Can Solar Energy Actually Benefit The Environment? If Yes, How?

A lot has been said and done about environment preservation in the last decade. Many have agreed that replacing the conventional non-renewable sources of energy, like coal, oil, and natural gas, with solar energy is one amazing way to help save the environment from degrading further. But is it really true? Can solar energy solve all our energy issues without harming the environment? And even if it can, how can you bring about a major change in the way people consume power? In this post, we are going to discuss all that and more. 

As of 2019, solar energy accounts for only 2% of the total energy consumed in the US. However, about 56% of all new power capacity additions in the country are solar. The US government has also signed 9.3 GW of utility-scale solar power agreements in the second quarter of 2021. All these developments truly point to a better world with clean energy. But how can one say that it will be a better and cleaner world? Scroll on!

Why should we go solar as soon as possible?

Non-renewable energy sources are depleting fast. Increased consumption of energy is the primary cause of this. From industrial demand to transportation fuel, energy demands have almost reached their peak, especially in China, the USA, and the European countries. However, the European countries, like Germany, managed to decrease their energy consumption rate in the last few years, unlike the rest. BDEW, the German Energy Industry Association, reported that the country managed to up its renewable energy share from 39% in 2018 to 44% in 2019. 

International Energy Outlook projects are working on increasing the demand for renewable energy, and they expect it to be the most dominant source of energy by 2040. It is a long-term plan, yes, but some improvements can already be noticed in this sector. 

Hence, the US should also focus on upping its renewable energy share in the following years to create an example for the world. People should be made aware of the health and environmental benefits of solar power, which is one of the most popular renewable sources of energy today. 

How can we say that? Read on!

It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

According to the IEA, the CO2 emissions are set to witness a maximum surge in the coming days, probably the biggest since the financial crisis of 2010. The rise is said to be nearly 5%, amounting to 33 billion tons. We need not discuss the harmful effects of such high amounts of CO2 in the air right now because people already know. What we should talk about is how to minimize this event. 

Going solar can be a way to do that!

Replacing energy from fossil fuels with solar energy can contribute to a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2. As most solar-powered systems do not rely on fuel burning and are independent, they can be used to run most electric appliances at home or commercial centers. The US Energy Information Administration reports that the solar panels in an average home in Connecticut use about 8,288 kWh of electricity per year. If every property starts switching to solar energy, the amount of reduction in CO2 emissions will be equivalent to planting 150 trees in a year. 

It helps conserve water

The electricity sector in the US consumes maximum water (about tens of thousands of liters) each year. While we have enough water in the oceans and the rivers, lakes, local reservoirs, it is unwise to use water to such a huge extent, just because it is abundant right now. A solar-powered system does not require water to run, and hence, it can help save a lot of it. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, using solar systems can help drop the water usage rate in as many as 36 states. 

It prevents drastic climatic changes

A large amount of greenhouse gases, like CO2 and methane, in the atmosphere means a lot of things. One of them is the rapid and unpredictable climatic changes in most parts of the world. Global temperature is increasing with each passing day, and people are noticing it too. The more fossil fuels we burn, the rate will keep on increasing, melting the poles and raising the level of ocean water, which may bring about a devastating effect on all lifeforms. 

Solar can change all that, not within a fortnight but at least gradually. The more we choose solar, such chances of such massive changes will reduce, and eventually, Mother Earth can return to her old and cherished form. The energy experts and environmental enthusiasts believe that we should immediately stop using non-renewable energy sources to prevent this. Climatic changes are already underway, and if we do nothing, some major adverse events may take place soon. 

It purifies the air 

Yeah, it is true! Solar energy does improve air quality, as verified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Extensive adoption of solar energy can lead to a massive decrease in Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, and particulate matter, thus resulting in better-quality air around us. These are the substances that cause major respiratory diseases, like chronic bronchitis, and even some cardiovascular issues that claim about 25,000 lives each year. So, if you want to live longer and breathe pure air, yeah, that’s right – install solar panels in your home. 

It helps preserve existing wildlife

Are you kidding me? 

That must be the first thought in your mind after reading the subheading. No worries! We understand how you must feel. People say a lot of things about the benefits of solar, including the fact that it can help save wildlife. One may wonder if the renewable energy experts are faking it or trying to convince people to make the switch to fill their pockets. No! This is not a myth. The adoption of solar energy can indeed help animals. 

The emissions from fossils fuels go directly to the atmosphere and cause major climatic upheavals. Devastating coastal storms, tornados, excessive rain, are the results of such activities. People do suffer from these events, but the animals do not suffer any less. Their habitats get destroyed, leaving them hungry for weeks until they ultimately perish. The melting of polar ice caps also impacts the lives of penguins and polar bears. Not to forget, marine life also gets disturbed due to frequent storms and changes in the water. 

You can stop all that by chucking the fossil fuels altogether. Go solar, install solar-powered systems in your homes, stores, and offices, and see the effect within a few years. You will notice a greener and healthier earth for sure. 

Now that you are aware of the amazing environmental benefits of solar, let us tell you why it is good for the Colorado people. 

Go solar in Colorado

People living in or around Denver, Littleton, Arvada, or Colorado Springs can switch to solar easily and in a hassle-free manner. Solar technologies are advancing rapidly in the region, with the government encouraging the adoption of solar by decreasing its price in the last few years. In fact, there has been a reduction of about 38% in the cost of solar energy in the state. It now ranks 12th in the country’s list of solar-powered states. 

The climate of Colorado is also a favorable factor in the installation of solar panels. Although the winter nights are mostly accompanied by snow, frost, and strong winds, the mornings are generally sunny, causing the snow to melt fast. Hence, there are fewer chances that the performance of your solar panels will be affected. Last but not least, several utility companies in the state have started giving out incentives to the people installing solar panels in their homes. 

So, aren’t you ready to go solar still? Think hard!