Climate change is a major challenge that’s impacting the entire world. One of the ways that the people of the world are fighting back is by using solar energy, widely known to be an effective solution.
In the past decade, various incentive programs and growing awareness about climate change have led to the increasing uptake of solar energy. By the end of 2017, the total solar capacity of China was 131.1 Gigawatts, while that of the U.S. was over 51 Gigawatts. Solar energy uptake around the world has been on the rise.
Growing Solar Energy Uptake
As more people turn towards solar energy, innovation continues to increase within the solar industry itself. Today, there are solar panels that can be fitted to windows and solar panels that can be fitted to roof tiles for a more aesthetic look.
The Impact of Solar on Climate Change
With all the uptake of solar power, many people have been curious about what the impact has been when it comes to climate change. When we look at the data, there is no doubt that solar power can make a huge dent by providing clean, sustainable energy without global warming emissions.
The Truth About Climate Change
To understand climate change, it’s important to comprehend what the science says. Scientific statistics show that, by 2030, there will be extreme droughts, floods, and wildfires if nothing is done soon. On top of that, hundreds of millions will face food shortages because of rising temperatures from greenhouse gas emissions.
Entire cities and countries will face dire consequences because of changes to the earth’s atmosphere. The main solution for combating climate change is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, which emit most of the greenhouse gases in the world.
According to the data, the planet’s temperature has risen by 1.5C degrees in the past 12 years. However, if the temperature rises by another 1.5C degree, it could kill up to 90% of all coral reefs. If the reefs die, it will also affect the ocean’s ability to produce fish, which a huge portion of the earth’s people rely on as a food source.
If the temperatures rise by 2 degrees, sea levels could rise by one foot. Sadly, this could cause some small islands and their populations to be wiped away completely.
The Impact of Solar Power
One of the most sustainable and abundant sources of energy that we have is the sun. The best part about the energy from the sun is that it does not produce any harmful emissions.
Solar panels use PV cells to convert solar rays into usable electricity for homes and buildings. A major benefit of using PV cells is that once they have been produced, they do not need water or any other input to operate. They can keep running efficiently for the next three decades if they are properly maintained. As a result, PV does not pollute the local water supply, like other sources of power.
When fossil fuels are used to generate power, they damage the environment and produce tons of greenhouse gasses. On top of that, they are finite, meaning their continued use is likely to lead to resource conflicts.
Various governments around the world have created policies that encourage the adoption of solar power. However, there is still a lot that could be done. For instance, governments could mandate that all new commercial buildings have a certain percentage of solar power installed.
As many companies in the solar industry realize the need for solar adoption, they are coming together to push for the increased use of solar power.
Another impact of solar power is that it is helping more people access affordable energy. In most developing nations, the population is expanding faster than the electric grids can manage. These nations would need to make huge investments in order to expand the grid to reach everyone.
Instead of expanding the grid, a practical solution would be to connect rural residents to solar systems. Not only would this save the nation money, but it would also ensure that new solar capacity would lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
The World Wants Solar
A few years ago, the U.S. pulled out of the Paris Climate accord. However, states and municipalities across the U.S. continue to push for the adoption of solar. Some states have even accelerated their solar adoption efforts to reduce the carbon footprint on the world.
A 2018 poll by SEIA (The Solar Energy Industries Association) showed that most people in America were in support of the use of solar power to replace old power plants, which are costly to maintain and use outdated technology. Everyone in the world wants clean air and a better world for themselves and their kids, and one of the most effective ways to achieve that is by using solar power.
Solar power could also help us avoid the looming energy conflict as the fossil fuels the world runs on inevitably dry out. It will also help preserve some of the rarest species in the world that depend on the delicate balance existing in nature.
In some places, such as California, there is a push to rely 100% on renewable energy by 2045. Everyone can play a part in achieving this goal.
If you wish to reduce the amount of carbon you generate, you can do so with ease. All it takes is adding some solar capacity as part of your daily sources of power. You do not even have to start with a full system. For instance, you could start with a small solar-powered pump for your pool and, later on, you could expand to the outdoor lighting for your home.
It’s likely that once you begin to enjoy the benefits of solar power, you will eventually want to expand to a full system for your home. Such a system could help reduce your carbon footprint while also playing a role in increasing your home’s value.
