The Advantages of Solar Energy

Key Takeaways 

Nearly 60% of the power generation in the U.S. comes from fossil-fuel-powered plants, and a shift toward solar will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
Solar panels can reduce your power bill, and in some cases, the utility company may even pay you for the power you generate. 
With the right setup, solar panels can help keep the lights on during a power outage, at nighttime, or on a cloudy day. 
Solar is a growing technology with tremendous future employment opportunities. 

As the world becomes more conscious of the toll fossil fuels have on climate change, we’ve seen growing interest in harnessing the sun’s power. Solar energy has emerged as a front-runner for sustainable and renewable power sources. But even beyond the ecological benefits, this source of energy offers many advantages for individuals, communities, and businesses. Let’s explore the various advantages of solar energy and why it holds great promise for the future. 
What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy? 
One of the most important advantages of solar energy is its eco-friendliness. Sure, harnessing solar energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels (oil, petroleum, natural gas, coal) and can reduce our carbon footprint, but other advantages exist too. 
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions 
About 60% of energy generation in the U.S. comes from fossil-fuel-burning power plants, and another 19% comes from controversial nuclear energy. 
Burning fossil fuels for electricity generation releases numerous greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change and global warming. However, solar energy produces electricity with no GHG emissions. Switching to solar power can help shrink our carbon footprint and combat the impacts of climate change. 
This clean energy alternative can help protect our atmosphere and contribute to a healthier planet for us and future generations. 

Conserves Water Resources 
A lesser-known environmental advantage of solar energy is its minimal water consumption compared to conventional power plants. Traditional power generation, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power, requires substantial water for cooling. 
On the other hand, solar energy systems do not require water for operation, preserving this precious resource and reducing strain on local water supplies. 
Beyond water conservation, using solar energy can also help mitigate water pollution risks associated with traditional power plants. Discharging heated water from cooling systems in fossil fuel power plants can raise nearby water bodies’ temperatures, leading to thermal pollution. This thermal pollution can reduce the dissolved oxygen levels in the water or cause thermal shock, leading to the death of organisms. 
We can avoid these detrimental environmental impacts and safeguard aquatic ecosystems for future generations with the switch to solar energy. 
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Promotes Land Conservation 
Land use comes up often when discussing alternative energy. Wind turbines are a great option, but they require significant open land to create sufficient energy. Hydroelectric plants are also great, but they require land to install the necessary bodies of water and facilities. 
Conversely, solar panels can sit on rooftops or be installed in open spaces on existing property. By leveraging previously unused areas for solar energy generation, we can reduce the need for land development and preserve natural habitats. This can help promote biodiversity and ecosystem health and help balance human activities and the environment. 
What Are the Personal Economic Advantages of Solar Energy? 
Solar energy can offer numerous personal economic advantages, including lower utility bills and higher property values. Plus, as technology advances and costs decrease, the financial benefits of solar power will likely continue to grow. Let’s review some of the key economic advantages of solar energy. 
Lower Energy Bills 

