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3 Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

3 Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Let’s Protect Our Earth

Did you know that the U.S is now home to more than 1.3 million solar installations? Solar energy is currently a 50-state market (Source: GTM Research / SEIA). Homeowners, businesses and non-profits are realizing that going solar is worth the time, effort and investment. The fact that solar energy is not only a profitable financial decision, but also good for the environment, entices a lot of consumers.

While many people make the switch to save money, it cannot be denied that protecting the earth is equally important. If you are thinking of having solar technology installed on your home or business, you can take advantage of the following benefits:

Cut Carbon Emissions

– Residential and commercial buildings contribute up to 39 percent of all carbon emissions in the country. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average household emits around 20 metric tons of carbon pollution per year. Once you switch to a solar power system, the numbers can be reduced by three to four tons annually. This is because it is a clean and renewable source of energy. It is not dependent on burning fossil fuel.

Reduce Water Usage

– Choosing solar energy can actually help in conserving water. Traditional energy sources like coal and nuclear plants can draw up to 60 gallons of water for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced. Solar technology uses little to no water to operate.

Improve Public Health

– Solar energy does not release toxic gases like sulfur oxide and nitrous oxides into the atmosphere. These chemicals are linked to several respiratory health problems. By cutting down carbon emissions and ecosystem pollution levels, solar energy improves the life expectancy and reduces mortality rates of surrounding communities.

Solar energy is a clean, affordable, and sustainable way to generate electricity. It is a way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in favor of the most abundant source of energy available – the sun. The cumulative effect of homeowners and businesses adopting solar technology across the nation is what really makes a lasting impact. That is why your decision to go solar can make such a positive difference.