There is enough solar energy to meet our global energy needs for years to come. We just have to tap into it correctly! That’s because solar energy is available whenever and wherever we need it – except during power outages, naturally. So in the next few years, we can expect to see more and more of the world shifting to renewable energy sources. It will inevitably happen. As a matter of fact, countries like France have already made going green an imperative, mandating that all new homes be built with solar panels and that all electricity be generated by renewable resources.
But how exactly does solar energy benefit us? Let’s take a quick look here.
New Energy Options
The first and most obvious way that solar energy benefits us is in the form of new energy options, made possible by modern technology. Back in the day, solar energy was mainly used to provide heat for industrial processes. But today, it can be converted to usable electric power through a variety of methods, such as photovoltaic cells and solar cells. This allows us to generate electricity at will.
Photovoltaic cells are responsible for converting solar energy into usable electricity. This is the most commonly used way of harnessing solar energy because it is so simple to implement and has low costs associated with it. Solar cells work in a similar fashion, collecting energy from the sun and storing it in a ready-to-use form that can be used for electric power generation. So both photovoltaic cells and solar cells allow us to generate electricity where and whenever we want it, without needing to rely on other forms of energy such as fossil fuels or nuclear power.
Saving Money
Apart from providing us with reliable energy and giving us new energy options, solar energy also helps us save money. Whether it’s paying off that mortgage or saving to fund that dream vacation, having solar energy allows us to do so. It reduces our energy bills by making power available where and when we need it.
The costs associated with solar energy are also declining rapidly as technology advances and more people are interested in going green. We’re already seeing this as more and more homeowners are opting to install solar panels on their roofs. It doesn’t cost much to install a solar energy system, and neither do the savings it brings in the long term. So in addition to providing us with a reliable energy source, the environment, and our wallet, solar energy is also helping us save money.
Reduced CO2 Emissions
Another major benefit of solar energy is its ability to reduce CO² emissions. If you’ve been following the news over the last several years, you’ll know that CO² emissions are still a major concern. We’re causing climate change, and it’s becoming more apparent that fossil fuels are to blame. So any way we can reduce our fossil fuel dependence is a step in the right direction.
You may be asking yourself, “What exactly are CO² emissions?” Basically, CO² is carbon. When fossil fuels are combusted, they give off carbon which builds up inside the atmosphere. This is why our planet is experiencing climate change. When fossil fuels are combusted, they give off CO² which is dangerous to our environment.
Fortunately, solar energy is carbon free. So, instead of emitting this into the atmosphere, where it will cause further climate change, solar energy collects it and stores it for future use. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding a way to make the world a better place, and reducing our carbon footprint is a great way to do it. When fossil fuels are combined with solar energy, they create a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. This combination makes clean, green energy more affordable and available than ever before.
Protecting Our National Security
Our national security is also a big issue. With the uncertainty surrounding global oil and gas prices, and the continuous threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and similar extremist groups, we’re always looking for ways to protect ourselves. One of the best ways to do this is by limiting our energy dependence. We rely on imported oil for transportation, so reducing our energy dependence means reducing the chances of a complete oil and gas crisis. Also, if we rely on other countries for our energy, there’s always the threat of an attack.
But with the increased use of drones and other forms of automated delivery, there isn’t as much need for troops on the ground. That means we can reduce our military footprint, and protect ourselves without needing to be in another country.
While we’re on the subject of security, let’s not forget about securing our homes and businesses electronically. Today, we have enough power to protect our homes and small businesses from hacking and similar attacks. But we often forget that technology is also how the bad guys get in, so we have to be careful with what we use. In most cases, a cheap WiFi router is more than sufficient to protect your property from outside attacks.
Fewer Outages
Finally, we need to mention the most obvious advantage of solar energy: its ability to reduce power outages. If you live in the US, you’ll know that power outages are common. The weather conditions that cause power outages aren’t limited to just our country. Storms, snow, ice, and cold temperatures can all cause power outages. So can a broken grid connection.
Whether we’re just talking about everyday technology or something more complex, like the electrical grid, solar energy allows us to reduce the number of interruptions. If your home or business is dependent on other forms of energy, especially if it’s an unstable energy source like coal or oil, you’ll experience outages frequently. But with solar energy providing us with clean power 24/7, we can rest assured that our electricity will be available when we need it.
In most cases, choosing renewable energy sources over fossil fuels reduces our dependence on other forms of energy and makes us more self-sufficient, improving our quality of life while providing national security and economic sustainability. So let’s all work together to find and use renewable energy sources – it’s the only way to save the environment and ourselves!