In an era of a growing environmental crisis, going green is more important than ever. Most environmentalists will tell you that the best way to do this is to switch to solar energy. However, is solar power really as eco-friendly as many claim? Keep reading to learn about the 5 benefits of solar energy for the environment, and why you should make the switch today.
5 Benefits Of Solar Energy To The Environment
Many eco-friendly practices get a bad rap. This is because companies like to label something as ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ just to drive up sales— not because it’s actually good for the environment. This is just one of the reasons why solar energy has so many skeptics.
Fortunately, unlike other ‘fake’ green products, solar power is completely legit. Here are 5 benefits of solar energy to the environment that prove this.
1. Reduces Dependence On Nonrenewable Energy Sources
The first benefit of solar power is the most obvious one. It reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources, like fossil fuels. Burning coal, petroleum, natural gas, and other heavy oils produces tonnes of carbon dioxide, the compound most responsible for global warming. Not only that, but there’s only a finite amount of these fuels available. Once we run out, we won’t be able to generate any more power.
This is in sharp contrast to solar energy, which is considered a renewable energy source. Everyone has access to the sun, and it isn’t something that can just disappear. What’s more, solar energy produces no carbon dioxide or any harmful compound. That alone makes it the superior choice.
2. Reduces Air Pollution
Fossil fuels don’t just generate CO2. They also produce a whole host of other pollutants that don’t just harm the environment, but your health as well. One of these compounds, called PM2.5, has been linked to increased rates of cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes, and early death.
Solar energy can help improve air quality. Since it’s a clean energy source that doesn’t generate any pollutants, switching to solar drastically cuts back on emissions. This in turn, improves air quality and your health.
3. Reduce Water Usage
If fossil fuels are so bad, then you’re probably thinking a water-based energy source is a much cleaner option. Sadly, this isn’t the case. Hydropower may rely on a natural, renewable resource like water, but it still contributes to pollution. For one, it wastes a lot of water, about 9.85 gallons to produce just one kWh per hour. Not to mention that building and running a hydro plant causes immense habitat destruction for endangered wildlife.
Solar energy causes none of these problems. Things like solar panels don’t require any water to generate electricity, nor do you need to cut down trees to install them. All you need is about 200ft of space to install the panels and your home will be set.
4. Helps Fight Climate Change
The proponents of solar power claim this as the biggest benefit of this energy source, and they’re absolutely right to do so. Every solar panel installed drastically reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. This in turn decreases the amount of CO2 factories pump into the atmosphere, which ultimately lessens the greenhouse effect. In the long run, this helps mitigate some of the damage industrialization has done to the ozone.
Furthermore, solar energy helps reduce habitat destruction. As mentioned, things like hydropower can severely impact wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem. By lowering your reliance on these energy sources, you’ll be ensuring endangered species have a future.
5. Improves Humanity’s Health In The Long-run
All the previously listed benefits of solar energy, result in some incredible health benefits for you and your loved ones. Reduced water consumption increases availability for areas where water is scarce. Fewer emissions mean improved air quality. This in turn means better health, since with cleaner air comes cleaner lungs.
Final Thoughts
Activists praise solar energy as the most eco-friendly energy source out there. After reading about the 5 benefits of solar energy to the environment, you hopefully understand why. It’s clean, renewable, and incredibly affordable. Companies like Atlantic Key Energy are making the switch to solar so much easier, by selling solar panels at the best possible prices. So if you want to save the environment and improve your health along the way, make the switch to solar energy today!
Take a Look at These Useful Solar Articles
Benefits of an All in House Solar Provider
How Much Money Could I Save a Year by Going Solar?
What to Know About Solar Panels
