Solar energy and pollution

Fortunately for the planet’s health, solar technologies are making nonrenewable energy resources gradually extinct. “Dirty” energy sources are destined to be exhausted in the near future. Fossil fuels do not qualify as renewable energy resources because their supply is limited. In fact, they are projected to be completely depleted within 50 years. In addition, the formation of fossil fuels takes years, which means when they are gone, we may have to wait for another half century for new ones to form.

Environmental pollution is one of the major disadvantages of fossil fuels. It is a well-known fact that carbon dioxide, gas is released when fossil fuels are burned. The rise in temperature of the earth has resulted in melting of polar ice caps, flooding of low lying areas and rise in sea levels. If these conditions persist, our planet earth will face serious consequences in near future.

Accidents can be disastrous

As opposed to renewable energy resources like solar and wind, accidents involving fossil fuels are highly dangerous and can cause massive damage. Oil spills have occurred in the past, especially in the United States and off its coasts. Oil spills cause massive pollution of water bodies and death of aquatic animals including those living offshore. Additionally, the environment around the shore is severely devastated.
 Emissions of greenhouse gasses and other toxic elements can cause serious health complications such as chronic asthma, poor lung functioning, chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases.

Price fluctuations

Fossil fuels are very vulnerable to price fluctuations and market manipulation. This aspect is greatly felt by developing countries that rely heavily on the importation of fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, large price fluctuations and price manipulations by oil-producing countries in the middle east cost the economy about $1.9 trillion between 2004 and 2008 alone. Advances in renewable energy technologies have minimized these price fluctuations and manipulations somewhat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than fifty percent of the oil consumed in the United States is imported. This overdependence on foreign oil can be a security threat to the United States. Nations can use this over-reliance as political leverage, putting the country’s interests in peril. Coal power plants require a large and steady supply of coal to produce a large amount of energy on a consistent basis. This means that these plants need train-loads of fuel near power stations to carry out the process of generating power. This is needed as many countries are still dependent on coal as a major source for producing energy.

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

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. 

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