Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that has been making waves in the world of sustainability due to its clean and efficient production. Solar energy can be found in many forms, such as photovoltaics (PV) for electricity generation, solar installation Sydney for hot water supply, or solar thermal power plants for larger-scale electricity generation. The use of this sustainable technology is growing rapidly, with installations forecasted to reach 1 terawatt in a few years.
Because it does not require burning fossil fuels like coal or natural gas - which are responsible for nearly two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions – solar energy is a major pillar in the fight against climate change.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, here are some interesting and significant ways solar energy impacts the environment.
Improved Air Quality
Solar power does not produce air pollutants or toxic by-products, unlike traditional electricity sources such as coal and diesel fuel which are known for their high levels of emissions and hazardous chemicals. By using renewable energy sources, we can reduce our dependence on polluting sources that generate air pollution.
Reduced Water Usage
Traditional energy production requires a large amount of water, while photovoltaic systems do not need water to operate, thus reducing water consumption by up to 90%.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Another advantage of solar is that it operates silently and without vibration, so you don’t have to worry about noise pollution in your community.
Reduced Land Use
PV systems require much less land than traditional power sources. For example, a SolarPower Europe report states that “one solar photovoltaic system with a capacity of 1 MW covers an area of 6,000 m2, while a coal plant needs 12-15 times more land (72,000 – 90,000 m2)”.
Biodiversity Benefits
Planting vegetation around the solar panels provides additional benefits to the environment. This type of vegetation is known as agrivoltaics and has positive impacts on biodiversity by planting trees or shrubs around the panels which can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion caused by water runoff. As a bonus, this type of vegetation can also provide a home for small animals, such as birds and insects.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Solar energy is a clean source of renewable energy that does not emit any greenhouse gases during operation. This contributes to reducing the global carbon footprint which would otherwise be caused by the burning of fossil fuels which release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Job Creation
The shift towards solar energy has created new job opportunities, particularly in countries where solar technology is being rapidly adopted due to government incentives and tax breaks.
Increased Energy Independence
Countries that rely heavily on imported fossil fuels can use solar power as an alternative, domestic form of electricity production, increasing their dependence on other countries.
Cheaper Electricity
Solar energy is becoming increasingly cheaper as technology progresses, making it an attractive option for businesses and households alike.
Long-Term Benefits
Once photovoltaic systems are installed, they can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance costs. This makes solar energy a long-term solution that will benefit both people and the planet.
Improved Grid Reliability
Photovoltaic systems can be used to supplement existing power grids by providing distributed generation which helps to make them more reliable and less prone to outages due to storms or other natural disasters.
Storage Capacity
Some solar installations also include storage capacity in the form of batteries which allow for energy to be stored during the day and used at night, providing a more reliable source of electricity.
These are just some of the ways solar energy positively impacts the environment. As renewable energy continues to become more affordable and accessible, its adoption rate will likely continue to increase in both developed and developing countries all over the world. Solar power can help mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, conserving water resources, and creating new job opportunities – making it an important tool for tackling global warming.
