Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

01 Aug Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar Energy is the energy that comes from the sun. It is a clean, renewable source of energy that, alongside wind energy, has slowly been replacing the use of fossil fuels over the past few years. Solar Energy is a good source of electricity, but the main reason why a lot of governments and experts are looking towards it as a replacement for conventional fossil fuels is because it is good for the environment. Let’s take a look at the environmental benefits of solar energy.

1. A Good Source of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is any energy source that can regenerate itself and be used continuously with minimal environmental impact. In other words, unlike fossil fuels or radioactive materials, extracting them completely from the ground or air is impossible.

Solar Energy via the sun’s rays strikes the earth’s surface and is absorbed by plants, animals, buildings, and the surface of the earth. Humans harness solar energy by turning it into electricity with the help of solar panels. This is due to a process called photoelectric emission. Photoelectric emission occurs when light rays strike a surface, thereby giving the electrons in the surface energy, causing them to move around and create electricity in the process. This energy conversion from light rays to electricity is very efficient, but it runs into one simple problem: the sun doesn’t always shine 24/7. This is why this source of energy is supplemented with the use of batteries to store excess energy to use later on.

2. It reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

GreenHouse gases are a major contributor to climate change. They are generated by all sorts of human activities, such as farming, mining, transportation, and power generation using fossil fuels. The gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Solar Energy does not release greenhouse gases. Therefore, it can be used to replace various emitters in industries such as transportation and power generation. Solar energy is being increasingly used in the power sector to slowly phase out fossil fuels, which are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases.

3. Reduces Air Pollution

Unlike other sources of energy, like fossil fuels, it doesn’t release pollutants into the air. The air around a solar panel or a group of solar panels tends to remain relatively clean. Solar panels tend to be located on the rooftops of homes. Just imagine an entire city with solar panels on every home. This would reduce the need for coal power plants and increase the quality of air. This will, in turn, make the environment much healthier to live in.

4. It Doesn’t Consume Water

Hydroelectric, Steam, Coal, and Nuclear Power plants all require massive amounts of water to operate. Water might seem abundant, but good drinkable water can be very scarce. As the world’s population continues to grow, finding clean water will become more and more difficult. This use can range from using them in dams, which can disrupt aquatic life, and diversifying water resources to use as coolants or working fluids. These activities with water can pollute rivers and streams and kill aquatic life. They can also affect several communities negatively.

5. It Supplies Power To Remote Areas

Solar Energy is everywhere. From the Artic to space, solar energy can be used in almost every environment. Since it requires no prior infrastructure and maintenance to harvest, it can be set up relatively quickly with minimal human effort.

6. Solar Panels Can Be Recycled

One of the greatest problems of modern society is waste. Solar panels are made up of materials such as silicon and silver, which can be recycled at the end of their useful life. This is unlike the other forms of energy, such as nuclear and coal plants, which use up a lot of consumables that are not recyclable and can cause several problems down the line.

Solar Energy is the future of mankind’s sustainable development on planet Earth. The more we develop the technology to harness it, the more we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and the less the strain on our environment.

Install Your Own Solar Array with ACE Solar

ACE Solar is New England’s top solar contractor, serving both residential and commercial properties. Reach out to our team of expert contractors today to get a free estimate and see for yourself how solar can help protect the environment while saving you money!