Fossil fuels' downsides are becoming undeniable. Thankfully, the world is shifting towards sustainable energy and technology. Solar energy is often on top of our minds when we think of renewable energy sources. The sun is undoubtedly one of the most ubiquitous sources of energy that can generate clean and sustainable electricity for homeowners and businesses, free of global warming emissions.

As of September 2022, solar power is a fast-growing industry in Australia, with around 3.27 million solar panel installations. Many people are switching to solar power; we see more solar-powered homes, office buildings and schools. Thanks to the benefits of using solar power. However, with the increase in demand for solar panels, many more factors exist, including production, installation and maintenance costs. Therefore, one might question the credibility of solar panels. Are they genuinely sustainable? Are solar panels green?

This month, Solaris Tech will dive into the world of solar energy and evaluate the environmental impact of solar power in the future of green technology.

How does solar energy work?

Sunlight is the cleanest energy resource that converts to electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels. The sun releases packets of energy called Photons. They are constantly emitted on our planet, generating a good amount of solar energy to satisfy energy needs for an entire year globally.

A solar panel consists of many solar cells made of silicon. These solar cells act as semiconductors. They are made with a positive and negative layer with other materials like phosphorus and boron to create an electric field. When sunlight hits the solar cells, photons or particles of light knock off free electrons, generating electricity.

Positive environmental impact of solar energy

It is a fact that fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and petroleum cannot be replaced once burnt. Solar panels use photons from the sun to capture enough energy to produce electricity effectively as long as the sun shines. This is great, isn't it? Solar energy is a renewable energy that is constantly replenished without running out. Let us look at the positive effects of solar energy on the environment.

Low carbon emissions

Burning fossil fuels like natural gas, coal and petroleum releases carbon dioxide and other harmful gasses into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to air pollution and intensify issues like climate change and global warming. According to the studies conducted by the US Department of National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 2014, coal produces 25 times more carbon dioxide than solar panels to create the same amount of energy.

From the above information, it can be concluded that the sun is the primary energy source for solar panels. With solar power, we can decrease the effect of fossil fuels resulting in a reduced carbon footprint and better environmental sustainability.

Conserve water resources

Water is an essential part of the manufacturing process. Be its extraction, transportation or power generation, manufacturers employ litres of water to produce energy. As we all know that natural resources are depleting, we need to ensure that we can preserve these resources as much as possible.

With solar energy, the conservation of water is possible. Solar panels need little or no water to produce electricity and even for their maintenance. This can prevent hazardous chemicals and gases from polluting our water bodies. It also preserves clean water.

Decrease air pollution

Burning fossil fuels releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which causes air pollution and even lowers air quality. These toxic chemicals and gases contribute to acid rain. As we switch to greener energy, we can reduce the need for power plants that release dangerous air pollutants.

Conserve natural resources

As we all are aware of the act that natural resources like oil, natural gas and coal are depleting. With energy created from burning fossil fuels, we risk running out of these resources. By switching to renewable energy sources like sunlight, we can rely less on finite natural resources and preserve them for future generations. This might be a reason to go for solar panel installation.

Help solve climate change

One of the adverse effects of fossil fuel burning is climate change and global warming. Solar energy is a renewable source that is free of dangerous carbon emissions. Solar energy can create cleaner power and protect the environment from climate change. According to the Australian Solar Industry, solar energy has reduced global warming emissions, equivalent to planting 2 billion trees.

The final verdict

From the above information, solar energy has a positive environmental impact compared to traditional energy. It lowers carbon emissions, reduces our dependence on finite natural resources and can also help fight climate change.

Solar comes from sunlight which is a great option, especially for people who live in sunny locations. Solar can also store energy even without access to direct sunlight. Manufacturing, disposal, and recycling still come with their challenges. However, new policies and technologies are developing rapidly to overcome these challenges.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your green journey with Solaris Tech today! If you want to find the right solar panels for your house, call us at 1300-946-524 to talk to our experts directly.