How the earth benefits from solar energy

Man has polluted the earth and has the responsibility to fix the problem. But fossil fuels continue to be burned and the earth is paying the price. There are technologies in place that are beginning to address the problem. The financial and practical benefits of installing a solar energy system are becoming more obvious as costs continue to decrease.  Solar panels can provide as much as 100% of your electric usage depending on the amount of roof space available, solar access and other factors. For most businesses and homeowners, this is an obvious solution to their energy requirements. However, if you’re unsure about whether to get a solar system, you may want to consider the other benefits of solar energy, as well. Not only is solar energy a beneficial financial decision for your home or business, it can also contribute to the wellness of the environment and even to public health as a whole.  To help you better understand why solar energy is good for the environment, we’ve analyzed the differences between solar and traditional energy, the problems of traditional fossil fuels and why solar panels are better for the environment.

Solar energy vs. traditional energy

Estimates state that 67 percent of the electricity generated in the United States comes from fossil fuels — 33 percent from coal, 33 percent from natural gas and another one percent from petroleum sources. When burned, these energy sources can be used to produce electricity. However, they simultaneously produce a huge amount of greenhouse gases. These gasses get released into the atmosphere, poisoning the air and trapping heat within the earth’s atmosphere. The most prominent of these gases is carbon dioxide. Though it may just seem like harmless smoke, these gases can build up in the atmosphere, causing serious harm to the environment and public health.

Solar energy offers a solution that is available now

Solar energy uses light collected from the sun to produce electricity. The process typically includes sunlight hitting a solar panel, where the photons of light are converted into electrons, creating electricity. This electricity can then be converted into a form useable within the structure, at which point it can be immediately used. This process is fast, direct and produces little to no carbon emissions. Between manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling, solar power produces a total of 0.07 to 0.2 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour, a fraction of the amount produced by fossil fuels.

The many negative factors associated with fossil fuels

The environmental and public health problems associated with fossil fuels have become more prominent in the public eye. Many of these hazards are a result of the byproducts of the fossil fuel burning process, known more generally as “greenhouse gases.” These issues have arisen across the globe, causing several nations to pursue alternative energy production systems in an effort to decrease their greenhouse gas production.

Some of the negative aspects of fossil fuel-based energy include the following:

Harmful extraction process: The extraction of fossil fuels from the earth can be devastating to the environment. Strip mining, drilling, and fracking can all have negative impacts on the surrounding area. Strip mining leaves ecosystems more exposed to catastrophic flooding, while drilling can unearth toxic minerals, contaminating groundwater.

How can I do my part to use cleaner energy?

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool.

For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area