How solar energy improves the climate

Twenty-nine states across the U.S. adopted renewable portfolio standards (RPS), mandating increased use of energy from solar energy. This is a commitment to saving and protecting our planet. There’s  overwhelming   scientific evidence that human use of fossil fuels causes global warming. Dr. Michael Dettinger, a climate expert discusses his thoughts of how solar energy heals the planet. 
 

The greenhouse effect

When sunlight comes down to earth,  some of the light becomes heat, and some is reflected away. Dettinger that most of the energy we use comes from burning fossil fuels. The gas released into the air from burning fossil fuels is carbon dioxide (CO2). As a greenhouse gas, it holds warm air near the surface, adding more heat to the global system. This type of heat morphs into various weather conditions. From hurricanes to floods, a warmer world translates to more intense and impactful weather. Dettinger believes that CO2 stays in the atmosphere for over a thousand years. Due to this cumulative trait, it stays in the atmosphere making it warmer. The sooner people can change to non-fossil fuel energy sources, the less CO2 will in the atmosphere. The need to reduce GHGs is critical to life on earth. Solar energy is an effective way to decrease carbon emissions. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) notes that one gigawatt hour of solar generation can prevent the creation of 690 metric tons of CO2. Solar capacity installed in the U.S. is projected to offset 16.8 million metric tons of CO2 yearly.
 

Energy usage choice impacts climate change 

Energy usage choices influence climate change, so conscious and consistent actions would reduce carbon emissions. One of the biggest sources of this change is from the residential sector. Another source of change has come from transportation. More people use more efficient vehicles burning less gasoline, which drops emissions. Individuals can also avoid carbon emissions by using renewable solar energy. A study by NREL says the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted over an energy source’s lifetime that: “While coal-powered technology used up 1050 g of carbon dioxide per kwH of electricity over its lifetime, solar PV consumed 55 g CO2 eq/kWh.” The NREL researchers believe that as technology improves, its carbon footprint will decrease. Natural gas contributes over 7 times the amount of CO2 emissions relative to solar energy. Coal gives off over 16 times the amount of CO2 emissions compared to solar.

Where a household’s energy originates from makes a difference of how environmentally impactful a switch to solar can be. The main sources of electricity in the U.S. is from coal at 33 percent and natural gas at 33 percent. However, not all states are equal when it comes to energy usage and carbon emissions. For instance, Wyoming harvests only 120 metric tons of CO2 per person, while New York is under 10 metric tons. Variables are due to numerous factors; weather, population density, and fuel source. 

Move into the future with solar with the help of HahaSmart. Try our price checker tool and see how affordable solar really is. We can also help find qualified solar installers who can help save you money on the cost of going solar. Don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles, about going solar.