The Importance of Solar Energy
The Importance of Solar Energy
We have only to watch the news this week with not one, but four, hurricanes bearing down on the US and elsewhere to understand that something out of the ordinary is happening, that the debate over climate change pales in comparison to the reality of what we are experiencing in real time. Nations are attempting to deal with the reality of rising temperatures and monster storms, trying to recover from natural disasters worse than anything documented to date. It seems that the need to find energy alternatives has never been more critical. The importance of solar energy is greater now than ever before.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the burning of fossil fuels during the last 150 years has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by 25 percent. Levels of methane and nitrous oxide have also increased. The presence of ever-increasing amounts of carbon dioxode in our atmosphere essentially traps the sun’s heat within the Earth’s atmosphere rather than allowing it to escape into space, thereby contributing to increases in temperatures around the globe both on land and sea. New research, for example, indicates that half of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has vanished in the past 27 years due to increases in ocean temperatures as a result of climate change. A key factor involved in the steep decline of the Reef is the problem of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures. Capturing energy directly from the sun does not increase temperatures on Earth.
In addition to contributing to global climate change, burning fossil fuels also pollutes the air, leading to negative health effects for both people and animals. Exposure to the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels can cause headaches and increase the risk of heart disease. According to GreenEnergyChoice.com, more than 2.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide are produced just by power plants each year. Sulphur oxides produced when burning fossil fuels create sulphuric acid when these oxides combine with water vapor. As this acid accumulates in lakes and streams, it makes the habitats uninhabitable for plants and animals. Solar energy does not create negative chemical reactions when generated or used.
Because solar energy generates no greenhouse gas or any other chemical by-products like the burning of fossil fuel, this alternative form of energy has never been more critical to our future. Solar energy doesn’t require the mining of raw materials like oil or coal, materials which have to be extracted, refined and then transported to a power plant. The impact on our environment – whether the strip mine or the smelter – is considerable.
These are many sound reasons to invest in solar energy for your home or business. But given what we’ve seen in terms of natural disasters lately, the fact that it is a clean energy source seems most critical to note. Learn more by contacting one of our solar experts at Venture Home Solar. Call us today at 800-203-4158 to find out how you can help the planet and save money at the same time by investing in solar energy! We know the “ins and outs” of our state policies here in New York, including the tax incentives and rebates that can make a solar installation on your home or business even more cost effective. We’re the local experts who stand ready to help you evaluate the feasibility of going solar with your home or business. Call Venture Home Solar today (800-203-4158) to get started!