Environmental impacts of solar power

After many years of warnings from climate scientists, mankind is beginning to wake up from their climate delusions. The latest climate projections are much more frightening than anything that came before and some scientists believe we are already past the "tipping point." Alarming effects of global warming are dominating the weather news. Heat-related fatalities are an increasingly frequent phenomenon. Europe and North America are in the midst of a long-term heat wave that is directly responsible for hundreds of deaths. Japan is setting heat records. Are there any methods for generating power that doesn't cause so much damage? When fossil fuels run out in a few decades, we better be ready. But climate researchers tell us we need to stop burning fossil fuels now before they are depleted because of the speed of the melting ice in the Arctic.

We have been dependent upon dirty energy for a long time

Modern society is extremely reliant upon electricity generated by oil and coal, which add to greenhouse gas buildup in our environment. Our homes, vehicles, and technologies need immense amounts of energy, yet fossil fuel supplies are limited. Sunshine is the alternative and clean resource that can be counted on for as long as the earth is in existence. Solar energy is pervasive throughout many parts of the United States. In a single day, the amount of sunlight shining on the United States is more than 2,500 times the entire country's daily energy usage. From an energy security and sustainability perspective, it seems sensible to utilize as much free solar energy as possible.

Clean energy will be the wave of the future

Fortunately, there are multiple technologies used to create electricity from solar. Many homes and businesses install photovoltaic panels, which absorb sunlight and use semiconductors to create electricity. Larger facilities use panels, too, but others use concentrated solar power, which applies lenses or mirrors focused on a small area, where the tremendous heat is turned into electricity. Both technologies aid the environment because they reduce the need to burn fossil fuels. That means a correlating reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gases. Because they don't have moving parts, they're quiet, too.

Solar panels are still expensive but the price is falling

Photovoltaic panels are still expensive to manufacture. However, many experts expect that hardware prices will drop by at least 50 percent in the next few years as more companies invest in this technology. Once a resident or business can afford the panels, they're installed rather easily and tied into the electrical system. One of the advantageous things about solar power is that it produces its greatest output as demand spikes. Energy usage spikes during summer months due to air conditioners -- but that same solar energy that warms the country can be captured and used to power those devices.

At this stage, though, solar power accounts for only around one percent of electricity generation. It will take years of concentrated and sustained effort by the government and by private investors to make the most of solar power's potential.

Now is the time to install a solar energy system!

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, for more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area