The many benefits of solar energy

Solar power is most associated with climate change and environmental responsibility. But now the financial benefits of solar power are becoming the most desirable benefit. The financial and practical benefits of installing a solar energy system are becoming more clear as costs decrease.  Solar panels can cover as much as 100% of your electric usage depending on the amount of roof space you have, solar access and other factors. For many businesses and homeowners, this is an obvious solution to their energy needs. However, if you’re on the fence about whether to get a solar system or wondering if it’s really worth the time, effort and investment, you may want to consider the other benefits of solar energy.

Not only is solar energy an especially beneficial financial decision for your home or business, but it can also contribute substantially 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 described the differences between solar and traditional energy, the drawbacks of traditional fossil fuels and why solar panels are better for the environment.

Solar energy vs. traditional energy

Estimates suggest that about 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 oil. When burned, these traditional energy sources can be used to generate electricity. However, they simultaneously produce a huge amount of greenhouse gases. These gases get released into the atmosphere, polluting the air and trapping heat within the earth’s atmosphere. The most prominent of these gases is carbon dioxide.

Between manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling, natural gas emits between 0.6 and two pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour, and coal emits between 1.4 and 3.6 pounds per kilowatt-hour. Though it may just seem like harmless smoke, these gases can build up in the atmosphere, causing serious danger to the environment and public health.

Solar energy offers a solution and it's ready to go now

Solar energy, on the other hand, uses light received from the sun to produce electricity. The process typically involves sunlight hitting a solar panel, where the photons of light are converted into electrons, creating electricity. This electricity can then be transformed into a form useable within the building, at which point it can be immediately used. This process is quick, direct and allows little to no carbon emissions. Between manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling, solar energy produces a total of 0.07 to 0.2 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour, a fraction of the amount produced by fossil fuels.

The drawbacks of traditional energy sources

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

Harmful extraction process: The extraction of fossil fuels from the earth can be overwhelming for the local environment. Strip mining, drilling, and fracking can all have negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Strip mining leaves ecosystems more vulnerable to catastrophic flooding, while drilling can unearth toxic minerals, contaminating groundwater.

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

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