Solar Energy: The Environmental and Health Benefits

What are the benefits of solar energy?

Despite the remarkable progress made recently in the field of solar energy, homeowners are hesitant to adopt this alternative energy source. Unfortunately, many of them are not aware of the benefits of solar energy for the environment and health . However, without a minimum of knowledge, it is difficult for individuals to embark on projects of this magnitude.

Have you considered using solar energy for your home? It is important to gather all the necessary facts to help you make an informed decision about your home energy choice. Here is an overview of what solar energy is and the many benefits it brings.

What is solar energy?

Solar is an alternative energy that absorbs energy from the sun's rays and converts it into usable household energy to provide electricity for the home, which can be used to power appliances, lights, electronics, heating and hot water. When implemented correctly, using solar can significantly reduce your home's reliance on other energy options such as coal, gas and oil.

The most common type of solar energy is the photovoltaic solar energy system. These installations are easily identified by their solar panels, usually visible on the roofs of houses, or in nearby fields. These panels attract and absorb the sun's rays, which are then converted into usable energy to produce electricity.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of energy is that the sun provides a virtually unlimited supply of it. In fact, just 1% of solar energy could provide enough electricity for everyone on the planet if it were collected and converted properly. Today’s homeowners are increasingly turning to solar energy to combat high energy costs and enjoy numerous environmental and health benefits.

Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Most scientists now agree that the long-term effects of burning fossil fuels, such as gas, coal and oil, are wreaking havoc on the environment. Their combustion releases massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. As the layer of greenhouse gases thickens, heat is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere, eventually leading to rising temperatures around the world.

Some of the effects of global warming, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and intensifying storm systems, are already being felt. Without a shift to alternative energy sources, the outlook for our planet is bleak. That’s why many homeowners and businesses are looking to solar energy as a viable way to reduce demand for fossil fuels and ultimately reduce their carbon footprint.

For example, a single fracking well uses between 3 and 6 gallons of water. Not only does this waste one of the world’s most precious resources, it also creates a massive amount of wastewater that can easily lead to contamination. Choosing solar energy means playing a vital role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and creating a healthier environment.

Health Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy not only helps protect the environment , but it also has many health benefits. Common energy sources, such as oil, coal, and gas, emit chemicals into the air, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, and fine particulate matter. Studies show that these dangerous pollutants can cause many serious respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, lung inflammation, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Water contamination from standard energy wastes poses additional health risks. For example, coal produces the largest amount of mercury emissions into the air. These mercury particles eventually find their way into groundwater and then into nearby streams, lakes, and oceans, affecting the fish that inhabit them. Not only does this affect drinking water, but when humans consume mercury-contaminated fish, it can cause irreversible neurological damage, especially in pregnant women and young children.

Therefore, installing solar panels on your home will help you reduce your reliance on conventional energy sources that pollute the air and water. This will create a healthier environment for you and your neighbors. More importantly, if enough individuals make the choice to switch to cleaner solar energy, we will surely see a reduction in the risks of chronic respiratory and heart diseases, as well as the neurological damage mentioned above.

Today, are you ready to make a difference in the world and the lives of those around you? You can add solar panels to your home today and start reaping the health and environmental benefits tomorrow. Contact us to learn more about solar and how you can benefit from this clean alternative energy source.