The environment and solar

These days, the financial advantages of solar energy make it much easier to invest for the average consumer. The financial and practical benefits of installing a solar energy system are becoming more obvious as costs decrease.  Solar panels can cover as much as 100% of your electric usage depending on the amount of roof space available, solar access and other variables. For many businesses and homeowners, solar is an obvious solution to their energy needs. However, if you’re uncertain about whether to get a solar system or wondering if it’s really worth the time, effort and investment, you may want to think about the other benefits of solar energy, as well.

The financial and ecological benefits of solar

Not only is solar energy a beneficial financial decision for your home or business, but it can also contribute to the wellness of the environment and even to public health in general.  To help you better understand why solar energy is good for the environment, we’ve detailed the differences between solar and traditional energy, the shortcomings of traditional fossil fuels and why solar panels are better for the environment and your wallet.

Solar energy has many advantages over oil and coal

Studies show that 2/3 of the electricity generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels — 33 percent from coal, 33 percent from natural gas and another one percent from petroleum. When burned, these traditional energy sources can be used to generate electricity. However, they also produce a dreadful amount of greenhouse gases. These gases get released into the atmosphere, poisoning the air and trapping heat within the earth’s atmosphere. The most notable of these gases is carbon dioxide.

Solar power offers a green solution

Solar energy uses light collected from the sun to produce electricity. The process typically involves sunlight shining on a solar panel, where the photons of light are converted into electrons, creating electricity. This electricity can then be converted into a form useable within the structure, at which point it can be immediately used. This process is quick, direct and produces little or no carbon discharges. Now that solar panels are inexpensive, many home and business owners are opting to generate their own electricity. This is such an excellent investment in green energy, but it's also a wise move for the financial health of families and businesses. The pride of generating your own power is a powerful motivator, especially for those who have suffered power outages regularly. Knowing that you are independent of the electric grid is a feeling of empowerment for many people and it also feels great to be contributing to the betterment of the environment.

The many drawbacks of traditional energy sources

While traditional energy sources have served the United States well for decades, the environmental and public health problems connected with this energy source have become more conspicuous in the public eye. Many of these issues are a result of the byproducts of the fossil fuel burning process, known more generally as “greenhouse gases.” These issues have arisen across the globe, causing several countries to pursue alternative energy production methods in an effort to reduce their greenhouse gas production.

Some of the negative aspects of fossil fuel-based energy include the following: Harmful extraction process: The extraction of fossil fuels from the earth can be devastating for the local environment. Strip mining, drilling, and fracking can all have negative impacts on the surrounding environment.

How can I do my part to use cleaner energy?

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

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