The solution to the world’s pollution

Global pollution has reached a truly dangerous state and the alarming consequences of climate change are motivating the increased momentum toward renewable energy sources. Switching to solar power on a large scale would have a profound positive environmental impact.  Solar development isn’t just good for the natural environment, but the social environment as well.  Installing even one solar power system can make a measurable improvement in every aspect of our environment.

Benefits to health and the environment

A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that adopting solar energy on a large scale would massively reduce emissions of nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide. Exposure to these two toxic substances is extremely hazardous to human health, and in many cases, can be deadly. The list of human and animal health problems associated with prolonged exposure is truly sobering. Associated diseases include everything from chronic bronchitis to permanent lung damage, from infertility to genetic mutations. In short, the NREL discovered that the use of solar power would result in fewer cases of pollution-related illnesses, as well as cut the cases of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.  Moreover, that reduction in illness would translate into fewer lost workdays and lower healthcare costs.  What the scientific report did not mention was that often the working poor is disproportionately exposed to these toxic elements. Their homes are located closest to the oil refineries and manufacturing plants that produce them, and the poor often lack the resources to move.

Benefits to the financial environment

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2016, the average American home consumed 10,766-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.  Louisiana residents ranked highest in consumption, at 14,881 kWh, while Hawaii had the best mark, with only 6,061 per household.  The prices of energy also vary, by region, with New England paying the highest prices for natural gas and electricity as well as having the biggest percentage increase.
Water prices are also increasing steadily.  As global warming reduces the supply of water, those price increases will rise even more.  Solar electricity uses up to 89% less water than coal-powered electricity, which helps water prices remain more stable. Widespread adoption of solar energy would also help eliminate price disparities.

Benefits to the natural environment

Solar energy causes up to 97% less acid rain than coal and oil, and up to 98% less marine eutrophication, which depletes the water of oxygen. In addition, solar electricity also uses 80% less land. Of course, all forms of energy production have some impact on the natural environment. However, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the impact of solar power is minimal compared to that of fossil fuel energy. 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.