Using solar power instead of other forms of energy can greatly reduce your carbon emissions. That’s why it’s such a popular way to go green.
Solar panels produce electricity by letting particles of sunlight knock electrons off their atomic orbitals. This energy is then captured on conductors and stored to be used later.
They Produce Electricity
Solar cells within the panels absorb light from the sun, which causes an electric current to flow. This current is then sent back to the electric grid, and used by customers to power their homes or commercial buildings, depending on the type of installation.
During peak sunlight hours, solar systems frequently produce more energy than they need to operate. This excess electricity is fed into the grid and credited to the customer at a ‘feed-in tariff’ (depending on your state and energy retailer).
Even when cloudy or solar panels aren’t generating enough energy to power a home, they can save on electricity costs and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. New technologies are developing to make solar panels work even when the sun isn’t shining, helping to transform the industry into a 24-hour power source that helps the world move towards net-zero emissions.
As technology improves, manufacturing and installing solar panels is cheaper than a decade ago. This makes it affordable for homeowners to install a solar system, even without subsidy. In addition, the materials that are used in panels are increasingly recycled, making solar energy more sustainable over time.
They Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
So what are the benefits of solar panels to the environment? Solar panels are a wonderful approach to lessen your carbon impact. They don’t emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during production or usage, in contrast to fossil fuels.
In addition, the electricity generated by solar panels doesn’t have to be imported from the grid. Instead, the excess energy produced by a home solar system is used to power other homes in the area. This displacing the electricity produced by large commercial power stations helps to cut the carbon emissions associated with producing electricity from these sources.
The average residential solar panel installation saves 3,000 pounds of CO2 annually – equivalent to planting about 150 trees for the system’s lifetime!
However, many still need to learn how effectively solar reduces carbon emissions. For example, some critics argue that installing solar panels on brownfield land in densely populated areas will cause the land to become more degraded, leading to increased environmental damage.
They Recycle
Solar panels are a terrific method to cut carbon emissions and save money on power expenses, but they also need to be recycled when they have served their purpose. This is crucial if the panels contain hazardous substances like lead that seep into landfills when they decompose.
About 10% of solar panels are recycled in the United States, but it can be challenging and costly. For one, many materials used to make solar panels are not easily recyclable.
For example, the glass and metals used to make the panels must be separated before reusing them. This is done using heat and acids.
Similarly, the silicon in the panel’s cells must be melted to recover it for use in new panels. Once the components have been reclaimed, they can be recycled into other products.
Solar panel recycling may be improved, but it is progressing. Businesses are attempting to improve it and concentrating on methods to raise the components’ worth within the panels. For instance, the French startup ROSI is constructing a facility to recover silicon and silver from used solar panels.
They Reduce Water Use
Solar panels are a great choice if you’re looking for a way to cut your electricity bills. They use no water to create power, unlike most fossil fuel sources.
One way that solar can help save water is by cutting out the electricity needed to cool concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, which have a reputation for using a large amount of water for cooling. This is a serious concern, especially in places like Nevada where the state’s aging solar power plants, such as the Ivanpah plant near Las Vegas, are known for their enormous water uses.
Another way that solar can save water is by helping to reduce the water used by water-intensive energy production processes. In addition, solar can also help to reduce water usage by providing a cleaner, renewable source of power for homes and businesses. Solar power can be generated in any climate, making it a practical option for areas with limited supply or high electricity demand.
They Increase Property Value
Solar power is an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fuel sources like coal, natural gas, and biomass. It helps reduce carbon emissions, air pollution, and water consumption.
Aside from the energy savings, many homeowners also choose to install solar panels to improve their home’s value. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell faster and for more money than those without them.
The resale value of your solar panel system depends on several factors, including your location, the size of your system, and the age of your system. Additionally, your system’s quality and capacity will affect how much it adds to your property’s value.
While solar panels do have a limited useful life, they’re still worth the investment in most places. As long as you keep your solar panels up-to-date and in good condition, they’ll continue to increase the resale value of your home.
