You've probably heard a lot about solar energy and its efficiency. Also, in recent years, there have been several steps to see how effectively we can use solar energy to alleviate the world's energy crisis. So how does the use of solar energy fit into the bigger picture of protecting our environment? The point is that even small changes in the way we do things go a long way towards protecting our environment.
Solar energy is a renewable energy source
The sun provides us with many renewable energy sources; it has existed for over four billion years and will likely exist for another five billion years, during its lifetime will provide us with a constant flow of energy.
Aside from the obvious fact that solar energy is plentiful, environmentally conscious people find that solar energy is a great way to protect the environment.
But what makes solar energy an attractive option is the fact that It is unlike polluting fossil fuels, their availability is not determined by the oil industry, an industry in which there are many individual capitalists and is heavily influenced by various geographic and political factors, all of which invariably impact the supply of an environmentally friendly source of energy and a very viable alternative to existing fossil fuels that pollute our land, water, air, threaten our health and contribute significantly to global warming.
Video by SciToons
Solar energy converted to thermal energy (or heat) can be used
- Cooking Food: Using Solar Cookers
- Water Heating: in houses, office buildings or swimming pools.* Heating of closed spaces: a greenhouse, a house or even other buildings.
Solar energy can also be converted into electricity using: - Photovoltaic devices or “solar cells” that convert sunlight into electricity. These systems are often used in areas without regular power supply. Some common devices that are sometimes powered by these solar cells are street lights, traffic signals, and some devices such as clocks and even calculators.
- Solar power plants are electricity-generating plants that use thermal energy harvested from solar radiation for superheating. Liquids, which in turn turn into steam and drive the turbines of a generator to produce electricity.
How can solar energy save the environment?
For starters, switching to solar energy would help reduce our reliance on organic fuels. This alone is a huge saving, reduction in hydrocarbons and air emissions, which means fresher, cleaner air. Some secondary effects would be: global warming control, less acid rain, absence of smog. The list could go on and on, but let me touch on some of the more well-known environmental benefits.
Reduced air pollution
The most obvious benefit is the fact that by using solar energy we can reduce pollution. If we reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned and switch to solar power for our needs, the amount of pollution we produce will decrease accordingly.
Solar electrification in some rural areas also reduces dependence on the electricity grid and on generators that run on petrol or diesel.
Compensates for greenhouse gases
Solar cells (photovoltaic systems) generate electricity without carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions. This in turn represents an important step in reducing the overall greenhouse effect we are facing. Apparently, studies show that about six tons of CO2 emissions are offset by using a single solar cell over a period of twenty-five years, saving energy around the world, Even third countries around the world . have begun to embrace the conservation and use of solar power through various conservation programs to help save energy for urban areas, city lighting, and commercial and industrial uses.
While solar arrays and other forms of distributed solar energy are used to meet basic energy consumption needs in most developing areas, People in different countries around the world rely heavily on the use of small dry cell batteries for various devices such as flashlights and radios. These batteries are mainly made up of lead acid and sometimes other materials that can be toxic to us. If batteries are improperly disposed of, they will begin to leak; Toxic chemical ingredients seep into the environment and contaminate the soil, water or air around you. Switching to the use of solar energy will drastically reduce reliance on dry cell batteries and consequently any problems associated with their disposal.
Inexpensive energy alternative
Using solar energy at home reduces the need for a significant dependence on electricity or gas. Solar panels placed on the roof collect solar energy and store it in batteries for later use. This electricity can be used to turn on the lights in the house at night or when it is dark. Solar thermal converters can be used to reheat water or even your home, offering significant savings on those fronts. Solar cookers can be used to bake and cook meals during the day.
Harnessing 'solar energy', a new, clean, free, and abundant renewable energy source, will reduce our dependence on other sources over time. of energy that are not so useful for our environment.
Conclusion
If you want to make a difference in the world you live in, this is a great place to start.
Thanks for reading Sayonara 🖐
Links consulted
https://www.britannica.com/science/solar-energy
https://www.sepco-solarlighting.com/blog/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages