Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar
energy is our future. Our world has too long relied on the unsustainable
fossil fuel. Fossil fuels damage our environment and we have developed
an unhealthy addiction to them. It’s time to break the cycle.
Solar energy is clean, cost-efficient, and environmentally and economically
friendly. Solar equipment is easy to install with little need to dig.
This form of energy just makes sense in our world.
Solar energy is abundant. It’s a totally renewable source of energy.
The power comes from the sun. The sun is free and inexhaustible. The
supply will last as long as the sun lasts. Using the sun helps us to
be in tune with nature and the cycles of our planet. Humans need to
strive to work with the environment- not against it. When we use roof
top panels our supply grows in line the demand.
The most important aspect of solar energy is the positive effect on
the environment. There is no noise, very little pollution, and no greenhouse
gases. Again the sun is a renewable source of energy so there is no
strain on the environment. The surface of our planet absorbs the energy
equivalent of a barrel of oil for every square meter from our sun. Solar
energy emits no carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases. There is no damage
to our ecosystem the way oil drilling does. The only pollution is from
the manufacturing of the equipment and is nothing compared to current
pollution output from fossil fuels.
Solar energy is very cost effective. The sun is free. There is no charge
for sunshine. For those who cannot afford traditional energy an investment
in solar equipment provides long lasting energy for generations to come.
Solar panels require almost no maintenance after installation and have
a long working life. Wind turbines are noisy and may breakdown. Even
though the initial price of installation can be high money is saved
in the long run on electric bills. Energy can be stored for use on dark
hours and inclement weather. The cost of the equipment is also declining
due to advances in technology. The prices of fossil fuels are on the
rise and will only continue to grow. The actual cost of running the
solar energy in the home is low. Most governments give out grants, rebates,
and tax credits for those using solar power. Power bills can also be
reduced by selling energy back into power grids.
If the health of the planet and low running costs isn’t a motivator
enough, consider the positive economic benefits. For those third world
countries or people who live in remote areas providing their own power
is invaluable. Some people use unsafe kerosene heaters and candles for
heat which can be very dangerous. As a community grows the availability
for roof top panels grows as well therefore keeping supply and demand
in line. Countries that are poor in fossil fuels can become independent
and productive members of the world market. Installing the panels and
managing an independent power station will generate jobs for locals.
The energy is always there, making it reliable in times of political
and economic crisis. Those in developed countries can help break up
power company monopolies and encourage local businesses to run self
sufficiently.
While solar energy has many advantages there are a few disadvantages.
The initial cost of installation can be steep, but when one takes overall
savings into mind it can be seen as a wise investment. When the weather
or air pollution is bad it may be harder to harvest the sun’s
power. This disadvantage can be combated by using an energy storage
system that saves up power for use in the nocturnal hours and dark days.
With a little consideration most of the obstacles that may be presented
by solar energy can be overcome. Technology improves everyday and with
the cost of non-renewable energy on the rise it’s easy to see
why our global community needs to focus on the future. Solar power is
the future.