Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Introduction

As the world deals with climate change and the degradation of the environment, solar energy has become one of the key players in sustainable energy solutions. With India becoming the world’s third-largest solar power generator, the country is driving significant growth in solar power generation. But are you yet aware of the environmental benefits of solar? This blog provides several environmental benefits of solar energy, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, saving water resources, conserving natural habitats, and decreasing wastes.

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Coal and natural gas are the only two traditional sources of energy. These sources, once burned, emit tremendous volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that have been documented to cause global warming and climate change.

According to studies, solar energy offsets millions of tons of CO2 annually. The use of solar power can help minimize the carbon footprint we create; thereby stabilizing the climate of the Earth. 

Reduction of Air Pollution

Solar energy plays a very important role in reducing air pollution. Some serious health effects are associated with key pollutants of conventional energy production, such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. In contrast, solar power plants emit no harmful pollutants. It has been established that the transition to solar energy will have effects of improved respiratory health outcomes and decreased asthma and other respiratory diseases prevalence. 

Conservation of Water Resources

When compared to o&m operations and maintenance solutions for power plants, fossil fuel plants use plenty of water in cooling and processing units. Though some of the solar technologies – like CSP – require high water for cooling purposes, the water footprint for solar energy is lower than fossil energy. In this regard, embracing solar energy will ensure that the precious resources of water are kept safe.

Preservation of Natural Habitats

Conventional types of energy require large stretches for mining, drilling, and production. This results in the killing of the whole ecosystem and the removal of wild animals from their own dwellings. Conversely, a solar power plant does not cause much destruction of natural habitats because most such installations are mounted on top of rooftops or disturbed lands. Furthermore, most solar projects involve environmental studies and mitigation measures to ensure that local wildlife and ecosystems are not harmed. 

Waste Reduction

Fossil power plants produce enormous amounts of waste like coal ash and drilling mud in the consumption and production of fuel. As solar technology is steadily becoming more sustainable, the industry finds better ways to recycle and reuse the panel parts. Nearly all of the solar panels are manufactured with recycling considered.  The components can be used in other applications without contributing to the waste of the landfills. 

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Source

Unlike limited and depleted fossil resources, the sun is a renewable and sustainable energy source for millions. Such reliability has been impactful in overcoming energy shortages as well as energy independence. By harnessing solar energy in the right way, homeowners can become energy-independent and save more on their monthly power bills.

Economic and social benefit

In addition to having benefits for the environmental setup of the earth, more economic and social benefits are associated with solar energy. The solar sector creates better employment opportunities in its manufacturing, installation and maintenance as well as in more research and development areas. Moreover, the distributed nature of solar energy can give the community more control and lower energy costs so that they can lead better lifestyles. In investing in solar energy, we protect the environment and communities themselves while pumping fuel into local economies that drive local economic growth.