Understanding solar power and carbon pollution

Solar power has become the most important source of energy on our planet. Fossil fuels are nearly depleted and the next century will not see the sort of carbon emissions that has fouled the earth. The sun is the source of all energy in the world However, it has only been a few decades since man learned how to utilize the sun directly for energy (electricity). Solar technologies subsequently took large leaps in efficiency making them useful for homes and businesses.

Solar solves the fossil fuel problem

Currently, due to education about the physical ramifications of pollution, people are seeking out energy sources that are renewable, clean, and safe. Renewable energy serves as an alternative to finite fossil fuels that are damaging our environment and health. However solar technology is not completely free from negative environmental impacts. In general, solar energy technologies fall into two broad categories:  Solar thermal systems and  Photovoltaic power generation. Each is superior environmentally compared to its conventional predecessor. 

Utility-scale solar operations

There are land use and ecological impacts involved with utility-scale solar energy facilities. These systems require large areas for collection of energy. Consequently, the facilities may interfere with existing land uses and can impact areas such as wilderness or recreational management ranges. As energy systems may impact land through materials exploration, extraction, manufacturing, and disposal, energy footprints increase. Impacts to the soil, water, and air resources The construction of solar facilities on vast areas of land necessitates clearing and grading, resulting in soil compaction, alteration of drainage channels and erosion. Central tower systems require large quantities of water for cooling, which is a problem in arid settings, because an increase in water demand may strain available water resources as well as chemical spills from the facilities which may result in the contamination of groundwater. The development of any large-scale industrial facility can produce hazards to air and water quality. Some of these threats include the release of soil-carried pathogens and contamination of water reservoirs. 

Hot water from solar thermal

Solar thermal systems are an ecological way of providing domestic hot water. These systems are experiencing a rapid growth since the last decade. This is a robust, efficient and simple technology to implement for individual households. Businesses would be wise to incorporate this technology.a

There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system!

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. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. 

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