Energy and the Environment | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
While fossil fuels are the main source of electricity in the U.S., they are very costly -- both in the financial cost to harvest these fuel sources and the negative impact they are having on our environment. There is no denying that solar will be cheaper in the long run (technically the sun’s energy is free!) and helpful for the environment. While solar panel systems still cost money to develop in order to convert the sun’s energy into usable electricity, it is growing more and more affordable as technology develops. Further, fossil fuels are arguably becoming more and more scarce, as there are limited resources available on our earth. On the other hand, the sun’s power is extremely consistent and unending. By switching over more and more applications to solar energy, we can help reduce our dependence on harmful and waning fossil fuels and protect the long-term health of our environment. Types of Energy Sources Fossil fuels are made up of once living organisms that have taken centuries to break down and transform into their current state. They primarily include carbon and hydrogen bonds. The most common fossil fuels include: CoalNatural GasOil Renewable energy are sources of energy that come from naturally replenishing sources and cleaner processes than modern fossil fuels. The most common types of renewable energy include: Solar PowerWind PowerHydroelectric PowerGeothermal PowerBiomass Power Benefits of Renewable Energy When it comes to solar and other renewable energy sources, there are many benefits. In addition to improving the health of communities, renewable energy greatly impacts the health of the environment. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar provides a source of clean and renewable power, reducing the carbon footprint across California, the U.S., and the entire globe. Fossil fuel burning results in greenhouse gas emissions, pollution of our air, pollution of our water, wildlife and land damage, and other environmental problems. According to a study done by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering & Medicine, renewable energy options produce much lower greenhouse gas emissions “per unit of electricity produced” compared to how much coal and natural gas plants will produce. However, some renewable energy options like biomass and geothermal can be just as harmful as fossil fuels, which is why more research must be done on these alternative options. Solar and wind power still lead the way in the most clean and growingly affordable renewable sources. In regards to solar, the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that by switching to solar power, an average-sized home in Connecticut (which uses about 8,756 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year) could greatly reduce emissions. Essentially, it was the equivalent to planting 155 new trees -- every year. That is just one small example of what switching to solar and other alternative options could do for our environment. The Bay Area is leading the way in ushering in renewable energy. Interested in learning more about your solar options? Contact Semper Solaris’ today.
For many people, saving the planet or helping the environment sounds like a good thing, they just don’t know where to start. Even if you aren’t sure that “going green” is something you really want to do, consider this: helping the environment doesn’t just save the planet, it helps save your quality of life. Since you are daily breathing in the air from your environment, wouldn’t you want to keep it as clean and “green” as possible? Solar energy has numerous benefits, including the ability to help decrease respiratory and cardio health problems. That alone should be motivation enough for homeowners to go solar – and then you add in the cost-saving perks and things start to sound too good to be true (trust us, it’s the real deal). Check out some of the environmental benefits of installing solar panels below! How Solar Energy Is Paving the Way for a Better Tomorrow Better Air Quality Nothing like being able to breathe easy, especially in Southern California. Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to worry about the quality of air we breathe every day, but could just know it was clean and pure? Solar energy moves us towards a green source of energy, putting a stop to so many of the harmful air pollutants we are subject to when we step outside our homes. According to an analysis done by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, if solar become the major energy provider, it would create a major reduction of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and other harmful emissions that lead to health concerns. Reduced Pollution & Consumption of Water Sources Did you know that natural gas and coal energy plants are reliant on large amounts of water to create their energy sources? In comparison, solar panel manufacturing only requires a minimal amount of water. After that, they don’t require any valuable local water sources to provide electricity to homes. Switching to solar would cut back on the water-sucking cooling requirements of biomass and geothermal power plants, eliminating competition with drinking water, agriculture resources, and more. Especially in California, we know that water is a precious resource that can’t be taken for granted – especially in times of drought. Solar energy can help eliminate the large usage of water simply to create power resources. Cuts Back on Emissions of Greenhouse Gas We all hear about how bad greenhouse gas emissions are, but what can we do to fix it? By opting for solar power to generate our electricity instead of harmful fossil fuels, we can cut back on the emission of gases like CO2, which can lead to rising temperatures on the planet, creating a more drastic climate change. The U.S. Energy Information Administration found that a household that switches to solar power instead of fossil fuels can have a similar impact as planting 150+ trees (depending on the region). For example, an average home in New York uses around 7,092 kWh of electricity on a yearly basis – that would require roughly 5,250 pounds of coal to be burned per year to produce just that single home’s energy. Imagine if all the homes in New York switched to solar and were able to cut back that much on greenhouse gas emissions? More than that, solar energy is a renewable source of energy, rather than a finite one. The sun’s energy can be used repeatedly without any fear that it will run out like fossil fuels. The sooner we become dependent on infinite solar energy rather than finite alternatives, the better. Don’t wait any longer to start doing your part for the environment. Go solar today and go green. Contact Semper Solaris if you have questions about switching to solar.
