Environmental concern is increasing rapidly, and people are trying to do what they can to be more environmentally conscious. Renewable energies have become a significant focus for many homeowners, business owners, and large corporations across the United States. Solar energy, for example, is being widely used by big businesses and regular homeowners to preserve energy and become more environmentally friendly. Here are a few ways solar energy can benefit the environment:
Can Improve Health
The use of solar energy can drastically decrease the potential for air pollution. Air pollutants are often responsible for many respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems. The widespread use of solar energy would significantly reduce the emittance of nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide, both of which can cause serious health problems. Overall, solar panels can be used as a source of energy that won’t contribute to air pollution.
Reduce Greenhouse Gasses
Greenhouse gasses are produced when fossil fuels burn; they are one of the main contributors to an increase in global temperatures and climate change. Your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced by the use of solar energy and other renewable forms. According to Vivint Solar, “As the carbon count continues to increase, so will our retention of heat from the sun. These changing air conditions will continue to affect different climates, causing some to warm, others to cool, and causing weather patterns everywhere to become more sudden and volatile.”
Decreases Water Pollution
Water usage is high when it comes to producing energy. For example, both hydropower and nuclear energy require water to generate electricity. Specifically, energy sources such as natural gas, coal-fire, or nuclear power all need water for cooling purposes as well. While these are more traditional forms of energy, solar energy is more modern and requires much less water to generate electricity. Additionally, the use of solar power poses a decreased risk to any local water sources; thus improving the condition of drinking systems, agriculture, and many other processes that require the use of water.