Can photovoltaic panels help the environment?
In recent years, there has been an increase in the adoption of Solar energy in Australia across the world. Many people are realizing the benefits of solar energy and making the switch, for various reasons. One of the most frequent reasons that has influenced the growing popularity of solar energy is the greater convenience compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Solar Panel Price in Australia Once installed, photovoltaic panels can create enough energy to dramatically reduce, or eliminate, your utility bills. Over time, panels pay for themselves, so it's not surprising that more and more companies and homes are investing in them.
In addition to the financial benefits, the positive aspects of using solar energy concern the environment and the world's populations.
If you are considering purchasing photovoltaic panels for your home or business, knowing the benefits of solar energy for the environment will help you make an informed decision.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy was created to replace non-renewable fossil fuels, which were extracted from the earth and burned to create energy.
After they are burned, fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil can no longer be used. This process disintegrates our natural resources, which we are rapidly depleting…
THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
Today, most of our electricity comes from fossil fuels (coal, oil): now we are starting to see the side effects.
Fossil fuel-based energy comes from natural resources in the soil. Drilling, surface mining, and fracking methods are used to extract fossil fuels from the earth.
These processes damage the surrounding environment by exposing toxic materials and contaminating groundwater and nearby streams. Land disturbance can also weaken the ecosystem, making it vulnerable to extreme floods and earthquakes.
To locate additional sources of oil, the search took drilling into the ocean, disturbing fish and marine life. This creates the added risk of oil spills, which have already devastated ecosystems in the past (for example, the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that exploded in 2010).
Oil leaks are also possible during transportation. Ocean-going oil tankers and pipelines transport oil across land and sea. These vessels are prone to accidental leaks and spills, which are extremely harmful to the surrounding environment.
Once fossil fuels reach a power plant, they are burned, releasing toxic gases into the air. Burning fossil fuels creates electricity, but is also responsible for large emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxin. These byproducts are responsible for creating environmental and public health problems around the world.
Greenhouse gases cover our atmosphere and trap heat inside, leading to environmental crises such as global warming and climate change
HOW CAN PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?
In addition to providing a renewable energy source to compete with fossil fuels, solar energy brings important benefits to the environment in many ways.
1- PURIFIES THE AIR
The extraction and burning of fossil fuels releases toxic chemicals and molecules into the air, such as:
– Sulfur dioxide, mainly produced by the combustion of coal. It contributes to acid rain and can have harmful effects on breathing
– Nitrogen oxide, which is released by the combustion of all fossil fuels. It contributes to acid rain and creates smog
Acid rain and smog have long-range effects. Acid rain, for example, disturbs entire ecosystems, reducing the pH of lakes and rivers, killing fish and other aquatic life.
Solar energy, on the other hand, is good for the Earth, because it can reduce acid rain and eliminate smog, which causes chronic respiratory diseases.
Photovoltaic panels provide an alternative way to produce renewable energy, which does not create air pollution. Widespread use of solar energy would replace the need for power plants that emit dangerous pollutants into the air.
2- CONSERVE WATER
Traditional energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, use a lot of water to produce electricity. Even nuclear power, widely considered a clean energy source, uses the same amount of water as coal-fired power plants.
Water is an essential part of extracting, refining and using energy from fossil fuel sources.
Using coal as an energy source requires water at every step. Even though water is considered a renewable resource, clean water is becoming a rare commodity. Although most of the water used in power plants is returned to nature, some evaporates or becomes polluted, causing hardship in areas experiencing drought and water shortages. This process also allows toxic substances to leach into freshwater sources, impacting the environment.
Water conservation is another benefit of solar energy. Solar panels need very little water, preserving clean water sources and preventing contamination. Solar energy therefore even prevents shortages of clean water.
A study conducted by LUT University in Finland found that photovoltaic panel technology consumes 2% to 15% of the water used by coal and nuclear energy sources. If solar energy were used instead of coal or natural gas, large amounts of fresh water would no longer be used to create electricity.
Solar energy can significantly reduce water use, creating cleaner water that can be used for irrigation and consumption.
3- REDUCES CARBON EMISSIONS
Every year, the burning of fossil fuels emits 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The production process of photovoltaic panels, however, emits less than 15% of carbon dioxide compared to the combustion of coal. Once built, solar energy does not emit carbon dioxide. Converting to solar electricity would rapidly reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere.
4- CONTRIBUTES TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF CLIMATE CHANGE
As the burning of fossil fuels has increased greenhouse gas emissions, the danger of climate change has increased.
An important part of repairing the atmosphere and protecting the climate is adopting renewable energy sources.
Solar energy is renewable and has a much lower environmental impact than fossil fuels: it will be essential to combat climate change.
Solar energy minimizes demand for fossil fuels, reducing carbon dioxide emissions in our effort to combat climate change.
5- PROTECTS FINITE RESOURCES
The Earth has a limited amount of oil, coal and natural gas, which have been formed over millions of years. Current estimates indicate that:
Coal will last until 2090
The gas will last until 2060
Oil will last until 2052
Energy generated by burning fossil fuels depends on these resources and is not sustainable for producing electricity. These energy sources also require precious resources such as land, water and clean air.
Solar energy is sustainable because it doesn't take finite resources from the environment and doesn't require large portions of land for drilling and processing.
With solar energy, the future is bright: in every sense! You cannot use too much solar energy and the planet will also be protected.
HOW TO SWITCH TO SOLAR ENERGY
Okay! We've come to the end of our journey, where we delved into five ways solar energy can help the environment.
1- Purifies the air
2- Conserve water
3- Reduces carbon emissions
4- Contributes to solving the problem of climate change
5- Protects finite resources
Today it is really important to create your own energy independence, not only to do good for the planet, but also to save significant sums on your home or business bills.
The hope that now you can see the positive effect of solar energy on the environment. Installing photovoltaic panels is the right choice for you and the environment in which you live. The installation process is a simple and unique project that will have a lasting impact on the world around you.
If you're ready to experience the benefits of using solar energy, start with Energy Initiatives. We will create a solution that fits your energy needs and budget. We use only high-quality products, so you can expect excellent installation with prompt, respectful customer service.
From the bureaucratic process to the management and monitoring of the system up to assistance and any maintenance.
If you are fed up or tired of paying dearly for your bills and would like to see them reduced by up to 80%, doing good for the planet, perhaps taking advantage of the benefits that the State offers today, then visit our dedicated page and request a free analysis of your energy situation!
