Solar energy is a great way to save money on energy bills. But, it’s also one of, if not the best ways to protect the environment. So, what exactly are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
To answer that, this blog post will explore the main eco-friendly benefits of using solar. We will also discuss how doing so can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner planet. Read on to learn more!
1. Solar energy is a renewable resource
Fossil fuels are finite, meaning that they’re a resource that gets reduced each time they’re burned for energy. And, when they run out, it’ll take millions of years to make more.
Solar, on the other hand, is an infinite and renewable source of energy because each time solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, the sun does not get weaker. So, we never have to worry about it running out.
Moreover, solar panels produce clean and emission-free electricity which is the opposite of fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases, smog, and air pollution. This brings us to the next benefit…
2. Solar energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Burning fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide.
CO2 emissions pose a big problem to the environment as it contributes to the greenhouse effect. This, in turn, raises the average temperature of the Earth’s surface.
The increasing global temperature causes the melting of glaciers and rising sea levels, resulting in calamities like cyclones, frequent floods, extreme heat, and drought.
Solar panels, on the other hand, collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. The operation of solar panels does not produce greenhouse gases or other air pollutants.
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3. Solar energy supports the development of green technology
Green technology aims to use science to mitigate or reverse the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. It is commonly associated with utilizing natural energy resources, including sunlight.
On that note, solar energy is as clean and green as it gets. This is because when the sun is harnessed for energy, again, there are no harmful substances, carbon emissions, and other pollutants produced.
4. Solar energy reduces dependence on nonrenewable energy sources
Coal and natural gas have since been our main sources of energy. However, fossil fuels are limited and eventually, the energy demand will exceed these resources’ availability.
Fortunately, with the discovery of solar energy, meeting global energy consumption while reducing energy costs and ensuring stable energy is now possible.
5. Solar energy improves air quality
Harmful gasses like methane and carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuels can greatly reduce air quality.
A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) established that globally adapting to solar energy can significantly decrease nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions, which causes health problems.
According to NREL, utilizing solar power will decrease the likelihood of serious health problems such as chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, pneumonia, asthma, allergies, and lost workdays related to health issues.
6. Solar energy helps improve long-term health for humans
Solar panel systems don’t produce any compounds that are detrimental to the environment and our health.
With more sustainable and renewable energy sources comes cleaner air, thus healthier lungs for humans.
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7. Solar energy decreases water consumption
Conventional electricity sources require water to function. Water is used to cool generators, process/ refine fuel, and transport fuel through pipes.
The process of generating electricity through photovoltaic cells doesn’t require water, diminishing water consumption.
8. Solar energy slows down climate change
The significant increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is greatly attributed to the effect of burning fossil fuels.
On contrary, generating electricity from solar panels does not produce any greenhouse gases and therefore helps to slow down climate change.
Conclusion
Solar energy is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while saving money on your electricity bill.
If you’re interested in learning more about solar panels and how they could benefit you, we have an entire article discussing that.
But, if you’re ready to take the next step, we have a network of installers ready to give you 3 FREE quotes. We’re confident that they won’t rip you off because we pre-vet them before adding them to our roster. We’re so confident, in fact, that we trust them with our own systems.
