7 Advantages of Solar Energy
We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission.
When you hear renewable energy or clean energy, what’s the first thing you think of? The advantages of solar energy are hard to ignore. In just a little over an hour, the energy that hits the earth from the sun is enough energy to supply one year’s worth of energy for the entire world.
Fortunately, we can harvest that energy through solar panels. While we can’t get the full potential of solar power, technologies can get enough sunlight to power homes, businesses and towns.
Over the years, the popularity of solar energy has tremendously increased. The sun has always been used for multiple purposes — for warmth, to dry meat, produce or clothes and now for electricity. This paves the way towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
How Does It Work?
How do you get from the sun’s rays to electricity generation?
The light that you see from the sun is known as solar radiation. The amount of solar radiation that a region receives varies depending on how many hours of sunlight they get per day and the climate throughout the earth.
Solar technologies capture that light and turn it into forms of energy, like electricity. Two primary types of solar energy exist. One is photovoltaics, and the other is concentrating solar-thermal power.
Solar panels use photovoltaics, or PV. PV cells take in the sun’s energy, which creates an electrical charge, and hence, you get electricity. Concentrating solar-thermal power, or CSP, is typically seen in larger power plants. It uses mirrors to reflect light, which creates heat and then various energy sources.
Since the sun’s energy is constantly renewed and always available, it is an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels and has multiple other benefits.
Here are 7 advantages of solar energy.
1. Renewable
Probably the most significant benefit of solar energy is that it is a renewable source. Unless the sun burns out, it will always be available. The sun shines all over the world, so virtually every person could use its power.
Its renewability makes it a sustainable form of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy has zero carbon emissions and is pollution-free, making it extremely safe for the environment.
2. Lowers Energy Bills
Although costs can be on the higher end for installation, you save that money and then some on energy bills. You will meet your energy needs with solar energy, so once the panels are installed, you’ll see the bills drop.
How much you save depends on how much energy is generated, based on the panel’s size. Additionally, you could make money through your solar panels. If there is excess energy available, you can sell it back to the power grid.
3. Creates Jobs
With the boom of solar energy popularity, more people are needed to install solar panels and help maintain them, especially on solar farms. Over the past 10 years, the solar industry employment has grown by over 150%, creating about one-quarter million jobs.
As long as the solar industry continues to grow, more jobs will be available.
4. Low Maintenance
After you put solar panels in place, they don’t require much maintenance. The only thing you have to do is clean them a few times a year to take in as much sunlight as possible.
This will save you money as well because you won’t have to worry about paying for additional upkeep. The converter only needs to be replaced once in a while so that you can go multiple years with zero hassle.
5. Installed Anywhere
The sun shines everywhere, so solar panels can be installed anywhere! However, some regions may not get enough sunlight to power much, so before installing, check with a solar company if it’s the right move for you.
In addition to them being able to be used anywhere, they can be installed in various settings. Solar panels work on roofs just as well as they work in fields.
6. Various Applications
Solar technologies have made it possible for the sun’s energy to convert d into various applications. Heat and power are the primary products harnessed from the sun.
It can also be used in countries where homes are not part of the electricity grid. That way, people with limited supplies can have access to an electricity source.
7. Always Improving
Finally, a significant advantage of solar energy is that it is always improving. There is constant work on solar technologies to integrate solar power into more homes, buildings and cities.
Improvements will pave the way towards an even more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
Advantages of Solar Energy For Now and the Future
There is enough solar power that could last for more years than humans are capable of perceiving. It’sIt’s a great source of energy for both the present and the future. As more people tap into the sun’s power, the earth will become cleaner, and everyone will be able to reap the benefits.
Share on
Like what you read? Join other Environment.co readers!
Get the latest updates on our planet by subscribing to the Environment.co newsletter!
About the author
Jane Marsh
Starting from an early age, Jane Marsh loved all animals and became a budding environmentalist. Now, Jane works as the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co where she covers topics related to climate policy, renewable energy, the food industry, and more.