4 Ways Solar Energy Benefits the Environment
If you’re not yet using solar energy, now is a great time to start benefiting from this source of power. As you likely know, solar energy comes from the sun’s rays. Since the sun is always able to provide energy, it lowers the need for power from non-renewable resources.
Making the switch to solar energy is also a great way to save money. Electricity savings by using solar panels for 20 years can range from $10,000 to over $30,000. The previously mentioned figures are primarily for homes. Your business is likely to save even more over 20 years by going solar.
Using solar energy is also incredibly beneficial for the environment. These benefits extend far beyond cutting down on the use of fossil fuels. Some of the benefits of using solar energy might surprise you.
With that in mind, here are four ways solar energy benefits the environment.
1.Reduces Water Scarcity
Throughout the world, people are working on new ways for solar energy to improve the environment. However, not all of these methods involve generating electricity and power. With that in mind, researchers from Rice University recently developed a way for solar energy to help provide clean water to the world.
These researchers came up with a nanophotonics-enabled solar membrane distillation system (NESMD). This distillation system combines solar energy with nanoparticles to purify water safely and efficiently. Because it only requires sunlight to operate, this system can purify water in locations where electricity might not be easily available.
But that’s not the only recent development for solar energy and clean water. Researchers in China are working on creating nanosheets made from renewable starches. These sheets provide energy for a special type of desalination system. By pairing a capacitive deionization system with solar energy, these researchers are making clean water a reality for people around the world.
2. Decreases Your Dependance on Finite Resources
Another benefit of solar energy is that it decreases the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. These types of fuels come from natural gas, oil, and other resources. By continuing to use these resources for energy, it’s using something the planet only has a finite amount of.
Eventually, Earth will run out of these fuels. And, the end of fossil fuels is going to arrive faster than you think. Research from the Millennium Alliance for Humanity and Biosphere found that the Earth will run out of oil by 2052! This same data found that natural gas won’t last much longer, depleting its supply by 2060. You can learn more reasons why solar energy is here to stay by checking out this infographic from electrical school.
By using solar energy, you drastically reduce your dependency on fossil fuels. Instead, with solar energy, you’re getting renewable energy from the sun’s rays. This also eliminates the need for your business to fear the eventual end of gas, oil, or other fossil fuels it might be currently using.
3. Lowers Greenhouse Gases
People interested in helping the environment have likely heard about greenhouse gases. As you know, greenhouse gases collect and trap heat in the atmosphere. A few types of these gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Fortunately, solar energy can help reduce the formation of these harmful gases.
Greenhouse gases aren’t only damaging to the environment; they also contribute to:
- Extreme weather conditions
- Increases the risk of wildfires
- Damage to the world’s food supply
- Respiratory diseases
- Climate change
As the world uses fossil fuels for energy, this leads to large amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. By using solar energy, you’re not using as much fossil fuels. Over time, this leads to fewer formations of greenhouse gases.Solar energy is also getting cheaper than ever. Click here to learn more about a breakthrough that’s making solar energy cheaper than fossil fuels.
4. Cuts Down on Air Pollution
The use of solar energy also helps reduce air pollution. Unfortunately, air pollution remains a problem throughout much of the world. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million deaths each year. In most cases, air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels.
Fortunately, the continuing widespread use of solar energy is helping to cut down air pollution. Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently made quite a shocking discovery. If the western United States generated 35% of its energy from wind and solar power, it would lower CO2 emissions by 25 to 45%.
In closing, solar energy is beneficial for the environment in many ways. As more people and companies continue using solar energy, it will help reduce air pollution, lower greenhouse gases, and can increase the world’s clean water supply. The next step in your path to enjoying cleaner energy would be to get in touch with a solar contractor.
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