Did you know that about 40% of the energy generated in the U.S. comes from renewable sources? The biggest chunk of that is in energy produced by hydropower.
This means that there hasn’t been that much research done yet on solar energy and its many benefits. There’s no question that your home will be more energy efficient with solar, this is a great trend to be jumping on board with.
But what are all the environmental benefits of solar? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Reduces Air Pollution
Solar energy avoids the burning of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. It releases pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
These pollutants can have adverse effects on the environment. This includes things such as contributing to global climate change and local air quality.
Reduces Greenhouse Gasses
By using solar energy, large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses are reduced. Plus, global warming can be kept in check.
Furthermore, solar energy does not need drilling, mining, or transporting fossil fuels. Which, in turn, eliminates the air and water pollution associated with these processes.
Conserve Resources
By using solar energy instead of nonrenewable resources, we reduce our need to exploit natural resources and the pollution and emissions that often come with it. Additionally, solar energy can be generated right at the point of use. It eliminates the need for transmission lines which often come with a high environmental impact.
Conserves Energy
Solar power is a particularly attractive choice because solar energy is available in plenty and is 100% clean. Additionally, solar energy captures energy that would have otherwise been lost. Thus reduce the demand for energy.
Reduces Water Use
The use of solar energy eliminates the need for traditional sources of energy production. Conventional energy generators, such as coal-powered plants, need large amounts of water. This is to cool down the steam used to generate power.
Imagine the amount of water needed to cool a whole power plant! Solar panels generate energy without the use of water, meaning that no water is used in the production of energy. As a result, the amount of stress put on our water resources can be reduced, helping everyone in the long run.
Enhances Energy Security and Independence
With an increase in solar panel adoption, both residential homeowners and large corporations have the ability to generate their own renewable energy. This takes away the dependence on large corporations and energy providers. This helps reduce energy outages and provides energy security from external events, such as tariffs or natural disasters.
Creates Jobs in Renewable Energy
Going solar is beneficial to save the environment and creates jobs in renewable energy. It has seen a surge in popularity over the past several years. As more people become aware of the benefits of renewable energy sources such as solar.
By using solar energy, rather than burning fossil fuels, it decreases pollution and addresses climate change. This shift away from traditional energy sources also creates jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Not only in the engineering, manufacturing, and installation phases of solar but also in research and development and service and maintenance. These new jobs offer more employment opportunities for people with the right skills and drive to make renewable energy a reality.
Tax Savings
For those looking to be more environmentally responsible, solar energy is an excellent option. When solar panels are installed, federal and state governments often provide tax credits and other incentives for their use. This can save you a significant amount of money as you use sustainable energy.
Additionally, solar users can sometimes be refunded for any excess energy not used. This means that you could actually be making money by reducing your carbon footprint and reducing pollution in the environment.
These tax savings make solar energy a great investment, both financially and environmentally. The five types of tax savings that homeowners may take advantage of include:
Solar Rebate
This form of tax incentive is available in many countries and regions around the world. This involves providing direct cash-back payments over a specified period of time. This is for those who install and operate a solar electric power system on their property.
Solar rebates can vary depending on the region. But within the United States, the federal tax credit remains the most popular and well-known choice. This incentive allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the total solar system cost from their federal income taxes for the current taxable year.
Solar Credits
Solar credits offset the cost of owning a home-based or business-owned solar energy system. Solar owners have the option to sell unused tax credits to third parties.
Feed-in Tariffs
FITs are in place to encourage households to switch to renewable energy sources and also enjoy tax savings. For solar PV systems, FITs are paid for each unit (or kilowatt-hour) of electricity generated. Any electricity gained from FITs is added to the homeowner’s electricity bill and this in turn helps to offset installation costs.
Solar Loan Programs
Loans are usually interest-free for a period of time to help offset the cost of the solar system. This lowers the total cost of the system, allowing homeowners to benefit from solar technology without having to pay upfront.
Durability
Solar energy systems are designed to be durable in almost any environment, no matter how severe. Solar panels are strong and sturdy enough to withstand bad weather, high winds, and other natural disasters. Additionally, the components of solar energy systems are designed to last for decades.
Meaning consumers don’t have to worry about their panels wearing out. The structural and technological integrity of solar energy systems reduces the need for costly repairs and replacements. Also, their long-term durability reduces the environmental impact of electricity generation.
Reliability
Solar energy from the sun is both renewable and clean and is also far more reliable than other forms of energy due to its abundance and reliability. So, solar energy has the ability to provide power independent of an electric grid or other energy sources.
This means that it is dependent on the sun. Power surges are not subject to outages or power surges due to electricity grid blackouts or natural disasters. This gives individuals the peace of mind of knowing they have continuous access to electricity.
Reduced Electricity Bills
Going solar is an effective way to reduce electricity bills. Solar energy is a renewable energy resource that requires minimal maintenance and is pollution free. When you use solar energy in your home, you’ll see a decrease in your electricity bill.
Each month, be sure to compare your electricity usage. This is to ensure that you’re not using more electricity than necessary. There are several financial incentives available for homeowners who go solar.
Solar energy is also an environmentally-friendly option. As it produces no pollution, you can use clean energy without damaging the environment.
Solar energy systems have become more efficient and cost-effective over the years. It makes them an attractive option for those who want to save on their electricity bills and lower their carbon footprint.
Supporting Local Economies
By utilizing locally available resources, solar energy reduces electricity prices for local people. It creates jobs in construction, installation, and maintenance within communities. In addition, businesses, governments, and other entities can benefit by decreasing their electricity bills and allocating money that was allocated for electricity to other projects.
This creates more opportunities for economic growth and job creation. In addition, investing in solar energy could bring in new investments to the local area.
Furthermore, this will add a revenue stream and additional tax income for the community. As a result, solar energy has the potential to enhance the local economy. It makes an ideal clean energy solution for local communities.
Protect Wildlife
As America continues to rely on fossil fuel-powered energy, the burning of these fuels releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide into the environment. These are known to be responsible for damaging the air quality of our planet.
By transitioning to a solar energy grid, the emissions associated with power generation are reduced. Thus providing a safe, reliable source of energy while also helping to protect wildlife by improving air quality.
Making Your Home More Sustainable
Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a home, allowing homeowners to take advantage of the ability to generate their own electricity. Even on cloudy days, solar panels are able to generate a dependable amount of electricity. Additionally, solar panels can reduce the home’s energy usage by providing power during peak hours when the energy grid would not have enough energy for consumption.
Going solar is a great way to make your home more sustainable! Affordable solar panel installation allows for individual households to enjoy the power of the sun, and all the environmental benefits that come with it.
Ultimate Guide on the Environmental Benefits of Going Solar
Going solar can reduce people’s reliance on the grid while providing many environmental benefits. Going green also brings long-term economic benefits to households and helps fight global climate change.
So what are you waiting for? Go solar now and help the environment with clean energy!
Now that you’ve learned about the environmental benefits of going solar, don’t forget to browse our site for more information.