solar energy benefits essay

Solar Energy Essay

500 words essay on solar energy.

Solar energy is the energy which the earth receives from the sun which converts into thermal or electrical energy. Moreover, solar energy influences the climate of the earth and weather to sustain life. It has great potential which we must use to our advantage fully. Through the solar energy essay, we will look at this in detail and know more about it carefully.

Importance of Solar Energy

Solar energy is very important as it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Thus, this means it will not damage the earth in any way. In addition, it is available on a daily basis. Similarly, it does not cause any kind of pollution.

As it is environment-friendly, it is very important in today’s world. It is so much better than other pollution sources of energies like fossil fuels and more. Further, it has low maintenance costs.

Solar panel systems do not require a lot of solar power energy. Moreover, they come with 5-10 years of warranty which is very beneficial. Most importantly, it reduces the cost of electricity bills.

In other words, we use it mostly for cooking and heating up our homes. Thus, it drops the utility bills cost and helps us save some extra money. Further, solar energy also has many possible applications.

A lot of communities and villages make use of solar energy to power their homes, offices and more. Further, we can use it in areas where there is no access to a power grid. For instance, distilling the water is Africa and powering the satellites in space.

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Uses of Solar Energy

In today’s world, we use solar energy for a lot of things. Firstly, we use solar power for many things as small as calculators to as big as power plants which power the entire city. We use the most common solar power for small things.

For instance, many calculators use solar cells to operate, thus they never run out of batteries. Moreover, we also have some watches which run on solar cells. Similarly, there are also radios which run on solar cells.

Thus, you see so many things run on solar power. All satellites run on solar power otherwise they won’t be able to function. Moreover, large desalinization plants make use of solar power if there is little or no freshwater.

In addition, many countries have solar furnaces. We also use solar power commercially and residentially. You will find its uses in transportation service too. In fact, soon, solar powers will also be out on the streets.

Conclusion of Solar Energy Essay

To sum it up, solar energy is a cost-effective means of energy which is quite useful for people that have huge families. When we install solar panels, we can get solar energy which will reduce electricity costs and allow us to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Thus, we must all try to use it well to our advantage.

FAQ of Solar Energy Essay

Question 1: What is solar energy in simple words?

Answer 1: Solar energy is basically the transformation of heat, the energy which is derived from the sun. We have been using it for thousands of years in numerous different ways all over the world. The oldest uses of solar energy are for heating, cooking, and drying.

Question 2: What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer 2: There are many advantages of solar energy. Firstly, it is a renewable source of energy which makes it healthy. Moreover, it also reduces the electricity bills of ours. After that, we can also use it for diverse applications. Further, it also has low maintenance costs.

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Solar Energy

Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. It is necessary for life on Earth, and can be harvested for human uses such as electricity.

Earth Science, Engineering, Physics

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Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun . Solar energy is created by nuclear fusion that takes place in the sun. Fusion occurs when protons of hydrogen atoms violently collide in the sun’s core and fuse to create a helium atom. This process, known as a PP (proton-proton) chain reaction, emits an enormous amount of energy. In its core, the sun fuses about 620 million metric tons of hydrogen every second. The PP chain reaction occurs in other stars that are about the size of our sun, and provides them with continuous energy and heat. The temperature for these stars is around 4 million degrees on the Kelvin scale (about 4 million degrees Celsius, 7 million degrees Fahrenheit). In stars that are about 1.3 times bigger than the sun, the CNO cycle drives the creation of energy. The CNO cycle also converts hydrogen to helium, but relies on carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (C, N, and O) to do so. Currently , less than two percent of the sun’s energy is created by the CNO cycle. Nuclear fusion by the PP chain reaction or CNO cycle releases tremendous amounts of energy in the form of waves and particles. Solar energy is constantly flowing away from the sun and throughout the solar system . Solar energy warms Earth, causes wind and weather , and sustains plant and animal life. The energy, heat, and light from the sun flow away in the form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The electromagnetic spectrum exists as waves of different frequencies and wavelengths. The frequency of a wave represents how many times the wave repeats itself in a certain unit of time. Waves with very short wavelengths repeat themselves several times in a given unit of time, so they are high-frequency. In contrast, low-frequency waves have much longer wavelengths. The vast majority of electromagnetic waves are invisible to us. The most high-frequency waves emitted by the sun are gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). The most harmful UV rays are almost completely absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere . Less potent UV rays travel through the atmosphere, and can cause sunburn. The sun also emits infrared radiation , whose waves are much lower-frequency. Most heat from the sun arrives as infrared energy. Sandwiched between infrared and UV is the visible spectrum, which contains all the colors we see on Earth. The color red has the longest wavelengths (closest to infrared), and violet (closest to UV) the shortest. Natural Solar Energy Greenhouse Effect The infrared, visible, and UV waves that reach Earth take part in a process of warming the planet and making life possible—the so-called “greenhouse effect.” About 30 percent of the solar energy that reaches Earth is reflected back into space. The rest is absorbed into Earth’s atmosphere. The radiation warms Earth’s surface, and the surface radiates some of the energy back out in the form of infrared waves. As they rise through the atmosphere, they are intercepted by greenhouse gases , such as water vapor and carbon dioxide.

Greenhouse gases trap the heat that reflects back up into the atmosphere. In this way, they act like the glass walls of a greenhouse. This greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm enough to sustain life. Photosynthesis Almost all life on Earth relies on solar energy for food, either directly or indirectly. Producers rely directly on solar energy. They absorb sunlight and convert it into nutrients through a process called photosynthesis. Producers, also called autotrophs , include plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi. Autotrophs are the foundation of the food web . Consumers rely on producers for nutrients. Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and detritivores rely on solar energy indirectly. Herbivores eat plants and other producers. Carnivores and omnivores eat both producers and herbivores. Detritivores decompose plant and animal matter by consuming it. Fossil Fuels Photosynthesis is also responsible for all of the fossil fuels on Earth. Scientists estimate that about three billion years ago, the first autotrophs evolved in aquatic settings. Sunlight allowed plant life to thrive and evolve. After the autotrophs died, they decomposed and shifted deeper into the Earth, sometimes thousands of meters. This process continued for millions of years. Under intense pressure and high temperatures, these remains became what we know as fossil fuels. Microorganisms became petroleum, natural gas, and coal. People have developed processes for extracting these fossil fuels and using them for energy. However, fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource . They take millions of years to form. Harnessing Solar Energy Solar energy is a renewable resource , and many technologies can harvest it directly for use in homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. Some solar energy technologies include photovoltaic cells and panels, concentrated solar energy , and solar architecture . There are different ways of capturing solar radiation and converting it into usable energy. The methods use either active solar energy or passive solar energy . Active solar technologies use electrical or mechanical devices to actively convert solar energy into another form of energy, most often heat or electricity. Passive solar technologies do not use any external devices. Instead, they take advantage of the local climate to heat structures during the winter, and reflect heat during the summer. Photovoltaics Photovoltaics is a form of active solar technology that was discovered in 1839 by 19-year-old French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel. Becquerel discovered that when he placed silver-chloride in an acidic solution and exposed it to sunlight, the platinum electrodes attached to it generated an electric current. This process of generating electricity directly from solar radiation is called the photovoltaic effect, or photovoltaics.

Today, photovoltaics is probably the most familiar way to harness solar energy. Photovoltaic arrays usually involve solar panels , a collection of dozens or even hundreds of solar cells. Each solar cell contains a semiconductor , usually made of silicon. When the semiconductor absorbs sunlight, it knocks electrons loose. An electrical field directs these loose electrons into an electric current, flowing in one direction. Metal contacts at the top and bottom of a solar cell direct that current to an external object. The external object can be as small as a solar-powered calculator or as large as a power station. Photovoltaics was first widely used on spacecraft. Many satellites , including the International Space Station (ISS), feature wide, reflective “wings” of solar panels. The ISS has two solar array wings (SAWs), each using about 33,000 solar cells. These photovoltaic cells supply all electricity to the ISS, allowing astronauts to operate the station, safely live in space for months at a time, and conduct scientific and engineering experiments. Photovoltaic power stations have been built all over the world. The largest stations are in the United States, India, and China. These power stations emit hundreds of megawatts of electricity, used to supply homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals. Photovoltaic technology can also be installed on a smaller scale. Solar panels and cells can be fixed to the roofs or exterior walls of buildings, supplying electricity for the structure. They can be placed along roads to light highways. Solar cells are small enough to power even smaller devices, such as calculators, parking meters, trash compactors, and water pumps. Concentrated Solar Energy Another type of active solar technology is concentrated solar energy or concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP technology uses lenses and mirrors to focus (concentrate) sunlight from a large area into a much smaller area. This intense area of radiation heats a fluid, which in turn generates electricity or fuels another process. Solar furnaces are an example of concentrated solar power. There are many different types of solar furnaces, including solar power towers , parabolic troughs, and Fresnel reflectors. They use the same general method to capture and convert energy. Solar power towers use heliostats , flat mirrors that turn to follow the sun’s arc through the sky. The mirrors are arranged around a central “collector tower,” and reflect sunlight into a concentrated ray of light that shines on a focal point on the tower. In previous designs of solar power towers, the concentrated sunlight heated a container of water, which produced steam that powered a turbine . More recently, some solar power towers use liquid sodium, which has a higher heat capacity and retains heat for a longer period of time. This means that the fluid not only reaches temperatures of 773 to 1,273K (500° to 1,000° C or 932° to 1,832° F), but it can continue to boil water and generate power even when the sun is not shining. Parabolic troughs and Fresnel reflectors also use CSP, but their mirrors are shaped differently. Parabolic mirrors are curved, with a shape similar to a saddle. Fresnel reflectors use flat, thin strips of mirror to capture sunlight and direct it onto a tube of liquid. Fresnel reflectors have more surface area than parabolic troughs and can concentrate the sun’s energy to about 30 times its normal intensity. Concentrated solar power plants were first developed in the 1980s. The largest facility in the world is a series of plants in Mojave Desert in the U.S. state of California. This Solar Energy Generating System (SEGS) generates more than 650 gigawatt-hours of electricity every year. Other large and effective plants have been developed in Spain and India.

Concentrated solar power can also be used on a smaller scale. It can generate heat for solar cookers , for instance. People in villages all over the world use solar cookers to boil water for sanitation and to cook food. Solar cookers provide many advantages over wood-burning stoves: They are not a fire hazard, do not produce smoke, do not require fuel, and reduce habitat loss in forests where trees would be harvested for fuel. Solar cookers also allow villagers to pursue time for education, business, health, or family during time that was previously used for gathering firewood. Solar cookers are used in areas as diverse as Chad, Israel, India, and Peru. Solar Architecture Throughout the course of a day, solar energy is part of the process of thermal convection , or the movement of heat from a warmer space to a cooler one. When the sun rises, it begins to warm objects and material on Earth. Throughout the day, these materials absorb heat from solar radiation. At night, when the sun sets and the atmosphere has cooled, the materials release their heat back into the atmosphere. Passive solar energy techniques take advantage of this natural heating and cooling process. Homes and other buildings use passive solar energy to distribute heat efficiently and inexpensively. Calculating a building’s “ thermal mass ” is an example of this. A building’s thermal mass is the bulk of material heated throughout the day. Examples of a building’s thermal mass are wood, metal, concrete, clay, stone, or mud. At night, the thermal mass releases its heat back into the room. Effective ventilation systems—hallways, windows, and air ducts—distribute the warmed air and maintain a moderate, consistent indoor temperature. Passive solar technology is often involved in the design of a building. For example, in the planning stage of construction, the engineer or architect may align the building with the sun’s daily path to receive desirable amounts of sunlight. This method takes into account the latitude , altitude , and typical cloud cover of a specific area. In addition, buildings can be constructed or retrofitted to have thermal insulation, thermal mass, or extra shading. Other examples of passive solar architecture are cool roofs, radiant barriers , and green roofs . Cool roofs are painted white, and reflect the sun’s radiation instead of absorbing it. The white surface reduces the amount of heat that reaches the interior of the building, which in turn reduces the amount of energy that is needed to cool the building. Radiant barriers work similarly to cool roofs. They provide insulation with highly reflective materials, such as aluminum foil. The foil reflects, instead of absorbs, heat, and can reduce cooling costs up to 10 percent. In addition to roofs and attics, radiant barriers may also be installed beneath floors. Green roofs are roofs that are completely covered with vegetation . They require soil and irrigation to support the plants, and a waterproof layer beneath. Green roofs not only reduce the amount of heat that is absorbed or lost, but also provide vegetation. Through photosynthesis, the plants on green roofs absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They filter pollutants out of rainwater and air, and offset some of the effects of energy use in that space. Green roofs have been a tradition in Scandinavia for centuries, and have recently become popular in Australia, Western Europe, Canada, and the United States. For example, the Ford Motor Company covered 42,000 square meters (450,000 square feet) of its assembly plant roofs in Dearborn, Michigan, with vegetation. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the roofs reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing several centimeters of rainfall.

Green roofs and cool roofs can also counteract the “ urban heat island ” effect. In busy cities, the temperature can be consistently higher than the surrounding areas. Many factors contribute to this: Cities are constructed of materials such as asphalt and concrete that absorb heat; tall buildings block wind and its cooling effects; and high amounts of waste heat is generated by industry, traffic, and high populations. Using the available space on the roof to plant trees, or reflecting heat with white roofs, can partially alleviate local temperature increases in urban areas. Solar Energy and People Since sunlight only shines for about half of the day in most parts of the world, solar energy technologies have to include methods of storing the energy during dark hours. Thermal mass systems use paraffin wax or various forms of salt to store the energy in the form of heat. Photovoltaic systems can send excess electricity to the local power grid , or store the energy in rechargeable batteries. There are many pros and cons to using solar energy. Advantages A major advantage to using solar energy is that it is a renewable resource. We will have a steady, limitless supply of sunlight for another five billion years. In one hour, Earth’s atmosphere receives enough sunlight to power the electricity needs of every human being on Earth for a year. Solar energy is clean. After the solar technology equipment is constructed and put in place, solar energy does not need fuel to work. It also does not emit greenhouse gases or toxic materials. Using solar energy can drastically reduce the impact we have on the environment. There are locations where solar energy is practical . Homes and buildings in areas with high amounts of sunlight and low cloud cover have the opportunity to harness the sun’s abundant energy. Solar cookers provide an excellent alternative to cooking with wood-fired stoves—on which two billion people still rely. Solar cookers provide a cleaner and safer way to sanitize water and cook food. Solar energy complements other renewable sources of energy, such as wind or hydroelectric energy . Homes or businesses that install successful solar panels can actually produce excess electricity. These homeowners or businessowners can sell energy back to the electric provider, reducing or even eliminating power bills. Disadvantages The main deterrent to using solar energy is the required equipment. Solar technology equipment is expensive. Purchasing and installing the equipment can cost tens of thousands of dollars for individual homes. Although the government often offers reduced taxes to people and businesses using solar energy, and the technology can eliminate electricity bills, the initial cost is too steep for many to consider. Solar energy equipment is also heavy. In order to retrofit or install solar panels on the roof of a building, the roof must be strong, large, and oriented toward the sun’s path. Both active and passive solar technology depend on factors that are out of our control, such as climate and cloud cover. Local areas must be studied to determine whether or not solar power would be effective in that area. Sunlight must be abundant and consistent for solar energy to be an efficient choice. In most places on Earth, sunlight’s variability makes it difficult to implement as the only source of energy.

Agua Caliente The Agua Caliente Solar Project, in Yuma, Arizona, United States, is the world's largest array of photovoltaic panels. Agua Caliente has more than five million photovoltaic modules, and generates more than 600 gigawatt-hours of electricity.

Green Chicago Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, United States, has one of the most expansive green roofs in the world almost 100,000 square meters (more than a million square feet). Vegetation at ground level covers 24.5 acres of an underground parking garage, and includes gardens, picnic areas, and an outdoor concert facility.

Solar Decathlon The Solar Decathlon is a biannual international event presented by the U.S. Department of Energy. Teams compete to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

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Related Resources

Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages

Green technologies are dominating the global community’s discussion of sustainable energy generation. Renewable energy sources, with solar energy being one of the most feasible and affordable, are being supported and invested into by governments to instigate a new environment-friendly technology for sustainable energy (Iravani et al., 2017). One of the advantages of solar energy is its capacity to meet the demands of the whole world. As Figure 1 demonstrates, solar energy is dominating other sources of non-hydro renewable power in terms of capacity.

Besides, the Earth’s territory exposed to solar irradiation is extensive, with particular areas being the most potentially favorable for generating the most solar power. As Figure 2 demonstrates, these areas are marked with black dots.

The abundance of technologies available from solar energy generation allows for developing diverse approaches to sustainable power production. For example, photovoltaic solar energy technology is designed to utilize the capacity of a photovoltaic cell to generate electricity. Figure 3 demonstrates the principle of this technology, which is non-harmful to the environment.

As for the possible disadvantages of solar energy, one of them is the necessity to invest in the invention, development, and implementation of new technologies, which are currently lacking. In addition, the inconsistent distribution of solar irradiance across different continents might impose insufficiency in the solar energy supply.

Future Outlook

Solar energy has the potential to occupy a solid place in green technology due to its availability, affordability, and the advancement of research related to the alternative use of solar power for energy generation. One of the most significant contributions the use of solar power is likely to make is reducing climate change impact due to fossil fuel use (Creutzig et al., 2017). Moreover, the concept of solar cities seems to be realistic and feasible. This idea holds that urban areas might be transferred to complete use of renewable solar energy for electricity to eliminate the use of conventional plants (Byrne et al., 2017). Thus, solar energy is a promising alternative power source capable of shifting humanity toward green technology.

Byrne, J., Taminiau, J., Seo, J., Lee, J., & Shin, S. (2017). Are solar cities feasible? A review of current research. International Journal of Urban Sciences, 21 (3), 239-256.

Creutzig, F., Agoston, P., Goldschmidt, J. C., Luderer, G., Nemet, G., & Pietzcker, R. C. (2017). The underestimated potential of solar energy to mitigate climate change. Nature Energy, 2 (9), 1-9.

Iravani, A., Akbari, M. H., & Zohoori, M. (2017). Advantages and disadvantages of green technology; goals, challenges and strengths. International Journal of Science and Engineering Applications, 6 (9), 272-284.

Kabir, E., Kumar, P., Kumar, S., Adelodun, A. A., & Kim, K. H. (2018). Solar energy: Potential and future prospects. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82 , 894-900.

Sampaio, P. G. V., & González, M. O. A. (2017). Photovoltaic solar energy: Conceptual framework. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 74 , 590-601.

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StudyCorgi. (2023, January 30). Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages. https://studycorgi.com/solar-energy-advantages-and-disadvantages/

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Solar Energy Essay

All life on the planet depends directly or indirectly on solar energy, which we receive from the sun in the form of heat and light. It has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few sample essays on ‘solar energy.’

100 Words Essay On Solar Energy

Solar energy is the energy we derive from the sun through heat and light. Its production and use have no detrimental effects on the environment, making it "clean" and "green" energy. In our daily lives, solar energy is used for various purposes, including heating water in considerable reservoirs to conserve resources and electricity, cooking food in solar cookers, and generating electricity. Its applications can be a blessing for people living in remote corners of the world. Solar energy will be a better option for supplying energy needs in the future, even though its use is currently restricted and not widely adopted by the general public.

200 Words Essay On Solar Energy

All life on Earth receives its energy from the sun. Solar energy is what we get from the sun; it comes to us in the form of tiny light particles called photons. All types of microorganisms and single-celled organisms were created with the help of solar energy, and plants have been using this energy since the beginning of time. As a result, every living thing on Earth is directly or indirectly dependent on the sun. Since solar energy is entirely renewable, it is available as long as there is sunlight. Because no harmful gases, chemicals, or fly ash are produced, it is also pollution-free. Using photovoltaic cells, solar energy can be transformed into thermal or electrical energy. Solar energy has no production costs.

But there are some drawbacks to solar energy. For instance, solar energy can be harnessed for various activities only during the day when there is sufficient sunlight available. When compared to conventional power plants with the same capacity, the cost of installing solar energy panels is very high, and the amount of energy produced here is very low. However, as science and technology advance, we can harness solar energy and use it as our primary energy source.

500 Words Essay On Solar Energy

Life on earth is impossible without the sun and the energy it generates. Humans are no different from other organisms on this planet in that we are entirely dependent on the sun's energy, also known as solar energy; this dependence dates back to the beginning of time.

Solar Energy

We have the privilege of using solar energy as long as the sun is shining because it is a renewable power source. It is utilised by photosynthetic organisms like plants and some bacteria as "producers," who then supply food to other organisms at all levels of the food chain, known as "consumers." Reptiles and other cold-blooded animals run on solar energy daily. Humans have utilised it for many purposes, such as cooking and drying, and in the present day, we are using it to produce electricity.

Thermal radiation and light energy are provided by solar energy as well. These two energies are equally crucial.

The Earth is surrounded by solar radiation, which causes the oceans (which cover 71% of the planet) to evaporate due to the heat radiation. The vapour then circulates in a process known as the "water cycle," which in turn controls the planet's temperature. Solar energy also melts ice caps and glaciers, releasing potable water into the environment. Since everyone relies on light to keep things moving, the use of light is inexplicable.

There are several benefits and drawbacks to using solar energy.

Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy is completely free to use and requires no work to produce.

Solar energy applications can be used to generate electricity in rural and remote areas where conventional electricity is difficult to come by.

The harnessing and production of this clean energy have no adverse effects on the environment.

We have an endless supply of this energy as long as the sun continues to shine. It is entirely renewable. This is a short time compared to fossil fuel, which lasts for only 20 to 30 years.

Solar energy can charge calculators and solar cell batteries in large quantities.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Although it is free to produce, the machinery needed to harness it is quite expensive.

The maintenance and labour charges are costly for the installations.

For the installations to even produce enough energy, a very large area is needed.

Compared to traditional energy sources like fossil fuels, the amount of energy that has been harnessed is minimal.

Solar energy can be harnessed for various purposes during the day, when there is a lot of sunlight available.

My Experience With Solar Energy

I recently went to a science fair where I saw various solar energy projects, such as photoreceptive power cells, solar water heaters, and solar cookers, that produced electricity and used other types of solar energy. I realised there that solar energy has a broad range of applications, is made at a very low cost per individual, and protects our environment from pollution. It was also a good idea to encourage my village to use solar water heaters and panels. And finally, to promote clean energy, we must all move forward with the same concept.

