What Are Two Advantages Of Using Solar Energy Other Than Being Renewable?

Solar Energy is Clean and Environmentally Friendly

One of the primary advantages of solar energy is that it produces no greenhouse gas emissions or pollution when generating electricity. Unlike fossil fuels that emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere when burned, solar panels generate clean, renewable energy from the sun. According to the US Energy Information Administration, solar energy systems generated 50 million MWh of electricity across the US in 2016 alone, displacing 30 million metric tons of carbon emissions.

The Natural Resources Defense Council notes that solar energy systems reduce air pollution by replacing fossil fuel plants that generate higher amounts of smog-forming nitrogen oxides, soot, and sulfur dioxide emissions. In addition, solar photovoltaic systems avoid NOx, SO2, and GHG emissions that would occur at fossil fuel plants.

Compared to other renewable sources like hydroelectric and wind, solar has minimal environmental impact since no mining or drilling for fuels is needed. The clean energy produced can help counteract pollution from other industries as we transition to a low-carbon economy. Overall, solar energy offers a sustainable, emission-free solution to meet our energy needs while combating climate change.

Solar Energy Systems Require Little Maintenance

One of the key advantages of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is that they require very little maintenance over their lifespan. The industry standard for most solar panels is a lifespan of 25-30 years (source). Most reputable manufacturers offer 25 year production warranties, meaning the panels will continue generating electricity at 80% of their original capacity for that timeframe.

Solar panels contain no moving parts and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. As long as the panels are properly installed, the only maintenance required is occasionally washing off any accumulated dirt and dust. This can help maximize solar production. Some homeowners choose to hire professionals periodically to check on connections and performance.

Overall, the minimal maintenance of solar PV systems over their 20-30 year lifespan is a major advantage compared to fossil fuel systems that require much more upkeep and repairs.

Solar Energy Can Be Used Almost Anywhere

One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is its versatility. Solar power systems can be installed almost anywhere that receives sunlight.

Some of the main ways solar energy can be utilized include:

• Rooftop solar systems on homes, businesses, and other buildings (https://www.bluettipower.com/blogs/news/uses-of-solar-energy)
• Large utility-scale solar plants and solar farms that feed into the electric grid (https://www.nrel.gov/pv/applications.html)
• Off-grid solar systems in remote areas without access to an electricity grid (https://www.onepointesolutions.com/blog/solar-energy-applications/)

Rooftop solar panels are one of the most common applications. They can be installed on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings to generate electricity and offset grid power. Rooftop systems provide clean, renewable energy where it’s needed most – at the point of consumption.

Utility-scale solar power plants generate massive amounts of centralized solar power. These large installations cover dozens or hundreds of acres with rows of ground-mounted solar panels. The electricity feeds into the grid, offsetting fossil fuel use.

In remote regions without an electricity grid, standalone off-grid solar systems provide power autonomously. Off-grid solar is an economical solution for electrification of rural villages, communications towers, and more.

The modular and scalable nature of solar technology allows it to be deployed in small and large applications across urban, suburban, and rural settings.

Solar Energy Promotes Energy Independence

One of the key advantages of solar energy is that it allows homes and businesses to generate their own electricity. By installing solar panels, consumers can produce electricity on-site rather than relying solely on utility companies and the grid (source). This energy independence gives consumers control over their energy production and reduces dependence on the centralized utility grid.

With a solar energy system, homeowners and businesses can produce some or even all of the electricity they need. This allows them to meet their energy needs even if the power goes out or if electricity prices from the utility rise (source). Solar energy systems provide a form of energy insurance and stability.

In addition, solar energy systems allow consumers to reduce their carbon footprint. By generating clean, renewable electricity on-site, solar panel owners lower the amount of fossil fuel-generated electricity needed from centralized utility plants.

With solar energy, consumers and businesses can take charge of their energy future and gain more energy autonomy. This energy independence is a major selling point for solar power.

Solar Energy Can Lower Electric Bills

One of the biggest advantages of installing solar panels is the potential to reduce your electricity bills. Solar energy systems generate electricity from the sun, allowing homeowners to rely less on their utility company.

Solar panels produce the most energy during the daytime hours when electricity usage and rates are often highest. This offsets the need to purchase as much grid electricity during peak hours, saving money.

Many homeowners with solar panels see their utility bills drop by 50-90%. The exact savings depend on factors like system size, electricity rates, and how much of your own solar power you use directly versus sending back to the grid. But in general, the more solar power you generate and use yourself, the greater the bill reductions.

Over the lifetime of a solar system, lower electric bills can really add up and be one of the biggest financial benefits. Going solar provides a long-term hedge against rising utility rates as well. Once your system is paid off, your “fuel” from the sun is free. This gives you more control over your energy costs for decades.

