Solar energy collected from the rays of the sun is one of the highly demanded renewable energy sources. It can be used through solar rooftop system installation in homes and workplaces. Constant improvements in solar technology are increasing our capacity for the high use of solar energy. Moreover, solar energy comes with low levels of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. It plays a significant role in decreasing carbon footprints.
By using solar energy for your home, you can reduce the dependence on traditional electric sources. On top of that, solar power can provide many more benefits such as reduced monthly electrical bills, the ability to use existing space effectively with solar rooftop panels, and taking more control of your power requirements.
Want to know how solar power can help in reducing your carbon footprint? Keep scrolling.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar power is a clean, affordable, and maintainable source of energy that is being widely used around the world. It converts sunlight into electrical energy either through solar radiation concentrating mirrors or PV (photovoltaic) panels. The power generated is then used to produce electricity. It can also be stored in thermal storage or batteries for later use.
Solar power can be used in small personal panels for residential purposes or in large-size plants to produce industrial solar power. The sunlight availability and amount are based on the time of the day and the location.
PV cells in solar panels get power from sunlight and then create an electrical charge, which is transferred according to an internal electric field in the cell. In Concentrating Solar Thermal Plants (CSP), mirrors reflect and focus sunlight onto receivers, which gather and transform solar power into heat. It is mainly used in highly large power plants.
What is Carbon Footprint?
Carbon footprint is one of the methods to check the effects of global climate change such as carbon dioxide caused by a community, an individual, or an organization. It represents the total amount of greenhouse gases created by everyday human activities.
CO2 or carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that enters the environment by burning oil, natural gas, and coal. Industrial, commercial, residential, electricity production, and transportation are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
The increasing population is resulting in increased CO2 emission that depletes the ozone layer and contributes to global warming. Routine activities such as running washing machines, traveling through car, turning on the television, etc. are spreading CO2 emissions beyond the safety levels. If it continues to increase, the average temperature on the surface of the Earth will increase by a great amount and negatively affect the atmosphere composition. It will transfer power in all changed directions.
How Solar Power Helps in Reducing Carbon Footprints?
Solar power is more environment-friendly than fossil fuels because solar power has a 95% less rate of carbon emission than coal. Also, the water consumption and complete air pollution of solar panels are 99% less than coal. Unlike other manufacturing processes, PV panels don’t require water to work. Solar panels installed in your home get energy from the sun and then convert it into electrical energy without requiring water supplies. You can even store it on the grid without wasting any type of energy.
Using this pollution-free and renewable energy can greatly cut down the carbon footprint of households almost by half. That’s the main reason why most people switch from traditional to solar street lights, solar rooftops, and other solar technologies.
Zero Emissions
Highly capable solar panels or solar power projects can produce energy with zero emissions. The safe solar energy generated can be used to meet the energy demand without having a negative impact on the atmosphere.
Every kilowatt of solar power can cut your carbon footprint by 3,000 pounds in a year. You can save about 15,000 pounds of carbon footprints from being released into the environment annually using a 5-kilowatt of solar plant.
The renewable energy production of India is just at 36 percent of the complete capacity. This means, introducing more solar energy systems can provide a huge help.
Green Energy
The energy produced from natural resources such as water, wind, or sunlight is known as green energy. The average global temperature annually has increased by 0.5 degree Celsius in the past decade. Many studies report traditional sources to be responsible for about 89% of global warming. So, installing solar technologies can help a lot in avoiding atmosphere harm.
Reduced Carbon Emission in Production
Almost every production process will create some type of carbon footprint. But, during the manufacturing and production of solar power plants, there is a very low emission of carbon dioxide. Also, it is constantly getting highly reduced. This means, by installing solar energy projects in your homes and workplace, you are making a greener choice. Also, the increase in the use of solar power is changing the grid emission factor.
Different Solar Methods to Cut Your Carbon Footprint
There are different solar power methods you can use to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panel installation with regular on ground solar maintenance is one of the most common ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels cost has highly decreased and it is expected to reduce further. It also saves utility bills and improves the value of your home.
Outdoor solar lights such as solar garden lights with a wireless setup have a small solar panel to collect the sunlight. These are simple to install and are completely environment-friendly. These lights can be installed anywhere to highlight the main element of the space. Solar rooftops, solar micro grid, solar Tele communication towers, and solar electric fences are other ways for you to decrease your carbon footprint.
Final Words
India and many more nations have a long way to travel to completely reduce the carbon footprints or greenhouse gas emission. Using solar energy is the perfect start to fight against climate change and create a healthier and green planet for the coming generations. A small change by you i.e. use of solar power technologies can make a great difference in your life and the surrounding environment. It can motivate other people in the neighborhood to take the advantage of solar power.