Are you aware of the environmental benefits of solar energy? It is worth knowing about it and how taking advantage of the positive factors that characterize this energy is possible.
Using solar panels guarantees diverse benefits and advantages, which focus on different areas. However, on this occasion, SolarLab will discuss the benefits of installing solar panels for the environment. In this sense, the most relevant are the following:
Reduces air pollution
Conventional electricity is obtained by burning fossil fuels and nuclear reactions. These processes cause various types of pollution, including atmospheric pollution. That is why using solar energy greatly reduces air pollution.
Reduce fuel use
As mentioned, solar energy does not require fuel since it uses a technological system that transforms solar radiation into electricity. Therefore, this type of system reduces fuel use. In addition, the best thing of all is that the resources required are completely free, clean, and renewable.
Reduce ecosystem destruction
Another environmental benefit of solar energy is that it reduces ecosystem destruction. If there is less demand for conventional electric energy, the construction of refineries or nuclear plants will be reduced, avoiding the felling of trees and ecosystem destruction.
Another benefit of solar energy is that it reduces water pollution associated with the production of fossil fuels.
Help fight global warming
As a result of the reduction of greenhouse gases, solar energy directly and indirectly influences the reduction of global warming. And best of all, photovoltaic cell systems require the high temperatures emitted by the sun to operate and transform said energy into electricity.
It does not generate noise pollution
Another way solar energy benefits the environment is by reducing noise pollution. Due to all the processes required for other types of energy, noise pollution is quite common with solar energy. Therefore, this advantage can be extremely useful when using solar energy in isolated homes or other places.
Do the environmental benefits of solar energy help preserve the environment?
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines due to the environmental benefits of solar energy. And the economic benefits, too!
Reduce greenhouse gases
A single solar power system can avoid producing thousands of tons of greenhouse gases each year. Using renewable energy avoids using fossil fuels that are harmful to the planet. Imagine the enormous impact that could be produced on the entire planet and the environment if thousands of people each year switched from traditional electric power systems to sustainable solar energy systems.
Less air pollution
The use of fossil fuels produces large amounts of harmful pollutants for the environment, such as smog. Large amounts of emissions are released to dirty and pollute the air thousands of miles away from power plants. These are trapped in the air, thus causing permanent damage. By using solar panels, we help reduce the use of fossil fuels to produce energy.
Reduce water pollution
Currently, energy production using fossil fuels generates large amounts of toxic waste that are disposed of in landfills. Some of this waste flows into water tanks, and the rest flows into waterways, contaminating water sources and soil.
We help fight climate change
As polluting gases accumulate, it will become increasingly difficult for the planet to clean its air. These changes in climate conditions will continue to impact different climatic regions. In this context, caring for the environment becomes fundamental, so choosing renewable energy sources is increasingly important.
What impact do the environmental benefits of solar energy have on reducing the carbon footprint?
Solar energy has a significant impact on reducing carbon footprint due to several key reasons. Below are the main impacts:
- Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
Producing electricity from solar energy does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases during its operation. In comparison, generating electricity from fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, produces large amounts of CO2 and other GHGs contributing to climate change.
- CO2 Life Cycle
Although manufacturing, transporting, installing, and maintaining solar panels does involve some CO2 emissions, these impacts are minimal compared to the continuous production of emissions-free electricity over the panels’ lifetime, which can be 25 years or more. Studies show that life-cycle emissions from solar energy are significantly lower than those from fossil fuels.
- Displacement of Polluting Energy Sources
Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by solar energy displaces the need to generate that same amount of electricity from polluting sources. This results in a direct reduction in emissions of CO2 and other pollutants associated with burning fossil fuels.
- Energy Efficiency and Land Use
Solar technology, especially solar photovoltaics, is becoming more efficient. This allows for more electricity with fewer resources and less space. In addition, solar energy projects can be installed in areas that are not useful for other purposes, such as building roofs, reducing environmental impact and promoting efficient land use.
- Innovations and Technological Development
Constant advancements in solar technology are driving down costs and increasing the efficiency of solar panels. Innovations in energy storage, such as batteries, enable more effective integration of solar energy into the power grid, ensuring a more reliable supply and further reducing dependence on fossil energy sources.
- Economic and Social Impact
Solar energy adoption has environmental, economic, and social benefits. Job creation in the solar industry and reduced energy costs in the long term also contribute to a more sustainable energy transition.
Quantitative Examples
To illustrate the impact on reducing carbon footprint, an average 5 kW home solar system can produce around 7,000 kWh of electricity annually. This can avoid approximately 5 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting more than 100 trees.
