The Health & Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar being the renewable energy sources are safer because they produce little to no global warming emissions. This means the reduction of air and water pollution and abundant renewable energy source directly from the sun. Therefore, increasing the supply of renewable energy will reduce global warming emissions to a significant level.

The health and environmental benefits are as follows:

>>Solar reduces air pollution

Harmful carbon dioxide and methane emissions from fossil fuels, our traditional energy source, are leading contributors to global warming and decreased air quality. But generating electricity with solar panels produces no greenhouse gasses whatsoever. In fact, the solar capacity currently installed across the United States is expected to offset as much as 16.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. That's a huge step towards mitigating the human impact of climate change.

>>Solar reduces water pollution

While all manufacturing processes require some water, solar photovoltaic cells don't need water to generate electricity. This is one of the biggest, yet least talked about environmental benefits of solar. Traditional biomass and geothermal power plants, such as natural gas and coal-fired facilities, require massive amounts of water to facilitate their vital cooling requirements. With solar energy there is no pollution of local water resources, nor does their operation (which again requires NO water) strain local supplies through the competition with agriculture, drinking systems, and other vital water needs.

>>Solar reduces the need for finite resources

Solar energy is renewable. The sun is the world's most abundant energy source, producing an amazing 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second. That's more than 10,000 times the world's total combined energy use, and it can be used over and over again. In contrast, fossil fuels are non-renewable and while they may seem in abundance today, there will come a time when the world will run out. Or, the cost of finding and extracting these sources will become too expensive. By that time, the resulting damage to our financial infrastructure and environment may be unrepairable. Switching to solar today is the best way to hedge against the reality of finite fuel resources.

>>Solar energy decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Generating electricity with solar power instead of fossil fuels can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Greenhouse gases, which are produced when fossil fuels are burned, lead to rising global temperatures and climate change. Climate change already contributes to serious environmental and public health issues including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem changes.

>>Solar energy reduces respiratory and cardio health issues

One of the biggest benefits of solar energy is that it results in very few air pollutants. It is found that widespread solar adoption would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions, all of which can cause health problems. Among other health benefits, solar power results in fewer cases of chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and lost workdays related to health issues.

In addition, due to the health hazards (breathing problems, heart attacks, cancer, etc) linked with air and water pollution, generating electricity from renewable energy will offer significant health benefits. The use of wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems positively impact electricity and water resources which affect daily human lives.

Solar is rapidly becoming one of the desirable options for power across the globe, specifically in developing countries. With proper research and investments, renewable energy is on the verge of becoming a staple source of energy while reducing costs, as consumers continue to recognize the need for clean, renewable energy.

For more details: Soura Natural Energy Solutions