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Solar Learning Center > The Pros and Cons of Rooftop Solar in 2024 > 5 Ways That Solar Energy Benefits the Environment Solar Learning Center > The Pros and Cons of Rooftop Solar in 2024 > 5 Ways That Solar Energy Benefits the Environment -->

5 Ways That Solar Energy Benefits the Environment

By Sam Wigness | Nov 22, 2023

It’s no secret that renewable energy from solar panels has a smaller environmental impact than energy produced from fossil fuels.

But exactly how is generating energy from solar panels better than burning fossil fuels?

In this article, we’ll look at five distinct environmental benefits of replacing fossil fuels with solar energy.

Jump to a section:

• Carbon emissions & air pollution
• Mining & material use

Noise pollution

Interested in home solar? Connect with an Energy Advisor to compare multiple quotes from trusted local installers.

How do solar panels help the environment?

While solar panels are most often associated with producing very low-emission electricity, but by replacing fossil fuels they also benefit the environment in terms of land use, water use, noise pollution, and materials extraction (aka mining).

Does solar energy have its downsides? Absolutely. Solar panels often contain trace amounts of heavy metals which can be harmful if not properly handled, sprawling solar farms can disrupt wildlife habitats, and solar panel recycling leaves a lot to be desired.

But don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Solar energy has a much, much smaller impact on the environment than fossil fuels in at least five ways.

Let’s start with the environmental benefit that most people associate with solar panels: Reducing carbon emissions.

Lifecycle emissions of solar vs fossil fuels

Perhaps the biggest environmental benefit of solar energy is its incredibly small carbon footprint . According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the lifecycle emissions per kWh of electricity produced by rooftop solar are:

• Around 12 times less than electricity generated by natural gas (perhaps closer to 20 times less after factoring in methane leaks from natural gas )
• Around 20 times less than electricity generated by coal

The term lifecycle emissions is important because it includes the carbon footprint of manufacturing solar panels (where most of its emissions come from) to decommissioning them at the end of their useful life.

Sam breaks it down even further  in the video below, but here’s the upshot:

• Over 25 years, the average rooftop solar system offsets ~200,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions (roughly the size of a blue whale)
• There are several realistic and meaningful opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of solar panels further

  It’s worth noting that reducing CO2 and other emissions isn’t only about curbing climate change – it’s also about improving the quality of the air that supports life on planet Earth.

In fact, a 2023 Air Quality Life Index report found that “air pollution is the greatest external threat to human life expectancy on the planet” and “reducing global PM2.5 air pollution to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline would add 2.3 years onto average human life expectancy.”

So, solar energy is a massive environmental upgrade when it comes to reducing the emissions that fuel climate change and improving local air quality.

Land use of solar panels

Land use may sound like an odd environmental benefit of solar energy, especially if you picture sprawling solar farms covering desert landscapes, but a 2022 study by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) found that the land required for all of the solar, wind, and transmission infrastructure to decarbonize the US power sector by 2035 adds up to less than 1% of the available land in the continental US.

In fact, it’s less than the area currently being used for railroads and less than half of the land dedicated to active oil and gas leases, as shown in the map below.

Image source.

The study doesn’t take into account rooftop solar because… well… rooftop solar doesn’t use any additional land. And there are several mixed-use applications for solar panels to consider.

For example, agrivoltaics is the practice of siting solar panels above crops and livestock areas (see feature photo). This technique has been found to increase certain crop yields by shading plants from intense sunshine and retaining ground moisture, and it also provides a secondary source of income for the hardworking farmers who feed the world.

Solar panels are also being installed in urban locations above parking lots , water canals , and bike lanes to simultaneously create shade and clean energy right where it’s needed.

Finally, in a practice known as “floatovoltaics,” solar panels are floated on reservoirs and wastewater treatment plants. The water cools the panels to increase efficiency during peak sun hours, and the panels shade the water to reduce evaporation loss.

And that brings us to our next point…

Water use of solar panels vs fossil fuels

Fresh water is a crucial part of the environment, but it’s typically not the first thing people consider when it comes to generating and distributing energy. However, transitioning to renewable energy – namely wind and solar – could free up massive amounts of fresh water for farming and aquatic ecosystems.

In 2019, a review of 32 water use studies found that the median life cycle water consumption of photovoltaic solar is 330 liters per megawatt-hour of electricity, which boils down to a third of a liter of water per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar electricity – or just under 12 fluid ounces.

For context, one kWh is roughly what you need to power a refrigerator for 24 hours, and 12 fluid ounces is the volume of a standard can of soda pop.

How does that compare to other types of electricity generation? Solar energy uses:

• Half of the water of gas-fired power plants
• Seven times less water than nuclear and coal power plants

Water use of solar vs other electricity sources

Data source . *Rounded to the nearest whole number

Just like emissions and land use, solar and wind are far better for the environment in terms of water use. And that’s not even considering:

• The potential to reduce evaporation loss in canals and reservoirs
• Oil and petro-chemicals spills like the Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon, and pipeline ruptures that devastate ecosystems
• Everyday oil and gas runoff from cars that pollutes waterways

Mining and material use

Mining for materials is often seen as a blemish on the environmental impact of solar, and there’s no doubt that mining for the silicon, aluminum, copper, and silver used to manufacture solar panels is environmentally problematic. That’s something the solar industry has to own up to and improve on.

But it’s also worth zooming out a bit.

In 2023, data scientist Hannah Ritchie crunched the numbers on the total mining needs for a clean energy transition and found that to rapidly transition to a clean energy economy, we’d need to scale “low-carbon” energy mining up to 28 million tons of materials per year – about 7 times the amount we’re currently extracting.

That sounds like a lot of mining… until you weigh it against the 15 billion tons of coal, oil, and natural gas currently being mined each year by the fossil fuel industry.

Yes, that’s billions – with a B – of tons of fossil fuels extracted each year and around 535 times more than the total mining tonnage required for a clean energy economy. It’s also worth noting that mining for solar is just one part of the 28 million tons of minerals needed for low-carbon energy resources, which includes materials for wind, hydro, EVs, batteries, nuclear, and transmission infrastructure.

Now, you may be wondering how this is even possible. How can fossil fuels require so much more mining than low-carbon energy sources? It boils down to how efficiently these materials are used.

Materials use of solar vs fossil fuels

The key difference between mining materials for solar energy and fossil fuel energy is that with solar you are using the materials solely to build infrastructure, while with fossil fuels you are mining for infrastructure and  fuel.

Theoretically, all the materials mined to build energy infrastructure can be recycled. However, it’s virtually impossible to recycle coal, oil, and gas once it has been burned and released into the atmosphere.

While there’s a lot to be desired from solar panel recycling (and the end-life of oil wells , for that matter), fossil fuels have an insatiable appetite for mined fuels that far outweighs the material needs for renewable energy.

We’ve covered how solar energy is better for the environment than fossil fuels in terms of air, land, water, and mining. But perhaps the most overlooked environmental benefit of solar energy is that it’s quiet .

Noise pollution is linked to “stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity,” according to the EPA .

Like any energy source, there is noise associated with manufacturing and installing solar panels. However, with no moving parts or combustion, solar panels themselves are virtually noiseless except for a soft hum from the inverter, which is capped at 45 decibels (about the volume of a quiet room) and only occurs during the day.

Meanwhile, coal and natural gas power plants generate, on average, 80-85 decibels – somewhere between a vacuum cleaner and city traffic – which can negatively impact workers and the surrounding community. For example, the Ellwood gas power plant in Santa Barbara County , Cali. is located within 200 feet of school property, where noise levels from the plant can contribute 60-64 decibels.

