Energy is generated in a few different ways. For about the last 200 years, since the days of the Industrial Revolution, people have been producing energy with fossil fuels. Unfortunately, this option is not ideal for the environment, and it’s becoming increasingly expensive.
Solar power is highly versatile and can be used in many applications. You can even heat and cool your home with solar energy. Now, many home and business owners are making the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy. Are you wondering if it’s time you got your energy from solar power? Here are the benefits of solar energy and why it’s time to make the switch.
Nonrenewable vs. Renewable Energy
Solar power is a renewable form of energy. If solar panels spend all day soaking up the sun’s rays to create energy, they can do it again the next day, the day after that. Although the equipment may need to be replaced at some point, the sun comes back out every day, and by extension, this type of renewable energy. Although some challenges exist, as photovoltaic solar technology improves, collecting and generating solar energy continues to get easier.
In contrast, fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source. The earth has a finite supply of fossil fuels, meaning that at some point, the world will run out. Based on current consumption rates, estimates claim the earth will run out of oil and natural gas in 50 years, and coal in 100 years. To avoid getting to this point, businesses and consumers should make the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources now.
Environmentally Harmful Carbon Emissions
Burning fossil fuels to produce energy creates carbon dioxide. This byproduct gets trapped in the atmosphere, causing the earth to retain heat. Ultimately, this contributes to global warming and climate change. Solar energy, on the other hand, does not produce harmful carbon emissions.
When you use solar energy, you don’t pollute the air or produce carbon dioxide. The process has a minimal impact on the environment and opting for solar power helps to protect the planet from the harmful effects of climate change.
Cost Savings Benefits of Solar Energy
As of 2018, energy generated by solar power costs an average of $0.10 per KwH, while fossil fuels cost an average of $0.05 to 0.17 per KwH. Coupled with the addition of the cost of equipment, the expense of switching to solar was out of many homeowners’ budgets. However, the cost of solar photovoltaic technology decreased by 73% between 2010 and 2018. As a result of this downward trend in the cost, analysts expect solar energy to be consistently cheaper than fossil fuels by the year 2020.
Massachusetts’ Switch to Solar Energy
Massachusetts is quickly moving away from fossil fuel consumption and toward renewable energy options, including making the switch to solar energy. In 2018, the state had the seventh-highest amount of solar photovoltaic power generating capacity. If you include small-scale electrical generation from residential solar panels, nearly 20% of the state’s energy currently comes from renewable energy sources.
Just ten years ago, a fourth of Massachusetts’ power came from coal, and now, no large power plants in the state are relying on this fossil fuel. Similarly, while petroleum provided a fifth of the state’s electricity in 2000, it now accounts for less than 2% of the total power generated.
Saving Energy on Heating and Cooling
At N.E.T.R., Inc, we support the shift to renewable energy, and we also like to find ways to help our clients boost energy-efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
As Mitsubishi Elite Diamond contractors, we help homes and businesses enjoy the benefits of heating and cooling with air source heat pumps. Pairing this HVAC option with solar energy gives you countless benefits and savings, while increasing your comfort levels and decreasing your carbon footprint. Contact us today to learn more about ductless heating and cooling with solar energy.