How does solar help air pollution?

Climate scientists overwhelmingly agree on the fundamental causes of climate change. Most scientists conclude that solar power’s two great benefits are environmental and financial. Fossil fuel generation is causing alarming levels of pollution, especially in China and India. American cities are subject to air pollution from the burning of dangerous fossil fuels and those effects are spread to rural communities. There are two primary ways to calculate the financial viability of solar energy generation. These include the total cost over the life of the system and rate of payback for the system.  In the first case, the upfront installed cost is calculated by eliminating any incentives and tax credits.  For payback, the number of years needed to pay off the system cost from energy savings is calculated.

Benefits other than financial

Solar homes sell at double the rate as their conventional counterparts, which provides an advantage in depressed housing markets. Solar homeowners are almost always more satisfied and recommend their builder to others dramatically more often. Homeowners in communities that include solar are more satisfied with their home purchases and they are less likely to sell their home in the future. Installing solar simplifies the buyer’s decision-making process because it takes the guesswork out of their purchase. Given a choice of free electricity, most consumers are going to choose the more financially and environmentally responsible choice. Why would anyone want to burn fossil fuels that cost money and pollute the environment when they could produce their own energy for free? Homes with solar energy reduce their energy bills by 12-57% and solar systems retain their value on average 96% and adds approximately $11,000 to a home’s value.

Environmental advantages of solar power 

There are a few ways to evaluate the relationship between energy and the environment.  These include all of the results of resource development on society from the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of energy.  One worldwide consideration is the effect on climate change, which is whether the resource is carbon emitting, such as coal or oil.  “Clean” resources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Another consideration is whether the resource is a renewable or non-renewable resource (such as coal and gas). Still another element is the magnitude of the resource and the potential for damage to the environment and human health.  Because solar energy is carbon-free and renewable, it has more environmental benefits overall when compared with carbon-producing fossil fuels. Recently, decisions made by businesses are considered within the context of the environment.  All energy sources have some effect on the environment. Fossil fuels are more harmful than renewable energy including air/water pollution, damage to public health, wildlife and fish habitat, land and water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Calculating the cost of energy

For many years now, the energy industry (utilities, regulatory commission, environmental groups) have tried to calculate the cost of resource development on the environment.  Calculating this amount is known as environment adders.  By including these costs, it more accurately captures the actual cost and addresses accountability.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.