Most people are now aware of the significant environmental benefits of going green and choosing to use eco-friendly products, but not many are exactly sure what this means in terms of their day-to-day lives. How much does going green affect their wallets? How much does going green affect the environment? These are some of the most common questions relating to solar energy, and the answers might surprise you.
Waste Isolation
One of the major differences between traditional energy sources and solar energy is the fact that the former creates waste. This is both in the form of tangible waste material (such as coal, oil, and gas) as well as in the form of energy that is lost either due to leakage or because it was never converted into usable energy (e.g., wind energy).
Traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels cause damage to both humans and ecosystems due to the fact that they contribute to climate change and pollution, respectively. On the other hand, solar energy doesn’t have these negative effects because its only byproduct is heat, which is either retained or converted into usable electricity, depending on the type of installation used. This is why going green with solar energy is often seen as a no-brainer.
Traditional energy sources are also responsible for the production of by-products such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which are harmful gases that are widely regarded as being a cause of climate change. However, these same by-products are essential for the synthesis of some chemicals and fertilizers that are used in modern-day industry. This is why going green isn’t all bad; it depends on the perspective one takes. From an environmental standpoint, it’s better to avoid using traditional energy sources, as they have a number of disadvantages.
Water Use
One of the most significant issues that has been raised due to the increased use of solar energy is that it requires a lot of water to manufacture the panels that are used and to keep the systems clean and free from dust buildup. The amount of water that is needed to satisfy these needs varies from 15 to 55 gallons per day for residential installations, with commercial buildings using more water per day because they usually have larger installations. This is a considerable amount, especially in terms of the fact that not all areas are especially water-rich, so you can imagine what would happen if this type of energy were to become more prevalent throughout the world.
The good news is that there are ways in which this need for water can be minimized. For example, it’s possible to use solar energy in combination with other forms of energy, such as wind or hydroelectric power, to achieve the same goal. This is because these alternative energy sources don’t require as much water to be created, so in theory, the same amount of energy can be produced with less water consumption. The problem, however, is that in practice it’s not always easy to come by these types of alternatives, and for those that are available, the cost is usually quite high, so it’s not always the most practical of solutions.
Eco-Friendly Materials
While some people might consider going green simply to be a way of life, leading an eco-friendly lifestyle, going green with solar energy is more than about minimizing your environmental impact. It’s about using materials and products that are eco-friendly and sustainable, so you can be sure that your manufacturing processes are not causing damage to the environment. This is why going green with solar energy can actually be a profitable decision, as you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but you’re also reaping the benefits of a sustainable energy source.
When choosing green products and materials, you’ll usually see the following categories: non-toxic, biodegradable, recycled products, and organic chemicals. It’s also a good idea to look for products that are energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and are made from materials that are renewable and recyclable. If you take the time to do some research, you’ll find that there are a number of manufacturers that supply these types of products, and in many cases, they are of a higher quality than those manufactured with traditional energy sources.
Global Warming
Global warming is now considered to be one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Simply put, it’s caused by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels, which, as we’ve established, are one of the major by-products of traditional energy sources such as coal and oil. These types of energy sources are heavily relied upon around the world, so much so that there are literally billions of pounds of fossil fuel that have been extracted and burned, which then leads to more CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
While it’s true that alternative energy sources don’t produce as much CO2 as traditional ones, they require more initial investment, meaning that fewer green products are available to the public. This is one of the major reasons why many people are turning to solar energy; not only is it a more sustainable option than traditional sources, but it’s also a lot more affordable. If we were to completely phase out traditional energy sources overnight, the climate would not only likely change, but it would also take centuries to be able to recover back to its original state.
Pollution
One of the significant costs associated with the use of traditional energy sources is the fact that they cause pollution. This is both in the form of gases that are released into the atmosphere during the manufacturing process as well as toxins that find their way into our water resources. When choosing green products and materials, you’ll usually see the following: reduced toxins, reduced gases, and more sustainable materials.
In the quest to be both eco-friendly and sustainable, going green with solar energy isn’t all bad. It can actually be a very positive step in the right direction, which not only reduces your environmental impact but also provides you with an alternative and more sustainable energy source. It’s always a good idea to do your research before purchasing products and materials, especially if you want to be sure that you’re not harming the environment. With so much uncertainty in terms of the future of traditional energy sources, going green is currently the best option available.