According to a Forbes article, the typical homeowner saves $20,000-$30,000 over 20 years by going solar.

Solar Energy Offers a Hedge Against Rising Energy Rates

One of the big advantages of generating your own solar power is that you can lock in lower electricity rates for 20-30 years, thanks to net metering laws and the long lifespan of solar panels. This protects solar homeowners from utility rate hikes that routinely occur each year.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential electricity rates have increased by an average of 3.1% per year over the last decade. Based on that rate of increase, a homeowner could see their electric bill double in about 25 years if they remain on the grid. However, by locking in a solar energy rate through a net metering agreement, homeowners can avoid unpredictable rate increases for the lifespan of their solar panel system.

For example, a homeowner in California who pays 15 cents/kWh for electricity from the grid might lock in a net metering rate of 10 cents/kWh when they install solar panels. If grid rates increase 3% annually, in 25 years that rate would rise to 30 cents/kWh. But the solar homeowner’s rate would remain frozen at 10 cents/kWh, saving them hundreds of dollars per year. Going solar provides energy cost certainty and stability for decades. [1]

Solar Energy Creates Local Jobs

The solar energy industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States, creating thousands of new domestic jobs in clean energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there were over 250,000 Americans working in solar energy as of 2021, representing an increase of over 50% since 2015. With the declining costs of solar panels and increasing installations across the country, employment in the solar sector is projected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years.

Most solar jobs are local installation and maintenance positions that cannot be outsourced. When a home or business in a particular area goes solar, local electricians, roofers, and other tradespeople are hired to complete the installation. Ongoing maintenance and operations roles are also based locally. According to a report by the Solar Foundation, every new solar job created leads to an additional 1.17 to 2.8 local indirect and induced jobs, further boosting local economies.

By investing in solar power, communities can create good-paying local jobs in construction, manufacturing, project development, sales, and more. These local jobs provide employment opportunities and spur economic growth in communities across the country. With solar energy’s falling prices and rising demand, solar job creation is poised to accelerate in the coming decade.

Solar Increases Property Values

Installing solar panels can increase a home’s resale value by anywhere from $4 per watt up to $24 per watt, depending on local factors like electricity rates and solar incentives. Multiple studies have confirmed that homes with solar PV systems have higher resale values compared to similar homes without solar.

According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar PV systems sold for an average premium of $4 per watt of solar installed. This implies that a 5 kilowatt solar array could add $15,000 – $20,000 in value to a home.

Another study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that each kilowatt of solar increased a home’s value by $5,911 in California, and $3,528 in Florida. With the average residential solar system sized between 5-8 kilowatts, the value added from solar ranges from $17,640 to $47,288 for most homes.

Realtors report that solar homes sell faster and at higher prices because solar panels lower utility bills and hedge against future electricity rate hikes. Home buyers are increasingly looking for energy efficient and environmentally friendly features like solar PV.

Solar Energy Can Be Used to Charge Electric Vehicles

Solar energy provides a clean, renewable way to power electric vehicles without the need for gasoline. This eliminates transportation costs associated with buying gasoline, which is a huge perk of solar energy. There are now solar electric vehicles available that can drive for months between charges by harnessing the power of the sun.

For example, the Aptera EV is designed with solar panels integrated into the vehicle to provide fuel-free, sustainable transportation (Aptera Motors). It can travel up to 40 miles per day powered only by the sun. The Lightyear One is another solar electric car capable of averaging over 7 miles per hour of solar charging (Lightyear — Solar Electric Vehicle). These innovations demonstrate the potential for solar energy to revolutionize transportation.

Solar powered electric vehicles eliminate the recurring cost of buying gasoline for transportation. This provides major savings for drivers over time. The sun’s energy is free, renewable, and available just about anywhere you go. Solar transportation is the future of sustainable mobility.

Solar Works During Power Outages

One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it can provide resilience and reliability during power outages. Solar energy systems with batteries can store solar energy and provide backup electricity when the main power grid goes down. This capability is extremely valuable for providing energy services that are critical during emergencies and disasters.

According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar+storage systems can supply electricity for hours or even days during grid outages, allowing vital operations to continue uninterrupted [1]. For example, solar+storage systems kept the lights on and life support systems running at some hospitals and nursing homes during Hurricane Sandy. Solar systems also kept cell towers operational after Superstorm Sandy, allowing continued communication services.

With the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather due to climate change, resilient power supplies are becoming more and more important. Solar energy systems with battery storage provide clean backup power and electricity independence when the centralized grid goes down.