How Solar Energy Helps Our Environment Today

Solar energy is a renewable resource, and aside from the initial inputs for the production of solar cells, it emits no carbon dioxide or other pollutants. Development of solar energy has been slow due to high costs, but it is growing in popularity.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

• Using solar panels to produce electricity, either in individual homes or in large arrays which power thousands of homes, can replace coal burning power plants. Coal is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for global climate change.

Reduced air pollution

• By reducing dependence on coal, solar energy reduces the amount of air pollution caused by burning coal and other fossil fuels. Coal emits sulfur dioxides, nitrogen oxides, mercury and other hazardous chemicals which create acid rain and cause health problems such as asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.

Reducing environmental damage from mining, drilling

• As countries improve their solar energy infrastructures, the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil will be reduced. Mining and drilling for these fuels causes significant environmental damage. Mining often destroys large areas of wilderness and releases sulfuric acid and other chemicals into groundwater and surface water. Drilling causes habitat destruction and can lead to catastrophes such as BP's Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 2010.

Low-tech solar energy

• Solar energy can also be used to heat water, improve building ventilation, dry clothes, disinfect water, heat buildings and cook food, all without installing expensive solar panels.