Solar is the solution

The burning of fossil fuels continues to be one of the world's biggest problems. Even though fossil fuels are only going to last another 50 years, climate scientists warn that we need to develop alternative energy sources immediately to avert the worst of climate change. Global pollution has reached a truly critical state and the alarming consequences of climate change are prompting the increased momentum toward renewable energy sources. Switching to solar power on a large scale would have a profound positive environmental influence.  Solar development isn’t just good for the natural environment, but the society in general as well.  Installing even one solar power system can make a measurable improvement in every aspect of our environment and it can help to encourage others to install solar themselves. That's the key to achieving the climate goals set by several governments.

Benefits to health and the environment

A recent study concluded that adopting solar energy on a large scale would greatly reduce emissions of nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide. Exposure to these two toxic substances is particularly hazardous to human health, and in many cases, can be deadly. The list of human and animal health difficulties associated with prolonged exposure is truly disturbing. Associated diseases include everything from chronic bronchitis to lung damage, from fertility problems to genetic mutations. In short, the study determined that the use of solar power would result in fewer cases of pollution-related infirmities, as well as reduce the cases of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.  Moreover, that decrease in sickness would mean fewer lost workdays and lower healthcare costs.  What the scientific report failed to mention was that often the working poor is disproportionately exposed to these toxic substances. Their homes are often located closest to the oil refineries and manufacturing facilities that produce them, and the poor often lack the financial resources to move.

Benefits to the financial landscape from solar

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 record, 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 in overall cost.

Water prices are also increasing steadily as global warming reduces the supply of water.  Those price increases will rise even more in the future unless we can develop a cost-effective solar desalination device.  Solar electricity uses up to 89% less water than coal-powered electricity, which helps keep water prices more stable. Widespread adoption of solar energy would also help eliminate price variations.

Benefits to the natural environment and health

Solar energy induces 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 power systems also use 80% less land. Of course, all forms of energy production have some impact on the natural environment but renewable energy sources are always dramatically better than fossil fuel sources. 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. Since the price of solar panels is still reasonable, especially considering incentives and rebates, now is an outstanding time to go solar.

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

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