Solar Energy At Home – Impact On The Environment?

Solar Energy At Home – It’s Not Just Solar Panels on Your Roof! Plus, What Is The True Impact of Solar On The Environment?

This is a Guest Post by Alycia Gordan 

Many people want to use solar energy at home because it’s a cost-effective and easy solution to energy problems. It’s wonderful to be able to convert the sun’s energy into electricity, not just in commercial sectors but residential ones as well.

But how easy is it to use solar energy at home – and is it truly better for the environment?

How To Add Solar Energy At Home

Here are some easy ways to add solar power at home – and no, it’s not only solar panels on your roof!

Outdoor Solar Lights:- Solar flood lights or solar security lights convert solar energy into electricity by using solar cells. You can also get lovely solar-powered fairly lights or Christmas lights for extra sparkle in your garden, patio or balcony.

They charge during the daytime, then glow automatically at night. Lights can charge even on a cloudy day, but be sure not to place the charger in a shady area like under trees or bushes.

Solar Recharge Stations Instead of relying on fossil-fuel electricity to recharge your phones, tablets and computers, use a solar-powered charger.

Solar Water Heaters are an energy-efficient substitute for conventional electric- and gas-powered water heaters. Plus, depending on where you live, you may quality for a tax credit on these solar installations.

Solar Ovens function as a slow cooker, just like an electric-power crockpot. But of course, you need to keep them in full daylight to allow them to work, and this isn’t always practical. But if it can work for you, then you cook with a free fuel source!

Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools:- Solar energy can be used to clean pools and heat the water. Although the up-front cost is relatively high, it pays over the years in energy savings.

These are just a few ways you can use solar energy at home. This leads us to our next concern: how does solar power affect the environment? Is the impact positive or negative? Let’s explore.

The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy

The obvious reason solar energy is preferred over traditional energy sources is because of its reduced environmental impact.

We HAVE to stop using fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) to help slow climate change and also to protect our health by reducing pollution.

However, solar power is not completely clean. It leaves its traces but in a different, albeit controllable manner.

Energy Payback Time (EPBT): Energy is used to construct solar panels. EPBT is the time a solar panel takes to create clean electricity equivalent to the power used in its production.

Back in the 70’s when solar energy was a new concept, the estimated EPBT was around 40 years. With time and technology advancements, it has now reduced to just 6 months.

Manufacturing Process: As well as using energy, solar panel manufacture also needs water, chemicals and raw materials. These all have an environmental impact, and there is a risk of pollution if there are leaks. Waste products are currently required to be recycled in Europe but not yet in the US. Greenhouse gases are emitted during manufacturing.

Solar Power Plants: Putting solar panels on your home’s roof won’t have much ecological impact. But generating enough energy to supply industry and cities requires solar plants – vast areas of land covered with solar panels. These can cause loss of habitat for the native plants, animals, and microorganisms, which may have a lasting impact on the overall ecology of that area. (Even putting solar plants in deserts has an impact).

Zero Emissions: Despite these threats, solar energy offers zero emissions after installation. This means that the net contribution of solar power to greenhouse gas emissions as well as air and water pollution is considerably less than fossil fuel sources. Solar energy has a net zero carbon footprint.

Conclusion

There are few risks with solar energy. The issues during the manufacture of solar panels are mostly similar to those involved with any other manufacturing plant – but careful planning and implementation of environmental laws can sufficiently eliminate the negative effects.

And to have zero emissions after installation is a massive benefit – for our health and that of the planet.

To sum it up, the benefits of this amazing technology outweigh its minor and easily reducible drawbacks.

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Are these some interesting ways to bring solar energy into your home? Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

P.S.  Don’t forget to download your free green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here.

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