Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy
Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy
Over the last few years, environmental concerns have been a popular topic. It seems like there is no escape from pollutants, fossil fuels, and waste. Because of these concerns, renewable energy is looking more attractive to many homeowners. The opportunity to save money and save the planet is too good to pass up!
But just how does going solar help the environment? What is it about traditional energy sources that is so dangerous?
How Solar Works
To find the answers to these questions, it’s important to look at how solar systems generate energy. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it knocks loose some of the electrons inside the silicon solar cells, causing them to flow from one side of the solar cell to the other. This flow of electrons forms direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity travels to the solar inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is usable in the home.
Why Solar is a Better Energy Choice
This energy generation, known as the photovoltaic process, is renewable. That means it comes from a source that cannot be used up: sunlight. The sources traditionally used to generate power–like fossil fuels–will eventually be depleted, which is why the conversion to renewable energy is so important.
Additionally, solar energy generation is a clean process that does not release any toxins or pollutants. Traditional energy sources release harmful gas emissions into the air that experts associate with global warming and other harmful environmental effects. The more homes that switch to renewable energy, the less greenhouse gasses are released into the atmosphere.
Solar panels also have a long lifespan; they are guaranteed to last at least 25 years. Because of this, limited panel manufacturing is needed to provide homeowners with solar, since panels do not have to be frequently replaced. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a solar energy system can produce the equivalent amount of energy used to manufacture the panels within 1-4 years. This means the environmental benefits of avoiding gas emissions by going solar far outweigh any environmental impact caused by panel manufacturing.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Using renewable energy to power your home greatly reduces your carbon footprint. Because solar doesn’t reduce harmful gas emissions, it is known as a clean energy source. This means that using solar energy instead of traditional energy sources reduces the amount of gas emissions you are responsible for.
Caring for our planet is a serious responsibility, and the more homeowners that take on that responsibility the better. Our goal is to provide homeowners with an energy source that is not only good for them, but also for the environment. You’ll see a reduction in your power bill and your carbon footprint at the same time!
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