Environmental Impact of Going Solar
Going Solar is synonymous with “going green”. It’s easy to say but doesn’t necessarily describe the impact that doing so has on the environment and public health. After reading this you will better understand what it means to have solar power installed on your property.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide in the air has a substantial impact on climate change. It’s absorbed by the atmosphere and stays in it for decades while radiating heat toward the earth, continuously warming the planet.
Climate change also has numerous effects on public health. It makes it easier for infectious diseases to spread, increases droughts and famine, and worsens natural disasters. Switching to solar can contribute to lessening these impacts.
The electricity generated by solar power prevents air pollution since they don’t rely on burning fuel that creates carbon dioxide.
By using renewable energy like solar helps displace nonrenewable sources that create carbon dioxide, preventing the use of coal and oil that send heavy emissions into the atmosphere. This can also lead to a reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the community and country.
Methane
Methane, also known as natural gas, burns slightly cleaner and has a shorter half-life than other fossil fuels. However, it traps heat and radiation at a much higher level compared to carbon dioxide.
Utilizing solar power for your home lets you use less natural gas and in turn helps the environment.
Ground Pollution
Fossil fuel energy sources have an impact on the ground as well. Whether during extraction or transport, oil that falls to the ground can affect the soil both harming local flora and fauna. In addition, natural gas extraction can damage habitats and has consistently shown evidence of impacting local ground water resources.
Nuclear power doesn’t contribute to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, but it does generate radioactive waste that can persist for hundreds of thousands of years. The management and disposal of radioactive waste poses significant environmental and public health risks.
Solar panels do not affect ground pollution as any rain that washes off your solar panels will not have contact with any internal materials and leach into the ground. Furthermore, while some solar panels contain lead and materials that can be dangerous, the average lifespan of solar panels is at least 25 years, with most having a useful life of 40 years or more. Thus, the danger is mitigated simply by recycling your panels when they finally reach the end of their life. Photovoltaic panels can also be made with materials that are less toxic and more recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of their production.
Air Pollution
The World Health Organization estimates that 4.2 million people die prematurely due to outdoor air pollution every year. A major cause of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels, which contain many chemicals that have carcinogenic effects.
Sulfur dioxide is found in coal emissions and can damage your lungs when inhaled. Coal burn off also contains small heavy metals that impact your organs when they enter your bloodstream. In addition, pollutants in the air can also have dangerous side effects on your eyes which can cause both short-term and long-term damage to your vision.
On the other hand, solar panels don’t pollute the air at all and their materials in them aren’t released into the air even in extreme circumstances such as when they are caught in a fire. This can lead to improved air quality and reduced health risks for individuals living in the area.
Solar Benefits
Overall, Solar energy is a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source. It doesn't emit any greenhouse gases after production and has numerous benefits beyond just local ones. By displacing energy sources that release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, solar power helps mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition, the widespread adoption of solar energy can drive innovation, lower costs, and increase the availability of clean energy for everyone.
Solar panels are also a safe and eco-friendly option for powering homes and businesses. They do not pollute the air or ground, and the materials used in their production are not released into the environment, even in extreme circumstances such as fires. In addition, solar panels have a relatively low impact in their production and disposal compared to other energy sources. Any pollutants generated during production are offset by the clean energy produced by the panels in the first year of use.
The benefits of going solar are clear and substantial. By making the switch, individuals can help create a cleaner, healthier world while also reducing their dependence on traditional energy sources and potentially saving money on their energy bills. If you're interested in learning more about the potential benefits of going solar for your home or business, reach out to a local solar company for a free energy analysis and comprehensive proposal.
Join the movement towards a greener future by going solar today!