We know that installing solar will save money on energy costs, and we hear it is good for the environment, but what does that really mean? Carbon emissions have reached record highs in most countries. Global warming is caused primarily by putting too much carbon into the atmosphere when coal, gas, and oil are burned to generate electricity or to run our cars. These gases spread around the planet like a blanket, keeping in solar heat that would otherwise be radiated out into space.
Global warming has caused most of the climate changes that the world is encountering. When you contribute to generating clean energy, you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and help reduce the amount of carbon emissions.
Solar energy produces clean energy with no emissions. So, when you install solar panels on your home, you are ensuring that your home is powered by a clean source of energy. An average residential solar energy system of about 7.5 KW can offset CO2 emissions by as much as 9,600 pounds per year. That is the equivalent of planting approximately 50 trees.
If most homes in our area were to install solar panels, the air quality would improve substantially and would have a positive impact on farmlands, beaches, lakes, rivers, and even marine life. The reduced pollution is equivalent to removing hundreds of cars from the road. Plus, gas and oil power generation plants use water to produce steam-powered energy, which, although better than carbon emissions, can still cause harm to fish and other animal life.
The largest advantage of solar energy is that it is entirely renewable and can never be fully exhausted like other natural resources. Presently, only about one-tenth of the sun’s energy is being harnessed. Using most of the sun’s energy could be enough to light up the entire globe with energy to spare. Modern-day needs for energy are huge, and electricity generated by oil and coal may be adequate for the present. However, these sources are not renewable—they will not last forever —and they emit pollutants like carbon dioxide and methane. The harnessing of the sun’s energy for more of our energy needs is of the utmost importance as we combat climate change!
See how you and your community can benefit from solar!
