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Many people are drawn to solar power for its powerful money saving ability, to reduce their monthly power bills.

For many other people, the environmental benefits of solar for our planet are just as important, and make it equally worthy of an investment.

As a renewable energy source, solar has the power to reduce harmful air and water pollution, and lessen the pressures we continually place on finite resources such as oil and gas.

This post gives a summary of the key benefits solar energy has on the environment, and why it’s a reliable and sustainable solution that’s has powerful potential to do good for the earth’s precious environment, now and for many generations to come.

Solar reduces air pollution

As has been well publicised for decades now, traditional fossil fuels such as oil and gas emit harmful carbon dioxide and methane into our atmosphere, all of which gradually contribute to global warming and decreased air quality.

Alternatively, electricity produced via solar panels is an entirely clean form of energy production that produces zero greenhouse gases.

Looking at our own back doorstep, in 2015 New Zealand’s gross greenhouse gas emissions were 80.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which placed us 7th worst on a list of 41 nations.

A move to solar will see you contribute to New Zealand’s effort in reducing our carbon footprint, something we need to become increasingly conscious of not only as Kiwis, but also as global citizens.

A 4kw solar-powered system can offset nearly 200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide over 25 years, the equivalent of planting 2,316 trees.

 

Solar reduces water pollution

An often-overlooked benefit of solar power is that the solar photovoltaic cells used to absorb sunlight do not require water to run.

Generating power through fossil fuels on the other hand, uses vast amounts of water to facilitate their cooling requirements.

Not only does solar not require water, it doesn't pollute waterways or strain local water supplies by competing with agriculture, drinking systems and other crucial water needs.

 

Solar reduces the need for finite resources

The sun is a ‘glowing’ example of a renewable and abundant resource that produces 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second - a force more than 10,000 times greater than the world’s total combined energy use.

Conversely, fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually (some say soon) run dry. Taking advantage of a renewable resource like solar is a phenomenal way of insuring yourself and our planet against the inevitable reality of finite fuel resources becoming depleted.

In 2017, we each need to take responsibility for reducing the effect our energy consumption has on the planet. Going solar will help you play your part, and also has the added bonus of helping you cut your power bills in the process.

If you’re interested in contributing to a clean, green and sustainable New Zealand then a switch to solar is one of the strongest tactical moves that you personally can make to help return our environment to great shape for future generations.

Solar Savings Calc


References:

National Geographic
Radio New Zealand
Solar Resource Guide.org
Energy.gov