Apart from the obvious financial benefits, the advantages of using solar energy stretch to the environment. If you have been thinking about installing solar energy in your home or business, understanding the impact of solar energy on the world around you will help you in your decision-making.
Here are four ways that solar energy is beneficial to the environment:
1. Reduced Air Pollution
During the extraction and burning of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, toxic chemicals and molecules such as sulfur (IV) oxide and nitrogen (IV) oxide are released into the atmosphere. Air pollution has adverse health effects on living organisms. For example, acid rain lowers the PH of water bodies, killing fish and other aquatic life. It also adds poisonous contaminants such as aluminum to the soil, affecting plants.
Solar power is good for the environment because it offers an alternative way to produce renewable energy that does not release poisonous gasses into the atmosphere. Over time, increased use of solar power would reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, thus countering air pollution.
2. Helps Fight Climate Change
Air pollutants and carbon (IV) oxide are continuously being released into the atmosphere. As the amount of carbon (IV) oxide keeps rising, so does the amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere, causing weather extremes in different parts of the world.
Scientists and climatologists have unanimously agreed that renewable energy sources are needed to reverse the adverse effects of climate change. And one way to achieve this is by switching to solar energy, which will help reduce harmful substances released into the atmosphere.
3. Conserving Water Reservoirs
Non-renewable energy sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal require a lot of water to generate electricity. To put this into perspective, 20 to 50 gallons of water are needed for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. However, unlike non-renewable energy sources, solar energy does not require water because it generates electricity from the sun.
4. Conserving Finite Resources
Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas were formed millions of years ago. But unfortunately, the earth does not have enough supply of these resources. And if we continue using them at the current rate, we will soon run out.
Solar energy is a better option because it solely runs on sunlight and does not involve taking away any resources from the environment. It also does not need drilling of large pieces of land to mine resources. With solar energy, we can meet the current energy needs without compromising future needs.
Planning For A Better Future
Hopefully, this discussion has shed enough light on the benefits of solar energy to the environment. Switching to solar energy is the right decision for you and the earth. In addition to being a simple process, going solar will help you make a lasting impact on the world.
If you are ready to experience the many advantages of solar power, get started with Solar Optimum today. We will offer a solution that meets your energy demands and budget. So do not deliberate any longer. Contact us today to make your first step to saving the environment for current and future generations.