Technology

6 Key Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

The United States is number two in the world when it comes to solar power deployment with China leading the way. Did you know that as early as the 7th century, man harnessed the sun’s rays using mirrors to start fires?

Today, solar power provides almost 2% of the utility-scale electricity in the U.S. Are you wondering what’s so great about solar power?

You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for the six key environmental benefits of solar energy.

1. Clean Energy

In comparing solar with fossil fuels, there’s no match. Unlike with oil, there’s no earth-damaging drilling and no nasty spills. Solar power is clean energy.

Fossil fuels cause terrible air quality and pollution. Have you ever been to California on a hot, smoggy day? You’ve seen the effects of fossil fuels.

The heavy fog that hangs in the air comes from burning fossil fuels. Speaking of smog, that leads to our next point…

2. Reduces Health Issues

All those air pollutants from fossil fuels lead to severe public health issues. Burning fossil fuels release toxic chemicals into the air. Sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and particulate matter are some of the toxins.

Those toxins cause public health issues such as asthma. Cardiovascular disease and lung cancer are also linked to certain types of air pollution.

3. Helps Fight Climate Change

Electricity generation is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Over 60% of our electricity generation is through burning fossil fuels.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions fights global warming and climate change.

4. Renewable

One of the best things about solar energy is it’s sustainability because it’s a renewable energy source. The sun’s energy is unlimited with no drilling needed!

Oil, coal, and natural gas are all finite, and at some point, we’ll run out. We don’t have to worry about that with the sun.

5. Reduces Water Usage

You’ve probably never thought about how much water gets used for some types of energy production.

Nuclear power, as well as hydropower, both use lots of water for cooling while producing electricity. Oftentimes, a dam is necessary. This diverts the natural flow of water which impacts local ecosystems.

6. Better Use of Land

A petroleum refinery or coal power plant uses huge swaths of land for operation. They also pollute nearby land, rendering it unfit for residences or other businesses.

Residential solar panels don’t take up extra space since they’re typically on the roof. Industrial solar panels take up more space, but not as much as an oil refinery!

There Are Many Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

The many environmental benefits of solar energy make it the energy of choice. Solar energy is clean. Aside from the production and recycling of solar panels and their batteries, there’s no pollution with solar energy.

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in smog-free, pollution-free cities? The more we move toward solar energy, the cleaner our cities will be.

Solar reduces greenhouse gasses, helping fight climate change. It also frees up land for better uses while saving water.

Best of all? Solar is renewable with an infinite supply.

Looking for more articles? Keep reading the blog!

 

One thought on “6 Key Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

  • Unfortunately, oil, coal and natural gas are finite. Therefore, there must be alternatives. An excellent alternative is solar energy, and besides, it does not pollute the environment.

    Reply

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