Solar energy derives its energy from the sunlight in electricity or electricity. It helps in the conversion of sunlight into electricity or heat. There are two ways to collect solar energy. One is by using light and the other by utilizing the sun’s heat. Finding alternative energy sources has been the new norm, and solar energy fits the bill to the t. But is the use of solar power energy sustainable?
Electricity produced from solar yields produces no emissions, no greenhouse gases, and no fossil fuels. However, it may need a specific amount of energy to make solar panels. Luckily, the energy produced by them far exceeds what is necessary to manufacture them.
The solar power industry takes it down to the last detail to actively improve the power imbalance. Researchers even created a metric called Energy Payback Time (EPBT) that evaluates the time it takes a solar panel. It generates the exact amount of energy needed.
Solar Energy Is Sustainable
As we said, the need for power is growing by the year. As technology hurtles forward, we need more energy in our lives. We need energy for our homes, for transportation, electronics. Businesses, factories, and more. Sustainable energy caters to the present energy needs and ensures that it does not compromise the future generations to fulfill their need for energy.
Unlike other unsustainable forms of energy, such as fossil fuel, the solar energy derived from the sun is sustainable, renewable, and unlimited. It is said that the solar energy the earth absorbs every hour will be able to power the whole world for at least a year. However, we must amp up our technology to process this energy effectively. Here is why solar energy is more ethical than other sources of energy.
A Clean Source of Power
Solar energy is kind to the environment around. It’s also called green energy and is a pollution-free source of energy. Pollution has a long-lasting impact on people, especially a kid’s life, and that’s why we must move towards a cleaner source of energy that does not cause any harm to the environment.
Solar energy is one of the safest sources of energy in the world. One can use it ethically on premises such as homes, businesses, or places such as deserts or landfills. Opting for solar energy can drastically reduce the carbon footprint and thus maintain a cleaner environment. Regular use of solar energy has zero to minimal impact on the environment.
The Viability of Solar Power
The level of radiation that the sun receives is dependant on the geographical position. However, even if the area receives less sunlight, it can produce enough energy. Solar power is viable everywhere. There can be the easy distribution of the sunlight to every part of the world since the sun rays are available everywhere.
Exploiting it for the maximum benefits is possible. The leading country in producing solar energy is China, and they are soon going to triple their productivity. China is embracing solar energy because of the increasing level of air pollution in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, California has set up a large solar power plant in the Mojave Desert, California. The plant provides power to 2.2 million powers 140,000 California homes.
Save Energy, Save Money
Solar energy is a great environment-friendly choice, but the best part it is highly beneficial for your pocket. You need to spend just a small amount to buy it for the initial installation period. With the help of solar energy, you can save money and save on your utility bills.
After the initial cost, the solar panels become a free energy source that is useful for decades. Most of the lifespan of solar panels lasts more than two or three decades. Although you may need to make a generous investment initially, the investment return is just 3-5 years. The amount of energy that requires you to pay in the initial period you earn as a profit.
Conclusion
Thanks to major inroads in science, technology, and processes of solar panels are becoming more efficient. It is becoming cheaper every day, and prices drop, giving you maximum bang for your buck.
Soon, solar energy costs will come down and be on the same level as other cheap energy sources.
The wiser choices you make today can provide a great fundamental for tomorrow. Although it has its share of various economic and technological challenges, it is the only way to go!