Solar Energy is a term that has shown up in our textbooks, it has been under scrutiny for a while and is definitely coming out as a thing of the future, only that the future is here. Before we start off with the benefits let’s understand the concept of Solar Energy. Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather. The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy that in itself gives an edge over other sources. Out of all the renewable sources, solar energy happens to be the most reliable source as the total energy received on earth is ample more than the world’s current and anticipated needs in the future. If we manage to utilize this energy in an efficient and optimum way we can be independent of fossil fuels and other non-renewable sources that are not only limited but also causing harm to the environment. Solar technologies convert solar radiation into electricity using Photovoltaic Panels (PV). Over the years the cost of manufacturing Solar Panels has dropped drastically making it a viable, affordable, and environment-friendly option.
“We have this handy fusion reactor in the sky called the Sun; you don’t have to do anything, it just works. It just shows up every day”
~ Elon Musk
The top 5 Benefits of using Solar Panels are as follows:
Renewable and Sustainable:
Solar Panels consume Sun’s radiation to generate electricity on a large scale and sunlight is everlasting making it a renewable source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels which are finite and will eventually run out, Solar energy is sustainable and can be utilized indefinitely. It is undeniably a solution in the long run.
Environmentally Friendly:
Solar energy is a clean form of energy, as it does not produce air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions and doesn’t leave a carbon footprint. Climate change is a growing concern and many qualified scientists have conjectured that this is a problem that the world will be facing sooner than later, in such a predicament relying on Solar energy could be the answer to our problem.
Job Creation and Economic Benefits:
The use of Solar Energy opens up jobs in the manufacturing, design, installation, and maintenance sectors. It also stimulates local economies through investments in solar infrastructure, creating a positive economic impact.
Cost-effective:
The set-up cost of Solar Panels may be higher but these solar panels have lower operational costs and require minimum maintenance. This will help in considerable savings on electricity bills. Over time the cost of solar panel installations is decreasing as the technology is advancing. These advancements are helping to make Solar panels accessible and affordable for the middle-class section as well.
Scalability and Versatility:
Solar energy can be used in various applications, ranging from residential, commercial, and industrial to agricultural, transportation, and even space exploration. Solar power can be harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) systems for electricity generation, solar thermal systems for water heating and space heating/cooling, and even integrated into building designs, making it a versatile and adaptable energy source.
Some other benefits of Solar energy are that it can be helpful in generating electricity in remote areas where there are recurring power cuts and bad weather.
To summarise the benefits of Solar energy definitely outweigh the other sources of energy as it is sustainable, environment-friendly, cost-effective, versatile use and will also help in creating job opportunities. An alternative option at the moment though must become our primitive option for the betterment of our future.
