Excess carbon emissions are a growing threat to the environment, and many countries are seeking alternative clean sources of energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As a result, solar energy is growing in popularity due to its sustainability and positive impacts on the environment. The energy from the sun’s radiation can generate heat and electricity for powering houses.
While installing solar panel systems is expensive, the long-term benefits are significant. Homeowners using solar energy can reduce reliance on the power grid and slash their utility bills. Using solar energy to charge electric cars also lowers electricity expenses and reduces dependence on fuel-based cars. Apart from the financial benefits, solar energy provides numerous environmental benefits.
1. Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels
At the moment, fossil fuels like coal and natural gas are the primary energy sources for electricity production. Unfortunately, these are finite resources that will eventually run out due to overutilisation. Moreover, the diminishing levels of fossil fuels have catastrophic effects on societies that rely on them. Therefore, embracing solar energy to replace fossil fuels can reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The sun provides abundant energy, producing about 173,000 terawatts every second. It can generate enough energy to power electronics and heat your home. Besides, the energy is renewable, making it the perfect replacement for the dwindling resources. Apart from lighting up your home, using solar energy to charge your electric car also reduces reliance on fossil fuels to fuel cars.
2. Combats Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Despite the multiple uses of natural gas, it has a significant carbon footprint, which is the main contributor to global warming. For example, residential buildings in the UK contribute to a third of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Fortunately, you can reduce the heat trapped in the atmosphere by minimising carbon emissions.
Solar energy is the key to zero carbon emissions since it doesn’t release greenhouse gases when generating electricity, unlike other methods. Using solar panels instead of grid electricity reduces carbon dioxide emissions when producing energy for the grid. Even the least amount of solar energy can offset a large amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. For instance, one megawatt-hour of solar can offset up to one ton of greenhouse gases. Therefore, installing a solar panel system will reduce your household’s carbon footprint.
3. Mitigates Air Pollution
The process of extracting, mining and processing natural gas, coal and oil releases harmful gases to the environment. In addition, using fossil fuel to generate electricity also releases methane gas and carbon dioxide that escapes into the atmosphere, leading to air pollution. When people breathe in contaminated air, it can have devastating effects on their health and wellbeing. For instance, harmful substances and gases in the air can cause respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, allergies and headaches. In extreme cases, it can cause cancer and heart attacks.
Using the sun to produce electricity and heat minimises air contamination from fossil fuels. Besides, solar energy is clean and releases few air pollutants to the environment. Embracing solar energy for businesses and residential buildings will have a significant impact on air quality. That means many people will avoid cardiovascular and respiratory issues related to air pollution.
4. Reduces Water Wastage
While water is an abundant natural resource, the water levels have been dropping over the years. Unfortunately, the planet may run out of fresh water in the future. Traditional methods of producing electricity rely heavily on water. A lot of water is used annually to cool generators and refine fuel. Other electricity production methods like hydroelectric power and nuclear energy rely on excess water, usually found in dams. Reducing the strain on water resources can enhance environmental conservation efforts and minimise wastage.
Instead of storing water in dams to generate electricity, installing solar photovoltaic cells is a cost-effective method of conserving water. Solar panels only absorb the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Adapting solar energy production can minimise water usage during electricity production since the solar photovoltaic cells don’t use water in electricity generation.
5. Slows Down Climate Change
Toxic gases that result from generating electricity using fossil fuels contribute to air pollution, but they also lead to the greenhouse effect. When carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane escape into the atmosphere, they trap the heat that bounces off the earth’s surface, causing increased temperatures. While the greenhouse effect naturally heats the earth to conducive temperatures for human existence, the excess greenhouse gases negatively impact the planet. The rise in temperatures and change in air condition leads to climate change and volatile weather patterns.
Global warming has been a significant cause of various catastrophic events like cyclones, extreme heat, storms and floods. Slowing down the effects of greenhouse gases requires eco-friendly energy production methods like solar energy. Production of heat and electricity from the sun doesn’t emit greenhouse gases, lowering the pollutants in the atmosphere and slowing down climate change.
Conclusion
Switching from grid power to renewable energy sources plays a crucial role in saving the planet from global warming. Investing in solar panels also has a significant impact on utility bills. You will start enjoying savings immediately and get an unlimited energy supply. The reduced reliance on natural gas and coal can also lower fuel prices and preserve finite resources.
Author Bio:
John Keohane is the owner of JK Services an electrical contractor who specialises in solar energy, installing solar panels and EV chargers to many homes and businesses within his region.
Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash.
