One of the biggest ways to help reduce consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of carbon is for businesses to find a way to scale back their use of electricity. Companies are among the largest consumers of electricity, and electricity accounts for a huge portion of the total oil and natural gas used in the United States, second only to automobiles. Needless to say, most businesses would find it difficult to operate without any sort of electrical power, but there are alternatives to the power grid. Solar power is among the best and most practical, especially for those trying to utilize it on a commercial, rather than city-wide scale. Converting your business to solar power is not as challenging or expensive as you might assume. In fact, the most costly aspect is simply installing and maintaining the storage system for making use of your collected solar energy. Solar panels themselves are relatively inexpensive and they can last for years. Still, because they can lose some of their efficacy over time, they are typically warranted for about twenty years. Because each panel can only absorb so much energy, it is a good idea to install as many as possible on whatever surface areas you have available. You can even install reflectors around your panels to ensure that as much sunlight as possible is funneled into them. The panels themselves are only one component of a solar power system that you will need to have installed. The inverters are equally important and often more expensive and troublesome. Inverters are the means by which solar energy is converted into useable electricity, so without them, solar power is of no use. Inverters do not last as long as solar panels and are not typically warranted for more than ten years. Maintaining your inverters is crucial to your business’s ability to make good use of the solar energy you collect. Once collected, your solar energy will need to be stored in a battery. Batteries range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the variety. It is wise to invest in good batteries for your solar power system, especially if you intend to use solar energy as your primary source of electricity. While it is clear that investing in a solar power system is a costly endeavor, you can end up saving large sums of money in the long run. Not only will you reduce your consumption of electricity from the power grid, you may even receive substantial tax write-offs, depending on the laws in your state. Solar energy is the energy source of the future, and it can be as beneficial to your business as it is to the environment.

The recent Paris climate conference has garnered significant media attention and further highlighted the importance of addressing global climate change. The issue of energy is at the heart of these talks as nations try to determine how to transition away from fossil fuel to renewable sources to combat climate change. One of the main draws of solar power is that it can help countries drastically reduce their carbon footprint; however, there are also other environmental benefits to solar power.

Reduction of air pollution

The most well-known air pollutant from fossil fuels is carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global climate change; yet, it is far from the only one. Coal combustion releases nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, mercury, and many other hazardous substances. Nitrogen oxide alone contributes greatly to the acidification of lakes and streams, which is detrimental to water resources, flora, and fauna. Furthermore, these compounds strongly contribute to smog, the brown cloud that hovers over so many cities. Burning natural gas is slightly cleaner, but still contributes large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, which also contribute to smog and are linked to a variety of respiratory ailments. Quite simply, solar power eliminates all of these pollutants because it does not require the burning of fossil fuels.

Cleaner water

The recent fracking boom in the U.S. has brought attention to the threat it poses to water supplies. The large volumes of water used in the fracking process can stress surface and ground water supplies; the Ohio Environmental Council estimates that an average well may use 5.6 million gallons per frack. As a comparison, that amount of water could supply an average family for 51 years. The growth of fracking also greatly increases the risk of groundwater contamination. Spills, faulty well construction, and fracking discharge can all contribute to water contamination. The acquisition and transport of fossil fuels has also resulted in many high profile oil spills over the past couple decades, including the Exxon Valdez in Prince William Sound, Alaska, and the more recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. There have also been countless spills around the world into freshwater sources. Additionally, because solar power only requires the sun and some photovoltaic panels, many of the activities that threaten water supplies are avoided.

More efficient land use

Many ecosystems around the world face the consistent degradation of natural habitats from human use. In some cases, solar power also contributes to this, but it also has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental footprint of energy generation by utilizing the existent infrastructure in cities around the world. A transition to localized energy generation, a real possibility with solar power, would reduce the need for expansive transmission networks and sprawling power plants that degrade the natural environment. All things considered, there are many environmental benefits to solar power, and a shift to solar could improve our air, water, and ecosystems.

All over the country, cities and towns are looking for ways to increase their overall energy efficiency. One major way that many municipalities have found is to update their building codes to increase the standards for new constructs and renovations. In Vancouver, BC, some of these codes made it so difficult to renovate existing homes that some builders have been priced out of contracts. However, most American communities have been able to incorporate these updated mandates so that homes are remodeled with both historical accuracy and energy efficiency in mind. In Wisconsin, both homeowners and builders have been working together to develop plans that would maintain the integrity of their property while also taking advantage of the innovations and technologies that would make their homes increasingly efficient. In Kiel, WI, one home has been remodeled to include geothermal technology, which utilizes temperatures from below the earth’s surface to generate heating and cooling. What is nice about the integration of this technology is that it can be used simultaneously without disrupting other structural and cosmetic improvements. Additionally, in a number of major markets, including Chicago, Illinois, rehabilitated homes are now receiving solar energy to help new owners combat high electricity and utility costs. One of the leading developers in this area in Chicago is MarLar Properties, a husband and wife duo who buy, renovate and sell eco-friendly properties with the hope of building a better tomorrow. Larry Spatz, co-owner of the company, tells Proud Green Home, “I am a very small fish trying to make a ripple. It’s about preserving the planet for my grandchildren and their children.” Isn’t that what any of us are trying to do? With the integration of energy-efficient technologies like solar electric panels, we hope that we can create a better environment for generations to come. If you want to become a part of the green revolution, contact Golden Solar today.