The impact of electricity generation on the environment cannot be overlooked. As our need for power increases with each wave of new technology, the negative impact from electricity usage on the earth continues to rise simultaneously. From melting ice caps to loss of habitat, many of us are ready to move away from traditional methods of electricity to save the planet. Solar panels’ efficiency provides an undeniable way to reduce our carbon footprint on the Earth. Let’s find out how.
The Slippery Slope of Traditional Power
About 64 percent of electricity production in the United States is from coal or natural gas, which diminishes natural resources. Nuclear accounts for another 20 percent and only a meager 15 percent comes from renewable sources like solar.
The primary damage from burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas is the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. While CO2 is not directly harmful to life on Earth, the continual buildup of it in the atmosphere leads to a cascading negative effect on the environment.
A Warmer Planet
CO2 is the leading contributor to global warming, an unquestionably destructive process. While a few extra degrees of heat might seem like a welcome change during a harsh New England winter, the tradeoff is hotter, drier summers and more frequent drought. Oceans are also getting warmer, which leads to stronger and more frequent tropical storms. In turn, these storms are affecting a lot of New England’s coastal communities.
Globally, here are just a few effects resulting from global warming:
- Increased drought and wildfires in central plains.
- Increased flooding along waterways.
- Changing climate for crop growth around the world.
- Changing natural landscapes and habitats including melting glaciers, rising seas, forest destruction, and more.
While New England is facing a number of global issues, there are region-specific effects, too. The Northeast is expected to warm faster than other areas in the US. While the rest of the world’s temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius (33.8 degrees Fahrenheit), the Northeast has risen by 1.3 degrees Celsius (34.34 degrees Fahrenheit). While this may look like a small difference, the number is still rising and can only be expected to worsen.
Solar Panels’ Efficiency Comes to the Rescue
While there is a bit of environmental impact from the production and installation of solar panels, they are as close to a silver bullet as it gets for a world that isn’t going to reduce energy consumption significantly.
The benefits of solar panels’ efficiency include:
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Solar panels are not zero-impact, but their emissions are 300 times lower than coal. We’ll take it, and we’re assuming every species on Earth would say the same.
- Reduced Demand on the Grid. When homeowners generate their own energy, there is reduced demand on the main grid, a complex system that requires maintenance and upkeep on a continual basis.
- Health Benefits to Humans. Simply having cleaner air will keep people healthier and happier. Upper respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD will be reduced. Plus, maintaining a relatively cool Earth will keep the populations of insects that spread infectious disease in check.
- Reduced Impact to Ecosystems. As fossil fuels get used up, extracting them becomes more difficult and dangerous from techniques like fracking, drilling, and mining. In contrast, if we ever lose the sun as a source of power, we’ll have a lot more to worry about than global warming.
Saving Energy — And Money, Too!
An added bonus of leveraging solar panels’ efficiency for your home is an increase in the size of your wallet. Once your solar panels are up and running, it costs virtually nothing to generate clean, renewable energy. Not only can you enjoy guilt-free electricity consumption at home, but you’ll spend a fraction of the money that you would normally pay on electricity every month.
If you’re ready to do your part to save the planet and save money on energy bills, contact Wattson Home Solutions for a free consultation. We’ll determine whether your home is a good candidate for solar, then create a customized plan for your home and family. What are you waiting for? Request your free solar consultation today!