Not only are solar panels quieter than fossil fuels, they can actually help mitigate noise pollution. There are pilot programs for using solar panels as clean-energy-producing noise barriers along roadways to reduce the noise pollution from cars powered by… you guessed it… fossil fuels.

Solar Benefits the Environment

People often think of “the environment” as places where humans are not. However, the environment is everything that impacts life on Earth , including the air, water, land, materials, and even noise.

Compared to fossil fuels, solar energy has a substantially smaller impact on the environment in all five of these arenas.

Better yet, rooftop solar is a rare win-win for homeowners, as it provides an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact and their essential electricity costs.

Connect with an Energy Advisor to see if home solar makes sense for you.

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• Environmental benefits

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy–and what are its impacts?

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Solar energy is a win-win: It saves you money and contributes to a cleaner environment. Solar panels draw their energy from the sun, a renewable resource that never diminishes. When you install a solar energy system at your home or business, you reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, improving your air quality and protecting the environment. We'll explain the key environmental benefits of solar energy and some of its lesser-known impacts.

• 100% free to use, 100% online
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Key takeaways

Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that can replace fossil fuels.

Solar reduces harmful emissions in the atmosphere.

While the production of solar panels does release emissions, a solar panel system's energy payback period is still very low. 

See your environmental impact and compare solar quotes on the EnergySage Marketplace today.

Big picture: The environmental impact of solar energy is net positive

For the average homeowner, powering 100% of your home with solar energy is equivalent to removing the emissions created by driving 19,316 miles per year in a typical car—a tremendous environmental benefit. 

About 60% of the electricity that power plants generate in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas—but extracting and burning fossil fuels is expensive and causes global warming and climate change . Even if we somehow ignored those problems, we'd eventually run out of fossil fuels. 

By contrast, solar energy creates clean, renewable power from the sun, so it's free, abundant, and doesn't create any carbon emissions or local air pollution. Unlike other renewable power sources like wind and hydropower, it's relatively easy to install on small patches of private property like your roof. If we could capture all of the sun's energy shining on the Earth for just one hour, we could power the entire world for one year !

By investing in solar energy, you can help reduce our reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels in favor of one of the most abundant, consistent sources of energy available: our sun. Here are the two main ways solar panels benefit your local environment:

1. Solar energy decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Generating electricity with solar power instead of fossil fuels can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2). When we burn fossil fuels, we emit greenhouse gasses, leading to global warming and climate change. Climate change already contributes to severe environmental and public health issues, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem changes.

Going solar will shrink your carbon footprint because you'll create fewer greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide and methane). One home installing a solar energy system can have a measurable effect on the environment: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household uses 10,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually . Switching that amount of electricity generation from fossil fuels to solar power has the same emissions reduction effect as planting 125 trees every year or eliminating the annual production of 8,440 pounds of coal.

2. Solar energy reduces respiratory and cardiovascular health issues

One of the most significant solar energy benefits is that it doesn't release air pollutants because it's a clean energy source. An analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that widespread solar adoption would significantly reduce nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions, all of which can cause health problems. NREL found that, among other health benefits, solar power results in fewer chronic bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and lost workdays related to health issues.

What's the impact of manufacturing and recycling solar panels?

Solar panels don't produce emissions once they're mounted on your roof. But they aren't zero-emissions resources for their entire lifetime: They have to be manufactured in a factory first and recycled at the end of their useful life, and these two processes do have some environmental impact.

Many researchers frame the environmental impact of solar energy with the concept of energy payback time (EPBT). The EPBT tells us how long it will take for solar panels to produce enough clean electricity to "pay back" the energy required to produce them. This calculation varies depending on a few different factors, including:

The productivity of your solar panels: If you live in a sunny area and your solar panels are very efficient , your system will generate more electricity and have a shorter EPBT.

The solar panel manufacturing process: Some solar panels require more energy for production than others. For example, thin-film modules have a smaller carbon footprint than silicon modules because they need less energy for manufacturing.

The manufacturing location of your solar panels: Solar panels must be transported from their place of manufacture to their installation location. If your solar panels were manufactured in Europe or Asia and installed in the U.S., they'd have a higher EPBT than those manufactured in the U.S. due to transportation-related emissions.

While the EPBT of a solar panel depends on many factors, the market is moving in the right direction: According to an analysis from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft , a large European research organization, between 1996 and 2020, the average energy payback time for rooftop monocrystalline silicon solar panels declined by 12.8%. In the U.S., the EPBT of silicon rooftop solar panels with 19.9% efficiency was just 0.95 years in 2020—much shorter than a solar panel's expected 25-40 year lifespan. 

As the solar industry matures, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to move to domestic manufacturing and improve the efficiency of the solar panel manufacturing process and solar cells themselves, which means that solar's EPBT will continue to decrease.

For example, the same report from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft found that the amount of material used for silicon cells dropped 84% over the past 16 years, and the average efficiency of solar cells in commercial panels increased by 33% in the past ten years. This means panels require less silicon, and installations require fewer panels to meet the same production, lowering EPBT. And as more solar panels reach the end of their life cycles, recycling them will also become more cost-effective and efficient.

Frequently asked questions

How does solar photovoltaic energy differ from solar thermal energy.

Solar panels on your roof convert solar energy into usable electricity via the photovoltaic effect . The photovoltaic effect is a property of materials in solar cells called semiconductors that enable them to generate an electric current when exposed to sunlight. We can also produce heat for your home or electricity for large-scale solar installations by directly capturing the heat from solar radiation and using it as solar thermal energy. 

How has solar technology changed?

Solar panels are more efficient, produce more power, and require less silicon for manufacturing than they did just ten or even five years ago. Today, SunPower offers the most efficient solar panels installed in residential systems at 22.8% efficiency. However, researchers achieved 47% solar cell efficiency in 2020 in a lab setting. 

Can you go off-grid with solar?

It is possible to go off-grid with solar if you pair your panels with a battery . However, installing a battery system big enough to provide complete energy independence will likely cost a lot of money, depending on your energy use. You'll usually see the best financial savings by remaining connected to the grid. If you want protection from grid outages, installing a battery that can support your critical power loads for a few hours to a day rather than one that will power your entire home is best.

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While the environmental impact of solar energy is greater than zero, its overall benefits far outweigh its costs: With a solar installation, you can save money on your electric bills while reducing your carbon footprint and improving your air quality. To go solar with confidence, check out the EnergySage Marketplace . You'll receive multiple solar quotes from vetted installers to compare them based on factors like installer reputation, equipment quality, and price, enabling you to find the right system at a great price.

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Knowledge Base

Guide for students: how to write a persuasive essay on solar energy 1.

I. The Art of Writing a Persuasive Essay

The power of persuasion.

Can you imagine having the ability to modify a person’s perception, influence their judgment, or even incite them to take action? This is the potential of a well-written persuasive essay. This form of writing isn’t merely about presenting facts; it’s about crafting your argument in a way that convinces your reader to align with your viewpoint.

Techniques and Tactics

Creating persuasive content is a product of employing an assortment of methods and tactics, not a magical spell. Using rhetorical questions, language that triggers emotions, and arguments grounded in evidence are all techniques at your disposal. Their effective use will elevate the persuasiveness of your essay.

II.Defining a Persuasive Essay

Definition of a persuasive essay.

A persuasive essay is a genre of academic writing where the writer is tasked with expressing a point of view on a particular topic and supporting this position with reasoned arguments and substantiating evidence.

