Solar energy is one of the most sustainable types of ‘green energy. It is rapidly turning into one of the most popular alternatives to traditional energy supplies that are degrading the environment. Solar-powered panels can be used to power any building, have a long life and are easy to maintain.
So, as solar energy experts weigh in, let’s look at some of the ways solar energy impacts the environment around us.
Reduces the Need for Consumption of Fossil Fuels
“Solar energy positively impacts the environment by reducing the need for high carbon emitting fossil fuel energy sources. In many parts of the world, a domestic size solar system can reduce carbon emissions by up to 230 tonnes, the equivalent of reducing the carbon footprint of 7 households for one year.”
Michael Henderson is the CEO and Founder of SolarCalculator.com – an independent website that provides solar power advice.
Combats Greenhouse Gas Emissions
“Solar energy is fantastic for the environment. Solar power arrays take clean, pure energy from the sun, therefore by installing solar panels on your home or business you’re actively assisting in combatting greenhouse gas emissions. You’re also significantly reducing your reliance on harmful fossil fuels which are, in most cases, the primary causes of pollution and contribute significantly to global warming. You’ve also got to remember that even to produce fossil fuel there is huge amounts of water used and also a large quantity of water pollution. By using renewable sources like solar, you’re not using any water – Therefore not polluting the worlds water supply or putting a strain on it.”
Martin Desmond, solar energy expert Wizer Energy
Can Significantly Cut Water Consumption
“Many states in the USA (36) use hydropower as a source of energy which requires dams to be built and managed and typically have a big impact on its local ecosystem. By using solar power without the need of using water these states will have less of an impact on their ecosystems and would help cut water consumption which will help with water scarcity.”
Rob Boirun, CEO of Lawn Liberty
Causes Considerably less Harm to the Environment
“Everyone knows that solar energy is clean energy, meaning that it is less damaging to the environment, but many people are surprised to find out how much less harm it causes to the environment when compared to traditional, coal-fueled plants. Coal produces a significant amount of coal ash, as well as nitrous dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carcinogenic fly ash. Coal also requires significant amounts of water for cooling and washing.
“Because solar systems rely on the sun for energy production, so they don’t use water for cooling. Solar energy systems themselves are designed to last a long time and generate energy over 15 to 20 years and they are usually built and designed in a way that is non-disruptive to the environment.”
Tim Hamlin, The Clean Energy Resource
Works as a Healthy Alternative to Non-Renewable Resources
“Solar energy does not reduce pollution, but it works as a healthy alternative to a lot of other non-renewable resources. It can have a positive impact on the environment by not having harmful effects. It is considered to be one of the most sustainable choices. Using solar energy as a resource has helped us save a lot of fossil fuels, natural fuels, etc.” (Adam Rowles)
Negative Impact: The Materials used in Solar Conversion are Bad for the Environment
“However, while the sun is free of cost, the process of converting these rays to energy costs something. Many researchers are debating over the fact that the use of various materials for a conversion plant is not good for the environment. These massive power plants also interfere with large areas of land. The facilities may take up the wilderness.”
Adam Rowles, Reduce Power Bills
Clean Energy Source Decreasing the Carbon Footprint and Energy Costs
“Solar energy impacts the environment in an extremely positive way and is a technology more individuals and businesses need to adopt. Solar energy is a clean energy source that does not contribute to global warming and climate change. It helps people reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Solar power helps individuals and businesses decrease their carbon footprints and save on energy costs.
“Solar energy is the ultimate solution to our energy crisis. With solar power, individuals and businesses can move away from being wholly dependent on their utility provider. Instead, they can depend on the energy they generate from their solar system to power their businesses and homes daily, during peak demand periods or when there is a power outage. This is especially true when solar collectors pair their solar panel systems with energy storage. Energy storage allows individuals to store their solar energy for when they want to use it.”
Vanessa Peng is the Marketing Coordinator at U.S. Energy Recovery.
Decreases the Factors Contributing to Global Warming
“Solar energy produces electricity with no CO2 emissions that would come from other sources of power such as coal and which cause health problems as well as global warming. Solar decreases the impact of energy consumption on the environment, health, and the lives of the next generations. Solar plus storage also allows for distributed generation and creates further grid stability by allowing more localized power production and the reduction of the needed additional power from long-distance power production facilities.”
Jonathan Doochin, CEO of Soligent Holdings Inc. and Soligent Distribution