While solar panels come with upfront costs, they can save you money in the long run and lower your energy bills. When you generate electricity onsite with a solar power system of photovoltaic (PV) panels, it reduces or altogether eliminates your need to draw from the electric grid. This can immediately result in lower electric bills. Solar technology can also help protect you from wildly fluctuating electricity rates so your budget remains more consistent from month to month. 
Plus, if your PV panels (aka solar panels) produce more electricity than you need, you may be able to sell that power back to the utility company if it offers net metering. This can lead to further reductions in your electric bill or, in some cases, the electric company will actually pay you for your surplus energy. 
Higher Property Value 
Installing solar panels can increase property values. Studies show that homes with solar power systems are more attractive to potential buyers and often command higher selling prices for homeowners. Buyers see the advantages of lower energy costs, better energy efficiency, and a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. On top of that, they don’t have to go through the installation process themselves and don’t need a second loan to cover the cost of installing the solar panels. 
So, how much can this renewable energy source increase your home value? That depends on the market, your solar power system, and the age of the panels. On average, you can expect a $20 home value increase for every $1 reduction in yearly electricity costs. 
How Does Solar Power Boost Energy Independence and Security? 
We’ve relied on fossil fuels for many years for our business and home energy needs. However, fossil fuels pollute the planet and are finite resources, meaning we will eventually run out of them. This brings us to other top advantages of solar energy: independence and security. Let’s review exactly how solar panels boost our energy independence and security. 
Reduces Dependence on Fossil Fuels 
As mentioned earlier, fossil fuels provide a significant portion of our energy needs, but these resources are finite and have limited availability. As such, fossil fuels contribute to environmental degradation and expose us to price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. 
Adopting solar power allows us to reduce our dependence on these resources, creating a more stable and sustainable energy future. 
Ensures Energy Supply During Power Outages 
Solar energy systems can also provide reliable power during emergencies and outages or blackouts. Depending on local regulations, when the power goes out, your solar panels will continue energy production and feed power to your home or business as long as the sun shines. 
You can further enhance your energy independence by opting for solar panels with a battery storage system. With this option in place, your solar panel system will automatically store excess energy generated during the day in the battery system. If there’s an outage during a cloudy day or at night, you will still have power for your home or business. 
Provides the Opportunity for Off-Grid Living 

In some states, you can disconnect your home from the primary electric grid and rely completely on your own power generation. As such, those who have solar panels with energy storage can truly live off the grid and pursue energy independence. 
Does Solar Energy Help With Job Creation? 
Beyond its environmental and personal economic advantages, solar energy also has enormous potential for job creation. As we continue adopting solar power, the demand for skilled workers in the solar industry grows. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects solar photovoltaic installer jobs to grow a whopping 22% between 2022 and 2032, which is much higher than the average. And that’s just one role under the solar energy umbrella. 
This growth presents new employment opportunities and can help stimulate local economies. Let’s examine how and why jobs in the solar industry are increasing and showing sustained promise. 
Technological Advancements 
A key factor driving job creation in the solar industry is the continuous technological advancements and innovations in solar energy systems. These advancements help improve the efficiency and affordability of solar power, but they also require a workforce ready to maximize the latest technologies.  
This dynamic environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and skill development among workers in the solar sector. It also ensures fresh candidates can learn new technology alongside the most experienced solar workers for continued growth and opportunities for incoming workers. 
Growth in the Solar Industry 
The solar industry has grown tremendously in recent years, with a steady increase in the adoption of solar energy systems in the U.S. In fact, 53% of all new electric capacity added to the grid in 2023 was solar, including personal residential installation, solar farms, and even utility companies adding solar cells to their power-generation methods. 
This ongoing expansion supports growing job opportunities across various solar touchpoints, including sales, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development. Because the solar industry is such a diverse space, it can support workers from various backgrounds looking to contribute to the transition toward clean energy. 
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Local Employment Opportunities 
Some workers struggle to find a job that fits their skills within their geographical area, often leading them to relocate to find suitable work. Fortunately, solar energy often requires local expertise and workers, thus allowing smaller communities to benefit from job creation and economic development. 
The Advantages of Solar Energy Can Make the World Brighter 

With climate change and global warming reaching alarming levels, we must confront these challenges with sustainable energy solutions. While we have numerous options, such as wind, water, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources, we cannot ignore the numerous advantages of solar energy. 
Solar power is not just a reliable, clean, and cost-effective source of energy but it’s also a resource that won’t run out. By harnessing the sun’s power, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, achieve energy independence, create jobs, and foster a more sustainable future for the next generations.  

Even if you’re not ready to install solar panels or plan to work in the solar industry, there are small changes you can make that have a big impact. Learn how simply switching energy suppliers and choosing green energy plans like those from Just Energy can help you save money and the planet.  
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