Despite the ongoing prevalence of oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power, global energy production takes a green turn. With unprecedented levels of CO2 emissions and pollution, not to mention the depletion of nature’s resources, we must turn to renewable energy sources. Going green is guaranteed to limit the catastrophic effects of fossil fuel consumption and ensure a prosperous environment for future generations. Among the top renewable energy sources is solar power, which is energy harnessed from the sun in photovoltaic panels.
It has been criticized for being too expensive or inefficient, but with technological advancement, solar energy can now provide abundant and clean energy for all mankind for years to come. In that spirit, let’s explore some of the benefits of using solar energy for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
Sustainability
One of the main advantages of turning to solar power is that it truly is a renewable energy source. Because the sun appears every day and everywhere on earth, its potential for energy production is virtually boundless. Unlike fossil fuels that are present under our feet in scarce quantities (and whose reserves are quickly dwindling with each passing day), the sun will keep shining for at least another 5 billion years, giving us enough time to adopt it as our main source of energy. Solar power is also far less damaging to the environment than producing energy in nuclear plants, which requires around 20 times more water and leaves biohazards behind.
Diversity of Applications
Solar energy is one of the most versatile renewable energies there is with all of its direct applications. Not only can it produce massive amounts of electricity for the common needs of households, commercial venues, and entire neighborhoods, but it is also great at generating heat using thermal power. Solar energy is also becoming popular in isolated areas with limited electrical supply, water distillation purposes, and powering satellites in space. With the sophistication of technology, we can only expect this portfolio of applications to grow in the near future.
Reduced Energy Bills
Equipping a home, a retail shop, or a factory with solar energy solutions is bound to reduce utility bills dramatically. Depending on the installation’s size in question, homeowners or business owners can expect to cut their bills by half! The Australia-based experts at Shoalhaven Solar explain that installing commercial solar panels can generate massive savings. Larger solar energy solutions will cover a good portion of energy usage. Besides, any unused surplus produced can be exported back to electrical main grids for a profit. So, whether you have a business in California or Australia, going solar is a smart and future-proof move.
Low Maintenance
Maintenance is another attractive benefit of switching to solar energy. Contrary to traditional electrical systems that can fail and call for replacement, photovoltaic or thermal panels only require cleaning a few times a year. Because it is a fixed installation that does not involve any moving parts, repairs only involve the inverter (which converts sunlight into electrical current) once every 5 to 10 years. As such, the maintenance rate is relatively low and cost-efficient. Coupled with a manufacturer’s guarantee that lasts 20 to 25 years on average, this makes for a super convenient alternative.
A Gesture for the Planet
By investing in solar energy today, you directly contribute to reducing your carbon footprint, encourage local companies, and support pioneering technology that will become mainstream within a couple of years. As a matter of fact, solar power does not produce greenhouse gases, nor does it pollute the waters, the air, or produce noise pollution. You will also be less reliant on non-renewable energy sources and earn money from the unused energy you produce with your private installation. Placing solar panels on your house’s roof or integrating them on your commercial building also sets an example; by raising awareness, you will contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally responsible urban landscape.
All things considered, going-eco friendly is now more possible and necessary than ever. Since we are all fully aware of the effects of pollution and global warming, it is time to take a collective step to safeguard the planet and limit the damages caused by decades of resource exploitation and reckless behavior. As we’ve seen throughout this guide, there is no shortage of compelling reasons to switch to solar energy. It certainly calls for a sizable initial investment, but the pros clearly outweigh the cons.
