Time has come for solar to take over

The combustion of fossil fuels causes many human deaths every year. Burning fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases that have been proven to be extremely hazardous to humans, animals, and plants. The twentieth century has been called the hydrocarbon century due to the profusion of fossil fuels that were burned. Fossil fuels were formed over millions of years by the decomposing remains of plants and animals under immense heat and pressure. This process resulted in energy-rich fuels—coal, petroleum, and natural gas, which together have produced most of the energy consumed globally for over a century. This fossil fuel burning generation paved the way for continued advancement and new inventions in renewable energy.

Solar is now competitive on cost

Until recently, fossil fuels were the most economically advantageous source of power for both personal and commercial uses. Costs of solar energy have dropped making it cheaper in some places than fossil fuels. Petroleum powers our cars while natural gas and coal heat and provide electricity for our homes. Mass transportation is also largely moved by fossil fuels. In 2005, more than 75 percent of total world energy consumption used fossil fuels. Petroleum led with over 43.4 percent of the world’s total energy consumption, followed by natural gas (15.6 percent) and coal (8.3 percent). North America continues to be the largest consumer of fossil fuels, utilizing nearly 25% of the world’s resources.

The dangers of fossil fuels

Contrary to some deniers, fossil fuels are not harmless. Climate science has made it abundantly clear that negative health impacts are caused by fossil fuels.  However, most experts believe that the world is using fossil fuels at an alarming rate that is not sustainable. Some scientists believe that the world has already hit its peak for oil extraction and production and that it is only a matter of time before natural gas and coal are totally depleted as well. To release their stored energy, fossil fuels are ignited. It is during this combustion process that a variety of emissions, including ash, are released into the atmosphere. Primary releases are sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon, which are damaging to the environment. They can combine with water vapor in the air to form acidic compounds that create acid rain, and burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that scientists believe is the key constituent in global warming. These concerns about oil supply have led to an increasing focus on, and exploration of, alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power. Solar panel prices continue to be low which makes investing in a solar energy system available to more home and business owners than ever before.

The environmental damage of fossil fuels

There are also environmental risks associated with extracting, transporting, and utilizing fossil fuels. Mining for coal and drilling for oil are especially hazardous because the digging of massive mines and wells can alter the surrounding landscapes and bring massive amounts of salt water to the surface which can harm nearby ecosystems without proper treatment and sequestration. Natural gas extraction is somewhat safer, but can also be precarious. While there are regulations in place that attempts to minimize the risks, it is impossible to eliminate them completely. However, ordinances are not sufficient; there must be continued research in developing new technologies for both fossil fuel and renewable energy, in addition to increasing conservation measures.

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

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