Solar energy remains to be a key player in the emerging technologies of renewable energy. According to an article from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), “In the last decade alone, solar has experienced an average annual growth rate of 24%.” Solar is more affordable and accessible than ever. Here, we delve into the effects of solar energy on the environment, highlighting its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating air and water pollution, conserving natural resources, minimizing land use impact, and helping you understand just how much solar can support the preservation of our planet.
3 billion trees store as much carbon as the emissions reduced by the U.S. solar industry
Solar Energy Industries Association
Solar saves our ecosystems
According to an article from the Department of Energy, “As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.”
Solar energy reduces our carbon footprint by generating energy through the sun, a completely free and renewable energy source. This process is unlike energy produced from non-renewable sources, like fossil fuels, that release large quantities of carbon dioxide into the environment when burned.
Solar reduces Air and Water Pollution
Additionally, solar energy again emerges as a far more environmentally benign alternative when examining air and water pollution of other energy sources. The extraction and utilization of fossil fuels often involve substantial water usage and can lead to the contamination of water bodies through the discharge of pollutants, such as heavy metals and chemicals.
Solar energy’s inherent cleanliness stems from its mode of electricity generation, which is devoid of the combustion processes characterizing traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas. These combustion processes release an array of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. By contrast, solar power operates without such combustion, thereby eliminating the direct emission of harmful pollutants that contribute to respiratory diseases, smog formation, and acid rain.
As reported in an article on climate change from SEIA, “Solar energy is a renewable, carbon-free resource available in every geographic region of the U.S., with enormous potential to reduce our nation’s GHG emissions.” Solar energy is not only available globally but also affortable, allowing us to minimize our environmental impact while powering our homes, cars, and lives alike.
Minimal land use and habitat impact
Solar installations, whether in the form of solar farms or rooftop solar panels, generally utilize already existing spaces such as rooftops, brownfields, or open fields with low ecological value. This strategic utilization helps to maximize the efficiency of the land without contributing to habitat destruction or significant alterations to the landscape. In contrast, traditional energy sources like coal or natural gas often necessitate extensive land use for mining, extraction, and infrastructure, resulting in habitat fragmentation and degradation.
Solar as a sustainable solution
As we strive for a cleaner, greener future, adopting and supporting clean energy initiatives, such as solar power, becomes increasingly vital. Here at Everlight, we believe going solar should be accessible and hassle-free, making it easier than ever to opt for solar in the interest of a healthy planet and increased savings. See if solar is right for your home by scheduling a no-cost consultation with one of our knowledgeable consultants today!
