Move over Rover and let solar take over

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

Solar is now competitive financially

Until recently, fossil fuels were the most economically profitable source of power for both individual and commercial uses. Costs of solar energy have declined making it cheaper in some places than fossil fuels. Petroleum powers our cars while natural gas and coal heat and produce electricity for our homes. Mass transportation is also mostly moved by fossil fuels. In 2005, more than 75 percent of the total world energy expenditure originated with 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 are becoming more apparent

Contrary to some deniers, fossil fuels are not safe. Climate science has made it amply clear that negative health impacts are induced by fossil fuels.  However, most experts believe that the world is employing fossil fuels at an alarming rate that is not sustainable. Some scientists believe that the world has already cracked its peak for oil extraction and production and that it is only a matter of time before natural gas and coal are totally exhausted as well. To discharge their stored energy, fossil fuels are ignited. It is during this combustion process that a variety of eruptions, including ash, are released into the atmosphere. Primary releases are sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon, which are harming to the environment. They can combine with water vapor in the air to make acidic compounds that create acid rain, and burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that scientists believe is the key ingredient in global warming. These concerns about oil supply have influenced 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 previously.

The environmental damage of fossil fuels is apparent everywhere

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

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

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