A Step Towards Sustainability: How Using Solar Energy Helps Protect the Environment
A Step Towards Sustainability: How Using Solar Energy Helps Protect the Environment
The humanity at large has understood that environmental conservation is more important than ever. At present, solar energy benefits stand out as the sustainable solution that offers hope for a greener future.
India installed 9.7 GW of solar power capacity in the first quarter of 2024 (Source:Economic Times). This was a 400% year-on-year increase from the previous quarter. The rising statistics itself depicts the increasing awareness for solar energy consumption.
Several climate changes and severe climate change in recent months have shown that we are past the limit of exploiting fossils for electricity generation. Collectively, we all must move towards choosing solar energy at home and at industries.
Facts:
It is important to realize that our planet Earth is amidst the crisis handling a population of 8.2 billion people.
Together as a unit, we contribute to a lot of the population here.
IEA (International Energy Agency), 2023 reports to have increased 1.1% of carbon dioxide emissions to a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes. Coal accounted for more than 65% of the increase.
China is the largest emitter, with 31% of global fossil fuel emission in 2022. To your surprise note that the food system is also responsible for 1/3rd of all greenhouse gas emissions.
To curb this, it is first important to realise the environmental benefits of solar. Let us look at them one by one.
The government has introduced numerous incentives and policies to promote renewable energy, further accelerating the adoption rate. As a result, solar power is set to play a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. The benefits of solar energy extend beyond environmental impact, offering substantial savings on energy bills and contributing to energy independence.
Moreover, the innovation in solar technology has made it possible for more efficient and aesthetically pleasing solar panels, attracting a broader audience. Community solar projects are also gaining momentum, providing a viable solution for those who cannot install solar panels on their own properties. These projects foster collective benefits and shared resources, making solar energy accessible to more people.
The Key Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy
Some of the benefits to understand include:
Reduced carbon emissions:
Solar energy generates electricity without using any fossil fuel. This means that the emission percentage is quite less. Traditional energy sources like coal release harmful gases like carbon dioxide on burning, ultimately causing global warming. By using solar energy for power, it drastically lessens CO2 emission.
By switching to solar energy, we can combat climate change.
Decreased air pollution:
When you switch from fossil fuel to clean solar energy, the release of pollutants is significantly reduced. Air remains clean free from sulphur or nitrogen oxides.
On the contrary, fossil fuel powered electricity plants release harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other particulates that remain suspended in the air.
Air pollution is the leading cause of several health problems across the globe. In 2021, air pollution was the leading cause of death globally accounting for 8.1 million deaths (Source: Unicef). In another report it was mentioned that 99% of the world’s population live in places with unhealthy levels of PM 2.5 pollution (Source)
Saves water:
In comparison to traditional power generation,green energy solutions require less water. Ultimately, you save water further reducing stress on water supplies.
The traditional power generation method that uses coal burning needs a vast amount of water for cooling purposes. This further strains the local water supplies and adds to water pollution. Extraction of fossil fuels also leads to pollution of underground water.
Promotes energy independence:
Often countries rely on importing fossil fuels for power generation. If we understand solar energy benefits and make a shift to solar energy, we take a step closer to save our planet.
Zero extraction also keeps the Earth intact. Green energy solutions like solar energy are renewable sources unlike coal, oil, and natural gas.
Supporting sustainable source use also helps building economic growth and environmental preservation.
Why Solar Energy Is Crucial for a Greener Planet?
The concern about the fast degradation in the planet’s health has taken everyone’s focus to using solar energy.
Solar energy is crucial for a greener planet because it offers a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. It reduces global carbon dioxide emissions by over 100 million metric tonnes per year which is equivalent to taking 21 million cars off road.
In this light, solar power capacity has increased to 300% over the past decade. Solar power has become the cheapest and the most affordable source of energy.
The world is now gradually moving towards zero net emissions, which makes the use of solar energy important. This will help us preserve the environment and the entire ecosystem, reduce air pollution, and ensure sustainable energy for future generations.
Apart from these, the rising pollution due to use of excessive fossil fuels have greatly impacted children’s health. Scientifically, children absorb more air in comparison to per kilogram of their body weight. This is why they tend to inhale more pollutants relative to adults.
These pollutants can make these young souls sick, in some cases leading it to pneumonia. Globally, 1 in 5 children die due to health problems arising due to heavy air pollution.
Conclusion
The facts and the existing situation about global environmental degradation are alarming.
It is time we take our leap with a commitment to choose solar sustainability solutions and make our planet healthy. Start with using solar panels in your home and offices. One thought can change the life of the future generations.
You can contact CUSP Solar for your requirements of solar plant installation. We bring a platform that enables the users to switch to renewable energy by connecting the solar users with the solar service providers/installers and help you to understand the process of the effective installation. We are here to assist both the involved parties, solar service providers/installers and the users, even after the agreement is made.
Our team of verified solar system professionals make it easy for you to get what you want.
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