With power prices at an all-time high and climate change becoming a global issue, more and more individuals are seeking sustainable energy alternatives. Going green is no longer a trend, it’s a lifestyle!
One of the most popular and effective sustainable energy sources is undoubtedly solar power. Not only is it a financially sound investment, but in many cases, it is also cheaper than the electricity you would buy from traditional sources.
In this guide, we will examine the benefits of solar power and how you can put it to use to lower your energy bills and maintain independence from the utility companies.
Cost-Effective
When you compare the cost of electricity produced by a solar power plant to that of conventional forms of energy, the savings are clear. According to the United States department of energy, the cost of electricity produced by a solar farm is around 6 to 14 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), while the average cost of electricity produced by a coal-fired power plant is around 16 to 23 cents per kWh. The price fluctuates based on the market at the time, but over the course of a year, this equates to significantly cheaper electricity generated by solar power.
The savings alone make investing in solar power worthwhile, but there are a number of other benefits as well. One of the primary reasons for the cost-effectiveness of solar power is its ability to generate electricity 24/7, regardless of the weather. This means you can set your schedule according to when the sun is strong and when it is not, and your electricity will be there when you need it. As a result, you will not have to worry about whether or not you will have power when you need it.
Saves Money
One of the main reasons millions of people are seeking alternative energies is because of the high cost of conventional energy. In many cases, the price fluctuates based on the time of day and the demand for electricity at that time, but sometimes it is as much as 30% higher at night than during the day. As a result, they are often forced to buy energy at inflated rates during peak demand periods, which are usually between 10 pm and 6 am.
This is where solar power comes in handy. As we have established, the price of solar energy is significantly cheaper than the price of conventional energy sources, which means you will save money in two ways: first, by purchasing cheaper energy, and second, by reducing your electricity bills. To give you an idea of how much cheaper, consider this: the average electric bill for a residential consumer in the U.S. is $180 per month, which equals $216 per year. If you follow the sun’s schedule and produce your own electricity with a solar power system, you will eliminate 96% of your monthly electricity bill – that’s $180 per month, or $2,160 per year. To bring this down to a more practical level, the U.S. government has established a solar credit card that can provide you with a 10% discount on all solar and renewable energies purchased on the card. This can easily reduce your monthly electricity bill by 10%, which is why, as a result of solar power, you will often hear people say they can pay off their electricity bill within a year or two. This allows them to live a more eco-friendly life without having to worry about whether or not they will have enough energy to light their homes or run their appliances.
Protects From Climate Change
Another significant benefit of going green with solar power is that you are helping to protect the environment by reducing your energy consumption. When you consider that the energy generated by a solar power plant is clean and renewable, you are reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are burnt by simply generating your own electricity. This helps to mitigate climate change, especially considering that many scientists believe that climate change is one of the major causes of increased energy consumption.
If you are interested, you can find out more about climate change and how you can reduce your energy consumption and protect the environment by going green at this website:
climate-change-mitigation
The reason why solar power is effective in reducing climate change is twofold. First, it requires very little human intervention in the generation process, which results in minimal energy consumption. Second, photovoltaic cells are extremely efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, which results in fewer energy wastage and fewer emissions produced by the process.
More Economical To Operate
One of the significant advantages of solar power is that it is more economical to operate in comparison to other forms of energy production. While the cost of setting up a solar power plant is significant, the initial investment is usually recovered within a couple of years of operation through cheaper energy generation and lower electricity bills. This makes solar power an attractive prospect for those seeking to gain independence from the utility companies and save money in the process.
This is also why many large corporations have invested in solar power plants in an effort to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and increase their sustainability. Large corporations such as Apple, Google, and many others have purchased solar energy systems for themselves. This provides them with cheaper and more sustainable energy, while also enabling them to reduce their carbon footprint. If you have a large corporation that you believe is seeking a more sustainable energy supply, you can contact them directly and offer your assistance.
Fewer Emissions
Not only does solar power produce fewer emissions, but it also emits fewer harmful ones. When petroleum is burnt in a conventional power plant, it usually results in the emission of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and water vapors. All of these are harmful substances that result in acid rain and air pollution. However, during the production of electricity with a solar power plant, these substances do not result from the process.
This also means that you do not need to purchase expensive air quality credits in order to operate a solar power plant. If you are interested in powering your home with solar energy, consider all of its advantages!
Health Benefits
Individuals who are seeking healthier living usually turn to green remedies, which often include the use of natural products and organic foods. There are various health advantages to going green, and one of the major benefits of generating your own electricity is that it enables you to have healthier and more environmentally sustainable living.
The fact that solar power does not produce harmful substances and instead protects the environment by reducing energy consumption means that it can be safely used by individuals with allergies or sensitivities. This is also why many large corporations have purchased solar energy systems for their offices and factories. People who work in areas with heavy air pollution or where there are large amounts of dust particles are often bothered by asthma and respiratory problems. As a result, many have sought out this option as a way to reduce their dependency on petroleum and the substances that it often produces.
Longer Lifespan
Not only does solar power affect the environment in a positive way, but it also affects the way we interact with it. As we have established, petroleum is a carcinogen, and exposure to it over a long period of time can cause serious health problems. However, when electricity is generated by solar power, none of these problems arise because solar power is considered to be a ‘clean’ energy source. This is significant in that it means that the environment will be better for future generations!
Additionally, since solar power does not produce carbon dioxide and other toxins that are often associated with fossil fuels, it enables individuals to live longer. It is well known that nuclear power is effective in reducing nuclear weapons proliferation and in generating electricity, which helps to make it safer to operate and prevents the proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, there is no disputing that the production of solar power can reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, which can help to ensure a healthier environment for future generations!
Increased Sustainability
Another important aspect of going green is demonstrating responsible consumerism. When you purchase renewable energy resources (such as solar power) you are supporting companies and organizations that make an effort to reduce their eco footprint. Many individuals who generate their own electricity with solar power are also interested in making a social impact and donating some of their earnings to worthy causes.
Solar power is a financially beneficial and socially responsible option for those seeking to gain independence from the energy companies and reduce their carbon footprint. If you have decided that this is the path you want to take, proceed with caution and do your research before committing. The information provided here is not intended to give you instructions on how to run your home or business, but merely how to purchase and operate a solar power system. The final decision is entirely up to you!