Purpose of a Persuasive Essay

The main aim of a persuasive essay is not to provide information or tell a story. It is designed to convince the reader to subscribe to your point of view. It’s about influencing them to perceive things from your perspective.

Characteristics of a Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays possess a unique structure and composition. A clear position, rational reasoning, robust evidence, and emotional resonance are some of the distinct characteristics of this type of essay.

III.Key Components of a Persuasive Essay

• Introduction

Your persuasive essay’s introduction should captivate the reader. It must seize the reader’s attention, provide a concise preview of the content to follow, and present your thesis statement, a succinct encapsulation of your primary argument.

It’s possible you’re contemplating, “I wish there were someone to write my essay .” However, mastering the craft of the persuasive essay isn’t only beneficial for your academic success. It’s a skill that will serve you in many aspects of life beyond college, and with patience and practice, it becomes an integral part of your communication and influencing toolbox.

• Body Paragraphs

The main part of your essay is formed by the body paragraphs. Each paragraph presents a distinct argument in support of your thesis, backed by well-researched evidence such as data, anecdotes, or expert testimony.

Counter-argument

Incorporating a counter-argument and subsequently refuting it can fortify your essay. It demonstrates that you have considered differing viewpoints, but still resolutely stand by your position.

The conclusion is where your essay comes to an end. It reiterates your thesis and main points, leaving the reader contemplating the influence of your ideas. It should inspire the reader to take action or reconsider their existing viewpoint.

IV.The Process of Writing a Persuasive Essay on Solar Energy

Research and understanding.

The initial step is conducting thorough research. Grasp the intricacies of solar energy, its pros and cons. Consider the arguments supporting and opposing its use.

Some key research topics include:

• The concept of solar energy
• The advantages and disadvantages of solar energy
• The practicality of solar energy as a predominant energy source

Formulating a Thesis Statement

After gaining a comprehensive understanding of solar energy, construct a precise and compelling thesis statement. It serves as the cornerstone of your essay, and therefore, it needs to be robust.

Creating an Outline

The next step is to formulate an outline. This acts as a guide for your essay, ensuring you incorporate all your significant points and evidence.

A typical outline for a persuasive essay looks like this:

• Captivating hook
• Background information
• Thesis declaration
• First argument + supporting evidence
• Second argument + supporting evidence
• Counter-argument + rebuttal
• Restating of thesis
• Recap of arguments
• Final reflections/call to action

Writing a persuasive essay can be a challenging task, which is why some students resort to the best paper writing services for help. But remember, there’s a unique sense of accomplishment and skill growth when you author it yourself. It’s all part of your academic journey.

Writing the Essay

With your research, thesis, and outline in place, you can begin writing. Don’t strive for perfection in the first draft. Simply let your thoughts flow. Refining and editing can always be done later.

Revising and Editing

Finally, review and edit your essay. This stage ensures that your essay is coherent, free from mistakes, and most importantly, convincing.

In conclusion, authoring a persuasive essay on solar energy provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to a vital conversation. Not only can you alter opinions and incite action, but you also enhance valuable skills in the process. Acquiring proficiency in the art of the persuasive essay is a skill worth possessing, and there’s no better time to start honing it than now.

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Solar Energy: An Overview

The advantages of solar energy, the disadvantages of solar energy, solar energy examples, solar energy vs. wind energy, pros and cons of solar energy faqs.

• Sustainable Investing

Solar Energy: Benefits and Drawbacks

Katrina Ávila Munichiello is an experienced editor, writer, fact-checker, and proofreader with more than fourteen years of experience working with print and online publications.

With the growing threat of climate change due to the excessive release of carbon emissions, many nations are looking to clean energy alternatives to replace traditional fossil fuels .

Of all the clean energy alternatives, solar has arguably been the most expensive though prices have been declining. However, after considering the pros and cons along with the expectation that prices will continue to decline , the future of solar energy is looking rather bright.  

The pros of solar energy include that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and has a low impact on the environment and the potential for any country to produce it. The cons are that it only produces energy when the sun is shining, needs a significant amount of land, and that certain solar technologies require rare materials.

Key Takeaways

• Solar energy is becoming an increasingly cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels.
• Solar energy is a sustainable energy source, has a low environmental impact, and promotes energy independence.
• On the other hand, it is limited by how long the sun is out, may cause a scarcity of materials, and contains hazardous materials similar to electronics.
• Pricey disadvantages of solar energy may be rendered negligible by technological advances that increase efficiency and storage capacity.
• Increasing the incentives for the development of solar energy may be worthwhile.

Sustainability

The advantage of solar energy is that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. While fossil fuels have an expiration date that may be fast approaching, the sun is likely to be around for at least a few billion years.

Low Environmental Impact

Solar energy has a substantially reduced impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels. Its greenhouse gas emissions are inconsequential as the technology does not require any fuel combustion. Also, although concentrating solar thermal plants (CSP) are comparatively inefficient in their water usage depending on the type of technology being used, the right technology significantly increases efficiency while photovoltaic (PV) solar cells do not require any water when generating electricity.  

Solar energy technology is becoming an increasingly cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels, though it remains somewhat expensive in certain markets.

Energy Independence

Since the sun shines across the globe, it makes every country a potential energy producer, thus allowing for greater energy independence and security. Solar energy doesn’t only promise to bring security and independence at the national level; solar panels can be installed on individual homes, providing power that does not depend on being connected to a larger electrical grid.

Intermittency

One of the biggest problems that solar energy technology poses is that energy is only generated while the sun is shining. That means nighttime and overcast days can interrupt the supply. The shortage created by this interruption would not be a problem if there were low-cost ways of storing energy as extremely sunny periods can actually generate excess capacity. As the global capacity for solar power continues to rise, nations like Japan and other global leaders in solar energy technology are focusing on developing adequate energy storage to deal with this issue.

Another concern is that solar energy may take up a significant amount of land and cause land degradation or habitat loss for wildlife. While solar PV systems can be fixed to already existing structures, larger utility-scale PV systems may require up to 3.5 to 10 acres per megawatt and CSP facilities require anywhere from 4 to 16.5 acres per megawatt. However, the impact can be reduced by placing facilities in low-quality areas or along existing transportation and transmission corridors.

Scarcity of Materials

Certain solar technologies require rare materials in their production. This, however, is primarily a problem for PV technology rather than CSP technology. Also, it is not so much a lack of known reserves as much as it is the inability of current production to meet future demand: Many of the rare materials are byproducts of other processes rather than the focus of targeted mining efforts. Recycling PV material and advances in nanotechnology that increase solar-cell efficiency could both help boost supply , but perhaps finding material substitutes that exist in greater abundance could play a role.

An Environmental Downside

The one environmental downside to solar technology is that it contains many of the same hazardous materials as electronics. As solar becomes a more popular energy source, the problem of disposing the hazardous waste becomes an additional challenge. However, assuming the challenge of proper disposal is met, the reduced greenhouse gas emissions that solar energy offers make it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.

Lower impact on environment

Helps countries become more energy independent

Cost-effective

Occupies large amount of land

Technology not yet widely available

Can still create some harm to environment

The approximate number of terawatts of solar energy that shine on the Earth each day—10,000 times the daily global energy use.

The largest solar energy plant in the entire world is located in Rajasthan, India. The Bhadla Solar Park, which was completed in April 2020, boasts some impressive statistics. The plant occupies 10,000 acres and has an installed capacity of 2,245 megawatts. The total investment in the project is estimated to be around $1.4 billion.

