The Benefits of Solar Energy
We’ve discussed the disadvantages of solar energy, but what about it’s benefits? Solar has gained serious momentum since it was first introduced a few decades ago.
Obviously it’s many supporters aren’t totally mistaken; solar energy has a lot of things working in its favor. It’s renewable, versatile, and environmentally friendly. And as an added bonus, owners of homes with solar panels can benefit from serious cost savings in the long run – so let’s take a look at a few of the benefits of solar energy.
Since it comes from the sun, solar energy is almost infinitely renewable. Technically, yes, it will run out – but that’s a problem we won’t need to worry about for four billion years. This renewable factor makes it an excellent source of power. Current energy sources like oil don’t even come close to matching solar in this category.
Most of us have heard about Peak Oil, and threats like that are only going to become more frequent as the world’s energy needs continue to increase. Unlike traditional fossil fuel sources, we can never exhaust our supply of solar energy.
The versatility and general accessibility of solar power is another one of the benefits of solar energy. Our current power grid relies on the burning of fossil fuels at a central location, followed by a distribution system of power lines. If you don’t live near power lines, you don’t get electricity. This isn’t the case with solar power. Although solar energy can still be distributed through power lines, it can also be generated on the spot using solar panels. This means that solar can be harnessed anywhere. Whether you’re on a highway, in the desert or virtually anywhere else, solar power is an accessible form of energy.
Another one of solar power’s advantages, and one that is frequently cited by its supporters, is the environmentally friendly nature of the energy source. There is no pollution released into the atmosphere with the generation of solar power. Unlike fossil fuels, there greenhouse gasses and other harmful elements are not released into the atmosphere. And, unlike nuclear power, solar power doesn’t leave behind waste that can be potentially hazardous to the environment.
Now, there are two sides to every story, and there are to sides to the story of just how friendly solar energy is to the environment. Critics have argued that the manufacturing of solar panels leads to more greenhouse gas emissions than the use of fossil fuels. This criticism was debunked in a study of major solar cell manufacturers from 2004 to 2006, wihch found that manufacturing solar cells resulted in far fewer pollutants.
As an added bonus, solar becomes even more environmentally friendly when you consider the energy saved on transportation. Fossil fuels are not only burned to create energy, but they also have to be extracted and then transported to a power plant. When you consider how much energy is used worldwide each day, it becomes evident that a significant amount of pollution and energy use comes just from creating that energy. Unlike fossil fuels, solar never needs to be transported. It can be generated virtually anywhere, further reducing the world’s energy use by taking away the need to transport fossil fuels.
One of the last benefits of solar energy that you should be aware of is the cost. You’ll never have to pay an electricity bill again if you live in a home that runs off of solar panels. Although the upfront cost of the panels can be considered high by some, solar power pays for itself over time and then becomes a money saver. On top of this, some areas let you sell excess solar energy back to the power companies – although it’s not recommended as a business venture.
Solar power presents a tremendous amount of potential. The benefits are far more numerous than what we’ve listed here. With the price of solar falling year by year, these benefits are only becoming more and more attractive.
