The latest news reports and research studies indicate that global warming is a crisis the needs to be addressed. It isn’t enough to let the politicians take care of the problem, and people across the globe can have an impact when it comes to saving the planet. Though many feel that the small changes they make are insignificant when compared to the global need, progress begins one step at a time. If everyone did their part, the problem wouldn’t seem so insurmountable.

Choosing Solar Energy

One of the small steps taking hold across the United States is an investment in solar energy. When first introduced as a renewable energy source, the cost to implement the change was beyond what many homeowners and businesses could afford. However, the falling costs of solar panels have opened the door to growth in this area, but there are many incentives and rebated offered to those who make the choice to go solar. The decreased costs of solar energy (when compared to those traditional forms of electricity) aren’t the only reasons for making the swap. You will help protect the environment and your personal health when you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and switch to the renewable source of solar energy.

The Environmental Benefits

The use of fossil fuels leaves a deep carbon footprint, and equipment or machines that run off fossil fuels contribute to the greenhouse gases filling the atmosphere around the globe. When you make the change to a solar panel or solar energy, you are investing a fuel that is clean and renewable. Solar energy is harnessed through the sun, rather than extracting things like coal and natural gas from the earth. The processes involved in extracting and preparing fossil fuels are damaging to the environment and very expensive to maintain. However, the sun’s rays are plentiful and free. If it was possible to capture all of the solar energy that shines upon Earth for just one hour, there would be enough to power the world for a complete year. Making the change from fossil fuels is an investment in an economical and continuous source of energy.

Reduced Greenhouse Emissions

The threat of climate change is growing, as research is reporting increased levels of carbon dioxide and gas emission in the atmosphere. Electricity use that relies on solar power is one way to reduce how much greenhouse gas is produced, helping reduce the threat of rising global temperatures and both public health and environmental issues. The extreme weather event of the past few years, the changes in ecosystems around the world, and the rising sea levels are all blamed on the oversaturation of CO2 in the atmosphere since it is considered destabilizing to the environment. By limiting fossil fuel use, whether through new construction that opts for solar panel installation or working to have panels installed through a solar lease program, you are able to minimize how much harm you are causing the environment from your carbon footprint. It is estimated that for a small state like Connecticut going solar could have the same emissions reduction benefit as planting over 150 trees a year.

Benefits to Your Health

Going solar isn’t just beneficial to the environment. It can also have a huge impact on personal health. There are very few air pollutants associated with the use of solar energy. Many health problems are caused by the presence of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides and different particles in the air, and these are all components of fossil fuel emissions. Relying on solar energy helps remove these toxins from the air, reducing the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory problems or chronic bronchitis. Improving your health can have a positive effect on your finances as well, as you should see less missed workdays for illness or health issues.

There are many positive reasons for choosing solar energy, whether from a global or personal perspective. The initial investment will be worth the long-term improvements that solar power can have on your health, your finances and the world around you.