The largest solar park in the United States is known as the Solar Star park near Rosamond, California. The power station consists of two separate installations named Solar Star-1 and Solar Star-2, with respective capacities of 314MW and 265MW. Like the plant in India, the location was selected due to its large exposure to the sun and minimal rain.

Both wind and solar energy are two of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy . Both energy sources help to cut down pollution and offer alternatives to fossil fuels, however, there are notable differences between the two.

The turbines that power wind energy are less harmful to the environment than solar panels. Furthermore, they produce more electricity than solar panels and can be installed offshore. Unlike solar, wind energy can be harnessed both day and night. However, wind is an unpredictable energy source. Turbines are also quite noisy, and, like solar panels, require a lot of land space thus don't make sense for densely populated areas.

Ultimately, solar panels are the more powerful and predictable source of energy. They require less space, are less noisy, and can be installed on rooftops, etc. in densely populated areas.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Solar Energy for Your Home?

Using solar energy for your home will save you money, increase your home value, help you become energy independent, and will decrease your carbon footprint. However, the large solar panels may alienate potential buyers. Furthermore, some HOA agreements may not allow you to install solar panels on your home.

Do Solar Panels Increase Your Property Taxes?

Because installing solar panels increase the value of your home, they can also increase your property taxes. However, many states offer exemptions for residents. Check your county clerk's website for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Can You Still Have a High Electric Bill With Solar Panels?

In nearly every case, installing solar panels will lower your monthly electric bill.

Are There Tax Benefits for Solar Panels?

Yes. The federal solar investment tax credit, enacted in 2006, provides a 26% tax credit for solar panels installed on residential and commercial properties.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. " Annual Technology Baseline Electricity Data Overview ."

Solar Energy Industries Association. " Water Use Management ."

Union of Concerned Scientists. " Environmental Impacts of Solar Power ."

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. " Land Use by System Technology ."

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. " Shining Brightly ."

NS Energy. " Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan ."

NS Energy. " Solar Start Projects, California ."

SEIA. " Solar Investment Tax Credit ."

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Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Solar Energy — Analysis of Solar Energy Benefits: A Scholarly Perspective

Analysis of Solar Energy Benefits: a Scholarly Perspective

• Categories: Renewable Energy Solar Energy

About this sample

Words: 683 |

Published: Feb 22, 2024

Words: 683 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, the role of solar energy in enhancing energy access, equity, and creating jobs, how the solar energy industry can act as an economic booster, mitigating environmental impact through solar energy adoption, ethical aspects of deploying various solar energy technologies.

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Solar Energy Houses’ Benefits Essay

The mitigation of climate change has taken drastic steps as global warming is happening faster than expected. Dodds, Higman and Sherman (17) explain that there are various suggestions that have been made on how to reduce the impact of climate change.

One such suggestion is the acceptance and use of solar energy houses. Solar energy houses are houses that do not use electrical power that is made through processes that emit carbon dioxide. The electrical energy that is used is derived from solar power. The houses are installed with panels that convert sunlight into electrical energy.

There are various benefits of using solar energy houses. One such advantage is that it reduces the use of power that is made through processes that encourage emission of carbon dioxide. McKinney et al. (232) explain that many countries currently use electrical power that is produced through generator cells.

The process of burning fuel to create energy emits carbon dioxide, which is in turn expelled into the atmosphere. The increased emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causes the increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. This, in turn, affects global warming and climate change. The solar energy houses do not emit carbon dioxide. Therefore, they help reduce the emission of carbon dioxide.

In the same breadth, another advantage of the solar energy houses is that they reduce the emission of carbon dioxide through other processes. There are many human activities that emit carbon dioxide. For example, cooking with charcoal or firewood, lighting firewood in the fireplace to keep warm, and cooking using gas all lead to the emission of carbon dioxide.

The use of solar power can allow individuals to stop depending on fossil fuels. For example, the use of solar power can allow a person to cook with the clean electrical power. Given solar power is significantly free, there would be no worries of an increasing electricity bill.

Similarly, the use of charcoal and gas will be reduced. This will, in turn, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Heaters and other appliances at home would also depend on the clean solar power.

Dodds, Highman and Sherman (246) also explain that the use of solar energy houses can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted from greenhouses. The greenhouses can use solar photons to this end.

There have been researches that show that the photons can be converted into chemical energy, which in turn can be used in the greenhouses. The chemical fuel will allow photosynthesis to take place without the use of direct sunrays. Enhanced photosynthesis will mean that there will be more intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen.

It is also important to mention that solar energy houses encourages the use of charcoal fuel in the third world countries. Considering that the third world countries receive many hours of sunlight, they are more suitable for this particular action. The third world countries have been using compressed cooking gas and charcoal to cook. The cutting down of trees to make charcoal reduces photosynthesis.

As mentioned, photosynthesis helps with the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide. A lot still needs to be done to control the rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, one of the steps that would help reduce the release of carbon dioxide is the acceptance and use of solar energy houses.

Works Cited

Dodds, Felix, Andrew Highman, and Richard Sherman. Climate Change And Energy Insecurity: The Challenge For Peace, Security And Development. New York: Routledge, 2012. Print

McKinney, L. Michael, Robert M. Schoch, and ‎ Logan Yonavjak. Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions . Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2007. Print

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Bibliography

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IRS: Home improvements could help taxpayers qualify for home energy credits

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IR-2024-137, May 9, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that making certain energy efficient updates to their homes could qualify them for home energy credits.

The credit amounts and types of qualifying expenses were expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Taxpayers who make energy improvements to a residence may be eligible for home energy tax credits.

What taxpayers need to know

Taxpayers can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit for the year the qualifying expenditures are made.

Homeowners who improve their primary residence will find the most opportunities to claim a credit for qualifying expenses. Renters may also be able to claim credits, as well as owners of second homes used as residences. Landlords cannot claim this credit.

IRS encourages taxpayers to review all requirements and qualifications at IRS.gov/homeenergy for energy efficient equipment prior to purchasing. Additional information is available on energy.gov , which compares the credit amounts for tax year 2022 and tax years 2023-2032.

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

Taxpayers that make qualified energy-efficient improvements to their home after Jan. 1, 2023, may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200.

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the credit equals 30% of certain qualified expenses:

• Exterior doors, windows and skylights.
• Insulation and air sealing materials or systems.
• Natural gas, propane or oil water heaters.
• Natural gas, propane or oil furnaces and hot water boilers.
• Heat pumps, water heaters, biomass stoves and boilers.
• Home energy audits of a main home.

The maximum credit that can be claimed each year is:

• $1,200 for energy property costs and certain energy efficient home improvements, with limits on doors ($250 per door and $500 total), windows ($600) and home energy audits ($150).
• $2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves or biomass boilers.

The credit is nonrefundable which means taxpayers cannot get back more from the credit than what is owed in taxes and any excess credit cannot be carried to future tax years.

Residential Clean Energy Credit

Taxpayers who invest in energy improvements for their main home, including solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells or battery storage, may qualify for an annual residential clean energy tax credit.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit equals 30% of the costs of new, qualified clean energy property for a home in the United States installed anytime from 2022 through 2032.

Qualified expenses include the costs of new, clean energy equipment including:

• Solar electric panels.
• Solar water heaters.
• Wind turbines.
• Geothermal heat pumps.
• Fuel cells.
• Battery storage technology (beginning in 2023).

Clean energy equipment must meet the following standards to qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit:

• Solar water heaters must be certified by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation, or a comparable entity endorsed by the applicable state.
• Geothermal heat pumps must meet Energy Star requirements in effect at the time of purchase.
• Battery storage technology must have a capacity of at least 3 kilowatt hours.

