Is Solar Power Sustainable?
Solar energy is a type of sustainable energy. In fact, it is significantly more sustainable than traditional fossil fuels that are commonly used as a source of fuel. Solar panels are responsible for converting the sun’s energy into a source of electrical energy, and then homes and businesses can use that energy rather than relying on fossil fuels.
Understanding Solar Sustainability
When someone wants to buy sunpower solar panels, one of the top reasons they may move forward and do this is thanks to the sustainability the panels offer. According to information from the United Nations, the term “sustainability” means that something can meet the present needs without impacting or compromising the ability that future generations have to meet similar needs.
Solar energy fits this definition of sustainability. That is because the energy created by the sun can be used indefinitely without impacting or diminishing what is available in the future. Most professionals in the field agree that, today, the sun is definitely the most important and essential source of renewable energy available.
It’s a Renewable Energy Source
Part of sustainability is whether something is considered a renewable source of energy instead of a non-renewable source of energy. For example, fossil fuels are considered finite. This means there is a limited supply, and once that supply is gone, there is no way to create more.
When it comes to solar power, there is more than enough to cover the energy requirements for the entire planet. This is true even if the population of the Earth continues to grow and people consume more and more energy. In fact, solar energy is considered a powerful way to fight issues related to climate change.
According to information found in a Scientific American study, in a time period of 40 minutes, the total amount of energy that is contained in the light of the sun that reaches the Earth’s surface is the same amount of electrical energy that is used on the planet in an entire year. Even better, the cost of solar panels is steadily falling, which means more people than ever before can harness and utilize this technology.
Solar Energy is a Non-Polluting Source of Power
When fossil fuels are extracted, the process causes pollution. This also happens when they are consumed. With solar energy, this is a non-issue. This is yet another way that solar power and the best residential solar panels offer sustainability.
When solar panels are installed, they simply sit on the roof or in larger arrays. These panels do not create any type of waste product. They make no noise and have no other type of output. The only effect of their installation is clean energy.
Smaller, Unsustainable Aspects of Solar Power and Solar Panels
Even though solar energy is considered sustainable, the ability to harness this energy is not free of disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages present relate to the level of sustainability that solar panels offer. However, when it comes to the disadvantages and understanding of what they are, those disadvantages are virtually insignificant when compared to the positive potential offered by solar power as a source of sustainable energy.
Potentially Higher Costs
One of the top reasons that solar energy is not more widespread than it is today is because it is not yet considered to be an economically sustainable option. The initial costs of installing solar panels will eventually pay for themselves because of the free energy the panels produce once they are in place and operating. However, the ratio of the related costs to the energy that is produced is still too high for some homeowners. Thankfully, this is a factor that is starting to change as the cost of solar panels continues to fall.
Thanks to the continued advancements being made in this space, it is believed that, at some point, solar energy is going to be a more cost-effective solution than the non-renewable sources that will become more costly as their availability falls, such as fossil fuels.
Understanding the Non-Renewable Materials Used
Even though the sun is a sustainable source of energy, many of the materials that are needed to create solar panels are not considered sustainable. Modern solar panels are created using rare minerals like selenium. Eventually, these resources will be exhausted if the manufacturers of solar panels continue to extract them at this growing pace.
The issue that many companies in this space face related to the use of naturally occurring resources are being overcome thanks to new advances in technology. These advances are finding ways to create solar panels with some of the more commonly occurring materials on the Earth.
Understanding the Essence of Sustainability
Because the sun is expected to continue shining for a few more billion years, moving to solar energy is considered a safe bet. However, there is a challenge. This challenge is finding a way to reduce the cost of solar panels to the point where they are considered economically sustainable by using more renewable resources rather than non-renewable materials.
The Importance of Solar Energy to Protecting the Environment
It is important to note that solar is a safe alternative form of energy that is set to replace the commonly used fossil fuels, such as gas and coal. According to the WWF, the generation of electricity by fossil fuels results in pollution of the air, which can lead to acid rain, damaged forests, and a negative impact on agricultural production. Now is the time for people around the world to embrace solar power and all it has to offer, which is going to be beneficial for current and future generations.
When it comes to solar power, there are many factors to consider. While the panels do require a significant upfront investment, most people find that this investment is well worth it thanks to the returns the panels offer. Those who are contemplating the installation of solar panels are strongly encouraged to get in touch with local solar power professionals. They can help ensure moving to solar energy production is the right decision.