Environmental Impact of Solar Energy

Earth Day 2019 may be over, but helping the environment goes beyond just a single day of the year. If you are looking for a way to help the human race, and the planet, try investing in solar. “Going Solar” has multiple benefits which include decreasing the reliance on non-renewable energy, reducing carbon footprints, cutting down on air pollutants, adding to property value, and saving each and every one of us money.

Solar energy is known to create clean and renewable power from the sun. Most residential and commercial building owners are now knowledgeable about the fact that if they want an environmentally friendly home or office energy efficiency upgrade, solar is the way to go. Even though improving health and protecting the environment are great reasons to go solar, one of the most common reasons for going green is to decrease the cost of electrical bills.

According to EnergySage, by investing in solar energy, you can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in favor of one of the most abundant, consistent sources of energy we have available: our sun. Generating electricity with solar power instead of fossil fuels can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Switching from fossil fuels to solar power in the state has the same emissions reduction effect as planting around 150 trees every year.

According to Energysage these are some of the top ten benefits to going solar:

#1 Drastically reduce or even eliminate your electric bills
#2 Earn a great return on your investment
#3 Protect against rising energy costs
#4 Increase your property value
#5 Boost U.S. energy independence
#6 Create jobs and help your local economy
#7 Protect the environment
#8 Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability
#9 Increase employee morale
#10 Stay competitive

Reports from Berkeley Edu. Nature support EnergySage views with research that shows “Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems”.

Reducing emissions has many health benefits to a property, community, and around the world. A report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has also gathered research to show that emissions reduction…will have a corresponding influence on health benefits in addition to reductions in global warming and acid rain.

[T]he reduced emissions should result in a decrease in mortality… improved health benefits… also expected to reduce the lost number of work days…” (21, NREL).

After learning about the many benefits of solar energy it’s also very important to remember to take a look at the efficiency of your property before going solar. Many people don’t fully understand their property’s current energy usage. When considering installing solar, not only should you find a reliable company that will address your future needs, but will also assess and address your current and past usage. Do some research to determine what changes need to be made in your own home, business or other property. With a little research upfront, the going solar process can be straightforward and uncomplicated.