Benefits of Solar Energy to the Environment
It is no secret that solar energy is far better than traditional energy produced using fossil fuels. Solar energy is not only renewable but also clean, which reduces the carbon footprint on the environment.
The good thing is that you don’t need additional space to install solar panels to take advantage of clean energy. Instead, you can install them on the roof and start saving money on your monthly power bills.
Solar energy uses the sun's energy and creates a renewable source of electricity. Renewable energy sources are replenishable and can offer power constantly without running out.
Many people are learning about the advantages of solar energy and making the switch. If you are thinking about making the switch and want to learn more about solar energy's advantages, you are at the right place.
Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy
Have you ever wondered what the two most common reasons are for people shifting to solar power? The first is the financial benefit that comes with it.
Yes, solar panel installment costs a lot. But, once they are in place, they can offer you power for almost two decades. Within this time period, they will save enough on your power bills that it will eventually become free.
The second most common reason is the environmental benefit. Most of the electricity generated worldwide is by using fossil fuel, which is expensive and harmful to the environment.
With solar panels, individuals can conjure clean energy for their use and can power homes that hardly release any carbon dioxide.
Here are a few environmental benefits of using solar power energy.
1. Purify The Air Around You
Busing fossil fuels results in air pollution. This is the reason why the area near the power plant is considered not fit for people. The mining and burning of fossil fuel releases toxic material into the air, such as -
- Nitrogen Oxide: Nitrogen dioxide is released by burning fossil fuels. When nitrogen dioxide is in the atmosphere, it creates smog. If this smog is inhaled, it can burn the lung tissue.
- Sulfur Dioxide: Sulfur dioxide is mainly caused by burning coal. It contributes to acid and can even cause severe respiratory problems like asthma, pulmonary inflation, and nasal congestion.
Solar power is good for the earth as it can reduce the release of harmful chemicals and toxins in the atmosphere. In addition, it can reduce acid rain and prevent smog from forming in the atmosphere.
2. Lower Carbon Emission
Every year burning of fossil fuels emits almost 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Out of which 1.3 million tons alone come from the USA.
The electric power sector is one of the biggest contributors to such a high level of carbon emission.
In 2020, according to statistics, the USA alone released 1.488 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The majority of the carbon emission was done by burning coal and natural gasses.
With solar panels in place, these numbers can go down drastically. The manufacturing process of the solar panel releases 15% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and with just one initial investment, you can get free and cleaner energy for decades to come.
3. Help Solve Climate Change
We all know that burning fossil fuels is directly linked with the emission of greenhouse gasses. The excess emission of these greenhouse gasses has now become a danger to the environment. Global warming and climate changes are the two most common problems we are facing today because of these greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
A major part of repairing the atmosphere and protecting the climate is using solar power to reduce carbon footprint. Solar energy is clean and free from dangerous greenhouse gasses and holds the potential to meet the global need for electricity.
The efforts of the US to shift to greener energy have already started showing their effect. Experts claim that the US has contributed to reducing the global carbon footprint, which is equivalent to planting 2 billion trees.
4. Preserve Our Land
The global population is growing rapidly. At the same time, this increasing population is filling up our land. That being said, the less land we use for creating power plants and generating electricity, the more land we can spare for better use.
The land required to garner electricity from fossil fuels takes a large amount of productive land space. Although, yes, the power plants themselves are small, generating electricity from fossil fuel requires mining, transporting, and storing the fossil fuel. This massive operation has damaged a large portion of cropland and rangeland in the mid-western estate. You would be surprised to know that we could fit all the solar panels necessary to power America in just 0.6% of the total land available.
5. Protect Finite Resources
Earth has a limited amount of fossil fuel to offer. Once you use all the fossil fuels available to use, it will take another million years to form new resources.
You will be surprised to know that the current reserve estimates the following -
- Gas supply can last upto 2060.
- The oil supply will last till 2052.
- Coal supply will last till 2090.
And the energy that we consume today to power our house and other appliances use these fossil resources. If we can just shift our approach to solar energy, we can elongate the lifespan of these fossil fuels.
How To Switch To Solar Energy?
Hopefully, now you can see the positive impact of solar energy on the environment. Placing solar panels on your property is the right choice for you and the environment you live in. The installation process is a single, one-time investment that will make a long-lasting impact on the world around you.
If you are ready to experience the positive impact of using solar power, invest in solar panels. Yes, the initial investment might be massive. But, the savings you will get on your monthly power bills will make it free after 10 years of use.
Seek professional help with years of experience to help you transition from traditional to solar energy from start to finish.
