subject: Solar Panels And The Environment [print this page] If you want to make lifestyle changes that will help save the environment then using solar power is something to consider. One of the most popular environment protection implementations and reliable energy source, solar power is becoming an energy option for all. If you have a neighbour using solar panels you may have learnt a bit about the benefits of solar power directly from a solar energy consumer. If not read on for a summary of ways in which solar power can help the environment:
It's renewable - One of the most obvious advantages of solar power is that it relies on an energy resource that will never run out - light from the sun. Solar technology can convert solar power into an endless resource of energy without the need for environment damaging processes such as drilling and mining (needed to retrieve oil and coal).
It offsets greenhouse gases - Solar power technology such as solar panels produce electricity without producing the CO2 emissions that are damaging to the environment. It has been calculated that by using solar power over a period of 20 years you will make an enormous saving of 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Save the environment around the world - Wherever there are hours of sunlight there is the possibility to use solar power... so that means everywhere! Not only is the energy source, sunlight, available everywhere but solar power is also practical in the sense that it takes very little room. Solar panels can be placed on rooftops and are unobtrusive unlike "wind turbines" for examples which need large areas of space and can be a real eyesore.
Although solar power is hugely beneficial there are still a couple of concerns that hold back home-owners from using it. These are the set-up costs and the initial manufacturing impact on environment. Whilst solar power is very energy efficient itself the manufacture of the solar panels can produce a lot of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Unfortunately this is the case with many new technologies however manufacturers are working all the time to cut these down, along with price. As solar power becomes utilised further it will become cheaper and more energy efficient to produce too.
