As solar energy becomes more easily available, more families are wondering if home solar energy is right for them. According to EcoWatch, every 1.5 hours, enough sunlight reaches our planet's surface to meet global energy needs for a whole year. Now that there is better equipment and technology to capture this energy, individuals must be educated on how home solar energy can help the environment. Let's look at a few ways this clean energy option helps our planet.
 

Reduces Greenhouse Emissions

According to the United Nations, when electricity is generated with fossil fuels, greenhouse gases are emitted into our atmosphere. This includes carbon dioxide. As a result, we are facing a global warming effect that is escalating climate changes on our planet. Climate changes are contributing to severe environmental and health issues. These include extreme weather events, sea levels rising, and a changing ecosystem. This affects the day-to-day lives of everyone living on Earth.

By switching to solar energy and reducing greenhouse gases, humans can effectively start to shrink our carbon footprint on the planet. When one home installs a solar energy system, it can have a quantifiable effect on the environment. The U.S. Energy Administration reports that the average household uses 10,632 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. If that home switches away from fossil-fueled electricity, it creates the same emissions-reducing effect of planting 125 trees a year. This is a powerful way that individual homes can better our planet.

Improves Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health Issues

One aspect of solar energy that many people don't consider is the effect it has on the health of those in our community. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that solar energy releases no air pollutants. Consequently, this clean energy source does not further contaminate the air in our communities. Contaminated air contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. Energy Sage claims that using solar power can help to reduce nitrous oxide, sulfur oxide, and particulate matter in the air. Communities benefit by experiencing fewer lung problems such as bronchitis and a lost workday due to these health issues.

Switching to solar energy produces a variety of benefits environmentally, socially, and financially. If you've been considering home solar energy, now is the time. You can start helping your planet today. Please contact Carlson Electric to learn more about switching to solar power.