Benefits of Solar
**Economical Benefits of Solar Energy**
Eliminates or Reduces the Amount of Electricity Purchased from Utility Providers.
A grid-connected system maintains a connection with an electrical provider and only draws enough power to cover what is not generated by the PV panels, lowering the amount of electricity purchased per month; an off-grid system is completely self-sustaining and can operate independently without a connection to a utility provider.
Affordable and Reliable Energy Source
Solar energy is an enduring natural resource which replenishes itself, there is no need to worry about a diminishing supply (as is the case with fossil fuels); there are no costs involved in its transport and is available any place within the sun’s rays. This unique characteristic of the PV system makes it an affordable and reliable alternative energy source for both homes and businesses.
Quick Turnaround for System Owners
An owner of a typical solar PV system ‘breaks even’ between four to ten years. It’s expected to last two to four decades, so the benefit of owning a solar PV system is evident. The PV system contains no moving parts, so there is minimum maintenance required.
Decreases Dependence on Foreign Sources of Energy
The United States currently imports 53% of its oil, and studies suggest that by 2010 this number could increase to 75% (up from 34% in 1974). Dependence on outside energy sources can severely impact a country’s economy since fluctuations in price are based on political instabilities, trade disputes, embargoes, and other intrusions.
Incentives Offered by the Federal and State Government
Due to the environmentally-friendly and cost-effective nature of the solar PV system, there are many federal and state incentives currently available to home and business owners.
Generates Electricity at the Time We Need it the Most
A solar PV system works during the day when PV panels are exposed to the sun - this is when we need electricity the most. Extra electricity generated by a PV system is sent back to the utility company in a grid-tied setting so that the energy can be used as needed.
**Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy**
Helps Conserve Natural Resources (Fossil Fuels)
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, whose supplies have run low and either become too costly or environmentally harmful to manufacture. A PV system can help you reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and other depleting resources that are used to generate electricity.
Reduces Pollution
Electricity generation through consumption of fossil fuels has had an adverse effect on the environment. It has introduced dangerous levels of Sulphur Dioxide (SOx), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which has impacted ecosystems such as forests and fisheries. A PV system generates electricity by utilizing sunlight to activate electrons within solar panels. The system does not produce any substances that are harmful to humans or the environment.
Reduces Waste as a By-Product of Energy Production
The world’s primary source of electricity is coal. The following means of coal production result in a large and dangerous amount of waste:
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Mining: Dust from surface mining, contaminated drainage.
- Cleaning and Drying: Liquid and solid waste, dust, fines.
- Transportation: Spillage, dust and fines.
- Storage: Liquid drainage, dust and fines.
- Power Plant: Liquid and solid waste (liquid and solid ash) and emissions (SOx, NOx, CO2 and other particulates).
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