Solar power makes our world cleaner

For most people, the main motivation for installing solar panels is the constant reports of the consequences of climate change. Now the main reason for installing solar is financial. The price of solar technology is falling which makes installing a solar energy system very attractive. Obtaining the energy we need affects our environment in various ways. Some energy sources have a bigger impact than others. Energy is wasted to the environment during any energy transformation, usually as heat. Have you ever noticed the heat from your computer or car after it has been in use for a while?  None of our tools is completely energy efficient. Fortunately, the energy industry has become more aware of the importance of environmental protection and is working to reduce its long-term impact.

Uranium (nuclear energy)

Nuclear power plants produce no air pollution or carbon dioxide, but they do create notably hazardous byproducts like nuclear waste and spent fuels. Most nuclear waste is low level (for example, disposable items that have come into contact with minute amounts of radioactive dust), and special regulations are in place to prevent them from hurting the environment. But some spent fuel is highly radioactive and must be stored in uniquely designed reinforced containers. In addition to the fuel waste, much of the equipment in the nuclear power plants become contaminated with radiation and will become radioactive waste after the facility is closed. These wastes will remain radioactive for multiple thousands of years, which may not allow re-use of the contaminated area. Nuclear power plants use large quantities of water for the steam creation and for cooling, affecting fish and other aquatic life. In addition, heavy metals and salts can build up in the water employed in the nuclear power plant systems. When water is discharged from the power plant, these pollutants can negatively influence water quality and aquatic life. The triple disaster at Fukushima in 2011 was a wake-up call for the whole energy grid. Even today, seven years later, thousands of gallons of radioactive water leaks into the sea every day from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility.

Wind power is a secondary alternative energy option

Wind is another clean energy source. It produces no pollution because no fuel is burned to make electricity. The most serious environmental impact from wind energy may be its influence on bird and bat populations. Wind turbine design has improved dramatically in the last couple of decades to help mitigate this result. Turbine blades are now solid, so there are no lattice structures that lure birds to perch. Additionally, the blades’ surface area is much larger, so they don’t have to spin as fast to generate power. Slower-moving blades mean fewer bird collisions.

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. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save. These days, it's the financial benefits of solar that are drawing homes and businesses to the bright lights of solar energy. Financial experts are recommending the installation of solar panels because of the rapid payback period and because many solar consumers eviscerate their monthly electric bills. For others, knowing they are generating their own power is an empowering experience they want to share with their family and friends. It is just that kind of scenario that we need to repeat thousands of times in order to overcome the pollution that has harmed our earth.

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

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