Solar power is generally known as “green energy,” but fewer people are aware of its specific environmental and public health benefits. You might not realize how substantial they are.
What is the impact of solar power on greenhouse gas emissions? What effect does it have on the ground and water supplies? What are the health benefits of solar energy for you and your community?
You can start finding new energy sources that benefit you, your community, and the environment by answering these questions. You can find a quick guide here.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Climate change is significantly influenced by atmospheric carbon dioxide. As it is absorbed by the atmosphere, it continues to radiate heat toward the earth for decades.
Public health is adversely affected by climate change. Climate change causes infectious diseases to spread more easily, increases droughts and famines and worsens natural disasters. Switching to solar energy can help mitigate these threats.
As solar panels do not require fuel that emits carbon dioxide to run, they prevent air pollution.
As a result, renewable energy sources will eventually displace nonrenewable sources that burn carbon dioxide, reducing the need for coal and oil that release heavy emissions into the atmosphere.
Methane Emissions
The relationship between carbon dioxide and climate change is well-known to many people. Methane is less well-known.
Carbon dioxide lasts longer in the atmosphere than methane. However, it traps more heat and radiation. Pound for pound, methane has a 25 times greater impact than carbon dioxide.
As a result of burning natural gas and petroleum, enormous amounts of methane are released into the atmosphere. The use or transmission of solar energy does not require methane. Therefore, the more solar power you use, the less natural gas and petroleum you use, and the less methane you emit.
Ground Pollution
There are several ways in which nonrenewable energy sources damage the ground. The spilling of oil into the soil harms plants and animals, and fracking for natural gas damages habitats and several layers of the ground.
While nuclear power does not contribute to carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, it can pollute the ground with radioactive materials. As a result, they render areas inhospitable and cause radiation poisoning in humans.
The use of solar panels does not significantly contribute to ground pollution. Solar panels won’t be contaminated by rainwater that washes off.
Solar panels contain lead and materials that can be hazardous. The average lifespan of solar panels is 25 years, so they pose little threat. When or if your panels deteriorate, you can recycle them.
By installing a solar panel over your lawn, you will prevent the grass from receiving sunlight and water. Place your panels in an area where plant growth will not be inhibited. Give it a little extra water if a plant grows under it.
Air Pollution
Every year, 4.2 million people die prematurely from outdoor air pollution, according to the World Health Organization. Air pollution is caused primarily by the burning of oil, which contains several carcinogenic chemicals.
Coal isn’t much better because it contains chemicals such as sulfur dioxide that can damage your lungs. When coal particulates enter your bloodstream, they can harm your organs.
Pollutants in the air can also damage your eyes both short- and long-term. Solar panels don’t pollute the air at all. Even if there’s a fire, the materials inside don’t escape into the air.
Transmission And Storage
Although urban planners try to locate power plants near residential areas, some are still far from homes.
To transfer electricity throughout the town, planners set up long transmission lines. Some electricity is lost during the transmission process, requiring the power plant to burn more fuel to compensate.
Solar panel systems don’t require long transmission lines, and only need to generate as much energy as you need.
You can transfer any excess generated energy to batteries and save it for power outage scenarios. Or you tap into stored battery power at night when your solar panels aren’t operating. You’ll ultimately avoid burning fossil fuels and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
The Substantial Solar Benefits
Solar energy emits no greenhouse gases and benefits owners as well as the planet in numerous ways. It displaces energy sources, like fossil fuels, that put carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
Solar panels do not pollute the ground or air, and don’t absorb water or contaminate rivers in any way. Their short transmission systems mean that they don’t waste energy, so you do not have to burn harmful fuels.
Find your solar solution to start reaping the environmental and public health benefits of solar. Michigan Solar and Roofing serves Michigan residents. Contact us today by calling 833-693-5779 or completing our online inquiry form to request a quote.
