce electricity.
Millions of gallons of water are used every day to cool generators and pipes. Processing, refining, and transporting fossil fuels also requires the use of water. These processes strain our water reserves significantly increasing the risk of running out of the resource.
Solar panels don’t use any water to generate electricity. In fact, the only place where you may need water is to clean the panels themselves when they get dirty. And guess what? This is something natural rainwater can do, so you don’t even need to use your home’s water.
It’s worth pointing out that the production of solar photovoltaic cells requires some water. This is pretty much the only place where the natural resource is used in the entire process.
But even with that, the amount of water used is considerably lower than what your typical fossil fuels use.
3. It Reduces The Usage Of Fossil Fuels
Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. The power can be used to light entire homes, heat water, power air conditioners, etc.
You should also know that solar technology has improved significantly in the last decade. The panels are now more efficient than ever before. With just a few high-efficient panels, you can rely on solar energy for all your home energy needs.
Even if you cannot power your entire home with solar, the little difference you’ll make will go a long way towards reducing the burning of fossil fuels.
You may also want to consider solar shingles if you are building a home or renovating your roofing. These are slightly costly, but they are a two-in-one solution. They provide a roof whilst maximizing your space to produce enough clean energy for your needs.
Another often overlooked benefit of switching to solar is how it helps us stop relying on non-renewable energy sources that are bound to deplete.
That’s not the case with solar energy. As the folks at WindMar Group explain, this is an infinite energy source. You can always expect the sun to rise, and your panels will convert the abundant energy into electricity.
4. It Reduces Carbon Footprint
It’s easy to assume that your household can’t make any difference in reducing the global carbon footprint. That’s very wrong.
A decent solar system producing just 80% of your energy requirements will in 20 years reduce carbon emissions to the equivalent of 150,000 pounds of burned coal! So, don’t assume that your contribution is too little. It does make a difference, and if several households follow your steps, the impact will be even more dramatic.
5. It Reduces Global Warming
The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that hang around the ground. These gases trap heat around the surface, making it harder for the earth to cool off. This ultimately results in global warming.
The evidence can be seen all around the world. Ice sheets are shrinking, oceans are getting warmer, sea levels are rising, and events like extreme temperatures are too common.
Solar panels do not produce any GHGs. They are therefore very effective at reducing global warming and the effects that come with it.
Switching to solar energy is one of the necessary steps we must all take to save our environment and the planet at large. The consequences of failing to do so are honestly too severe for anyone to ignore.