Solar Energy vs. Traditional Energy Production

Renewable Solar Resource has long been concerned with the safety of your home and your environment.  Sometimes people have researched conversion to solar power but there are certain questions that come up over and over.  We feel that solar power is better for you and the environment than traditional electricity sources.  We have a brief overview here, but when you want an in depth conversation on how to convert and what to expect, call us at (888) 432-9024.  We think you will be surprised at how much of a difference you can make.

Greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions:  Converting your home or commercial building to run on solar power is not just a way to convert clean energy from the sun into power for your home.  The conversion reduces your dependence on fossil fuel and reduces greenhouse gas byproducts from electricity production.   Solar energy systems and power plants do not produce air pollution, nor do they release greenhouse gases.  Think back to mid-March, during the pandemic shutdown.  Did you notice clearer skies when the world stopped?  Imagine a world where most of the energy came from solar power, with those skies clearer than we have seen in a long time.  National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that  widespread solar adoption would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions, all of which can cause health problems. That means healthier breathing for us all.

Reduction of Water pollution: The process of harvesting Coal and Natural gas uses water.  When the water is released back into the environment it is tainted with pollutants. The water used in the process of conversion of coal or natural gas into electricity is massive.  Some water is used to produce solar panels as well, but the total amount of water needed to generate solar electricity is far less than more traditional electricity sources.  Nuclear, natural gas and coal fire facilities continue to require huge quantities of water for cooling and other purposes.  Solar power plants don’t need the same levels of water, nor do they harm local agriculture, drinking systems or other vital water needs in their neighborhood.

Unlimited Solar can Reduce strain on the earth’s finite resources.  Global population continues to expand and the demand for electricity is constantly rising, straining fossil fuel sources of power.  Solar Energy does not use up the Sun, it only converts the energy of the sun into electrical power for consumption.  That means solar energy is renewable energy that will not strain our planet’s resources.

Because solar energy systems and power plants reduce dependency on fossil fuel generated electricity, the solar source can have a positive indirect effect on the environment as well. The harvesting of fossil fuels, coal and natural gas, are more harmful to the environment and have limited availability.  You would be moving from limited to an unlimited resource.

Get rid of the electric bill.  When you convert to solar power, in effect, you will be making your own electricity.  You won’t have to pay the utility company to keep supplying you with electricity, so those bills will be gone.  There are federal, state and local rebates and tax incentives, that offset the cost of installation.  When you are on the grid and you produce more electricity than you use, the extra power results in credits or money back. 

There has been an explosion of conversion to solar energy in the United States, partly due to the falling cost of solar panels and partly because rebates and incentives make the conversion even more affordable. 

Solar Conversion Concerns:

There are some toxic materials and chemicals used to make the photovoltaic (PV) cells (Solar panels) that convert sunlight into electricity.  Leaks of these materials could be harmful to the environment, so the use and disposal of these substances is regulated by the US Government. 

When the panels are attached to an existing rooftop of a home, there is not a need to clear additional ground for the panel placement.  On the other hand, as with any other type of power plant, clearing land for construction and placement of a power plant may have an impact on the adjacent ecosystem. The plant may use water for cleaning solar collectors and concentrators or cooling turbine generators, which also would affect the vicinity.  Clearing of trees will always have a negative effect, regardless of the type of plant being built.   The bottom line is that while every form of electricity production will have some impact on the environment, solar power is far less than its competition, and you get to save the world.