The sun is one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the solar system. We depend on it for many essential things every day, from allowing us to enjoy life to providing us with the energy we need to live our lives. It is important to understand how the sun affects us and our environment, and the numerous advantages that come with utilizing solar energy instead of conventional fuel sources.
Clean Energy
The environmental impact of conventional fuel sources is becoming more and more prominent as oil prices soar and fuel restrictions are put in place to combat climate change. It is important to utilize renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint, and the sun is the ultimate renewable energy source. When considering how much carbon dioxide is emitted when generating electricity using conventional fuels, such as coal, it is easy to see why so many people are switching to solar energy. The average home solar system generates enough energy to eliminate the carbon footprint of a typical household. Homes that are net zero carbon emitters are now commonplace, and many major cities have mandated that their energy use be carbon-neutral by 2025.
Sustainable Development
Conversely, the development of solar power and the renewable energy industry has helped to support the transition to a more sustainable future. The sustainable development agenda sets out to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while increasing our reliance on renewable energy. One of the major benefits of solar power is that it is pollution-free. The only by-product of solar energy is heat, and the more we can harness this useful energy, the more we can reduce our dependency on traditional fuels. The growth of the renewable energy sector has seen an incredible amount of investment, and many green businesses are now considered to be viable alternatives for sustainable development.
Health
Health is another area that the sun benefits us in. Being exposed to the sunlight helps our bodies to synthesize vitamin D, which is important for our overall health and well-being. Conventional sources of vitamin D are now being supplemented with vitamin D3, which is more effective and has fewer side effects than the previous source, vitamin D2.
In addition to helping our bodies to produce vitamin D, the sun’s ultraviolet rays help to protect us from certain diseases. It is now known that vitamin D is important for the functioning of our immune systems, making it a viable option for those who wish to reduce their medicine intake. The benefits of ultraviolet radiation are also being exploited in the creation of UV therapy beds, which provide a relaxing, therapeutic experience in the comfort of your own home. The health advantages of sun exposure are now being realized, and many physicians are suggesting that their patients consider exposure to the sun as a reasonable, alternative therapy.
Warm Climates
It is well established that we need more solar energy in the winter and less in the summer. The amount of energy we need from the sun varies with the seasons, and many places experience a shift in their weather as the seasons change, making it crucial that we change our energy production accordingly. Places such as Canada and Scandinavia experience a noticeable difference in temperature between day and night, and this creates the perfect opportunity for homeowners to benefit from low-cost, off-peak energy consumption. The ability to generate energy at times when we need it is now possible thanks to the introduction of storage systems, allowing us to benefit from solar power even when the sun isn’t shining.
Economical
It’s no secret that fossil fuels are incredibly expensive. We rely on them to fuel our cars and provide us with energy for cooking and lighting, amongst other things. While traditional fuels are still extremely useful and necessary, we must acknowledge that they are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. The cost of solar power has steadily decreased over the years, making it a more economical option for consumers. Many people are now choosing to go green due to the rising cost of living and the increasing burden on the environment from oil pollution and climate change. The cost of producing energy from the sun is now comparable to, or even lower than, the cost of conventional fuels, such as coal.
The environmental impact of solar power is negligible. When compared to fossil fuels, which are responsible for much of the pollution in our world, solar power is considered to be highly sustainable. The amount of land that is needed to grow the food to support a conventional household is also incredibly large. To produce the same amount of food using solar energy, you would only need a fraction of the land. Farming is considered one of the most polluting industries, and while advancements have been made, the damage that it does to the environment is difficult to overstate. The land that is needed for growing food using solar power is also used for producing other products, such as fuel and fiber, meaning that every bit of food that is produced contributes to the reduction of emissions and better air quality.
The above are all environmental benefits of solar energy. Although there is no exact number available, it is estimated that over 5.2 million American homes have installed some type of solar power system, providing users with pollution-free energy and contributing to sustainable development. Many large companies have also taken notice of the environmental benefits of solar power and have committed to using only renewable energy supplies, further driving down the cost of solar electricity.