How Solar Power Can Replace Fossil Fuels To Save The Earth
Did you know that a kerosene lamp, the common lighting equipment in rural areas and developing countries, creates about one ton of carbon emissions in a period of about seven years? That may still not sound too bad until you consider that there are around 2.5 billion people globally who have no access to any power source of any kind. They are still relying on kerosene and other fossil fuels for heat and light. Now, does the carbon emission impact begin to make sense?
Solar power can not only help the world to survive, but also thrive, by serving the basic needs while reducing environmental pollution. Solar power for light, heat, and water is not only feasible, but vital for global survival and growth.
Many third world countries have excellent solar energy potential, but most of the people who live there are not aware of its existence. It has either been unavailable or too expensive for them to consider. Due to this fact, they are also the biggest market for renewable energy products, like home solar power systems.
Considering the sun provides an unlimited supply of renewable clean energy, anything and everything we can do to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and increase our reliance on solar energy will help the world. Every watt of power generated from the sun is pollution-free, while every watt of power generated from fossil fuel adds to the world’s pollution.
Using solar power is cost free after paying for the initial cost of components and installation. There’s no need for regular maintenance. The use of solar energy does not generate any sound, thereby reducing noise pollution as well.
The average home currently emits about 18 tons of greenhouse gas into the environment in a year with the use of fossil fuel. However, no such pollution will exists if we replace it with solar energy. One of the biggest advantages on a world scale is the ability to create self-sufficient home systems in rural areas where normal power distribution is not economically feasible.
Solar panels currently have an average 25-year life with a 10-year payback. Thin film technologies are predicted to decrease cost, increase innovation for use and flexibility. This market is exploding, especially in the area of thin film batteries.
The use of solar energy is gaining momentum worldwide. Investment in building solar panels is growing as it becomes more and more widely adopted. Economies of scale and funding for new technological efficiencies will make it even more economical. As the price of gasoline and other fossil fuels continue to climb, there is no doubt that more and more individuals, companies, and countries will switch to solar energy as their source of power for home, vehicle and other energy needs.
There are many solar power benefits, and it’s here to stay. Let’s face it, the faster solar energy replaces fossil fuel as a primary source of energy, the better off the world will be.