This credit has no annual or lifetime dollar limit except for fuel cell property. Taxpayers can claim this credit every year they install eligible property on or after Jan. 1, 2023, and before Jan. 1, 2033.

This is a nonrefundable credit, which means the credit amount received cannot exceed the amount owed in tax. Taxpayers can carry forward excess unused credit and apply it to any tax owed in future years.

Additional information is available at IRS.gov on qualifying residences and information for taxpayers who also use their home for a business.

When it is time to file a tax return, taxpayers can use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits , to claim the credit. This credit must be claimed for the tax year when the property is installed, not just purchased.

Good recordkeeping

Taxpayers are encouraged to keep good records of purchases and expenses. This will assist in claiming the applicable credit during tax filing season.

Other resources

• Publication 5967, Energy Efficient Home Improvements Credit (25C) PDF
• Publication 5968, Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) PDF
• energy.gov: Credit Comparison Chart
• Fact sheet: Frequently asked questions about energy efficient home improvements and residential clean energy property credits PDF
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East Palestine derailment damaged my farm, opened my eyes. Ohio needs solar programs

Steve Mondak is an Ohio family farmer and youth facilitator at the Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association.

When a freight train derailed last year, spilling hazardous materials into the atmosphere, it damaged my farm, and it opened my mind.

As an Ohio farmer, I have always been a conservationist. But the environmental devastation from an incident that took place five miles from my farm taught me the importance of taking better care of our planet — and made me appreciate the value of clean energy.

That’s why I support House Bill 197. Sponsored by James Hoops, R-Napoleon, and Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, HB 197 is a bipartisan legislative proposal to establish a pilot program for community solar. It would benefit family farmers like me and represent a meaningful step toward a healthier environment.

My family resides on a 101-acre general use farm near East Palestine. We maximize yield on timber and firewood, we have hayfields for livestock feed production, and we keep a flock of chickens for eggs. 

I used to maintain an apiary to produce honey, beeswax and propolis, but after the derailment in February of 2023, my bees were killed off and I can no longer sell honey. 

Property values have plummeted, and we worry about the potential health effects that we may suffer as a result of the disaster. There is no data to predict the long-term human effects of a catastrophe of this magnitude as a result of drinking the well water or breathing the air. 

So, while we monitor our own health, I want to play a part in creating a healthier environment.

I am reminded of a family trip taken down Route 23 through the coalfields of eastern Kentucky several years ago. We stopped the truck on top of a mountain road. I was shocked to see that from horizon to horizon was an absolute wasteland, devoid of even a blade of grass. It looked like a nuclear bomb had been dropped, when in fact, it was just the result of mountaintop removal coal mining. 

When I recall that, and when I think about what happened in my own community, finding a cleaner form of energy production just makes good sense. 

A bit larger than the solar systems you put on your roof, and a lot smaller than the giant industrial solar farms many utilities are contracting with, community solar facilities are local, and bring lots of local benefits as well.

These solar projects are shared by multiple community subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share of the renewable power produced. The business model builds a more resilient electric grid and expands access to energy choice for all, including low-to-moderate-income customers and those who don’t have the means or the freedom to place panels on their homes or businesses.

As a rural landowner, I canhost a community solar farm, and if the General Assembly passes HB 197, I would be encouraged to do so.

Other farmers will, too. It can be a struggle to make ends meet on a small family farm when seed and fertilizer need to be purchased and when equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. By hosting a community solar farm, Ohio farmers can secure new sources of income to ensure their continued vitality while providing much-needed relief to our rural economy.

Community solar doesn’t just offer a financial opportunity to harvest a new solar crop. It will also bring exciting and rewarding jobs, economic development and new tax revenue to my small rural community.

HB 197 supports energy independence by encouraging the development of new homegrown energy sources for Ohioans. It would create a pilot project offering subscribers help and support to obtain benefits from new renewable, less expensive energy sources. It would also enable Ohio businesses to access the benefits of renewable energy generated in Ohio, instead of leaving them to purchase energy from neighboring states.

As my community deals with the aftermath of the train derailment, environmental protection has taken on a new meaning. If Ohio can empower consumers with the choice for low-cost energy from nonpolluting solar farms, why wouldn’t we?

Energy & Environmental Science

All-perovskite tandem solar cells from fundamentals to technological progress.

Organic-inorganic perovskite materials have gradually progressed from single-junction solar cells to tandem (double) or even multi-junction (triple-junction) solar cells as all-perovskite tandem solar cells (APTSCs) have advantages: (1) the tunable optical bandgap, (2) low-cost because of solution-processing, inexpensive precursors, and thin film process, (3) scalability and lightweight, and (4) an eco-friendly technology related to low CO2 emission. However, APTSCs face severe issues regarding stability caused by Sn2+ oxidation in narrow bandgap perovskites, low performance due to Voc deficit in the wide bandgap range, non-standardisation of charge recombination layers, and a challenging thin-film deposition as each layer must be nearly perfectly homogenous. Here, we discuss the fundamentals of APTSCs and technological progress for each layer of the all-perovskite stacks. Furthermore, the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) limitation of APTSCs is discussed by utilising simulation research.

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How do I get the $300 energy bill rebate? Here's where you'll see the federal budget benefits

Have you heard about a bunch of benefits people are getting from Tuesday night's federal budget?

In case you missed it, Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke about a few measures that could put extra money in your pocket, including:

• A $300 energy bill rebate for every household
• The stage 3 tax cuts
• Changes to student debt

From all the chatter about this, it might sound like you'll be getting a cash payment from the government in the coming days. 

But it doesn't work like that.

So don't expect a cheque in the mail or money transferred directly into your bank account. 

Here's what you need to know about rebates, credits and tax cuts. 

How do I get the $300 energy rebate?

It'll automatically be taken off your power bill . 

But your next bill won't be $300 cheaper, because the rebate is being applied quarterly . 

Who is eligible for the $300 rebate?

The rebate will be credited to every Australian household's power bill. 

The word "household" is key here.  

The rebate will only be applied to each household — not every person who lives in that household. 

It's not a $300 payment that every person will receive individually . 

What are the stage 3 tax cuts?

When you hear someone talking about "stage 3 tax cuts", they're referring to changes to Australia's tax brackets and taxation rates .

And these changes will result in a saving for all Australians who earn above the tax-free threshold — because it'll mean paying slightly less tax. 

You can use the calculator below to work out how much you'll save in tax under the changes:

But it's important to remember that you won't be getting this money as a separate payment .

How will I get my tax-cut money?

From July 1, the Australian Taxation Office will take less money from the take-home pay of all taxpayers.

That means you'll keep more of the money you earn.

In most cases, you don't have to do anything to receive the tax cut, it will happen automatically. 

What are the new tax brackets?

These will be the new tax brackets as of July 1: 

• Earn  up to $18,200  –  pay no tax
• Pay a  16 per cent  tax rate on each dollar earned between  $18,201–$45,000
• Pay a  30 per cent  tax rate on each dollar earned between  $45,001–$135,000
• Pay a  37 per cent  tax rate on each dollar earned between  $135,001–$190,000
• Pay a  45 per cent  tax rate on each dollar earned above  $190,000

Will I get a HECS refund?

The federal government says it is back-dating changes to student debt indexation to last year . 

Back then, the indexation rate was 7.1 per cent.

But under these changes, it'll be lowered to 3.2 per cent. 

If you've still got a HECS debt, the difference will be taken off your current debt . 

And if you completely paid off your debt last year, you'll either get that difference back in your tax refund  or it'll be subtracted from whatever you owe the ATO after filing your tax forms. 

Editor's note (15/05/2024): This story has been updated to clarify how the tax cut will be applied.

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