Social Impact of Residential Solar

More and more houses are wisely adapting greener methods for sustainable living. These greener methods include solar power, electric-vehicles, adoption of bio-degradable materials etc. And these steps are making a positive impact on our environment which we have damaged over centuries. Much more needs to be done to make our environment safer for our children. Residential solar makes a huge and direct impact on our society.

Home solar power is becoming a popular way to achieve this goal. A study shows that solar panels on half of roofs could meet world’s electricity needs, in addition to making a huge positive change to our environment. Residences (independent, houses, apartments, villas etc.) are adopting solar power because of its many advantages like economical power, positive environmental impact, low maintenance, reliable power, ease of installation, etc. Let us briefly look at the main positive environmental impacts of installing solar for home.

1.   Reduction in greenhouse gas (CO2) and other dangerous pollutants

Electricity consumption in Indian homes has tripled since 2000. As per the Household Electricity consumption data given by the Tamilnadu Government, Tamilnadu households consumption increased by 2466 Million units of electricity from 2016 to 2020. Sad truth is, even today in 2022, bulk of this electricity comes by burning coal (Thermal power plants) which is one of the most polluting sources of power.

As we know, huge amount of very harmful gases are emitted from the conventional thermal power plants which are still widely used in India. These harmful gases include greenhouse gases like CO2 and other dangerous pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. They cause global warming, health issues and other negative weather patterns. Even in 2022, more than half of India’s power comes from coal. Going solar for our home will offset this negative impact. Thus, a 1 kW solar system used by household is equivalent to planting about 25 to 30 trees.

2.   “Double Green” – Electrical vehicles with solar charging

Many residents have wisely started using electric vehicles. Opting for an EV means offsetting 100% of a traditional car’s harmful emissions. But what many people don’t realize is that Charging EV from the utility grid is moving the petrol or diesel expense to the EB electricity bill. And EB electricity is still mostly from coal. A properly designed solar power system will power your home and also your car/bike while helping to further offset the electricity that you’d otherwise need to purchase from your utility.

3.   Solar reduces water pollution

This one is a little less obvious, but certainly one of the biggest environmental advantages of solar. Older technologies such as nuclear, natural gas, and Thermal power plants facilities, all require massive amounts of water for cooling and other purposes. And, mostly polluted water is discharged back. With solar power, the water usage is minimal or zero. This there is almost no risk to local water resources, nor does their operation strain local supplies by competing with agriculture, drinking systems, and other vital water needs.

4.   Solar reduces strain on Nonrenewable resources

Global population will continue to grow, but our Earth has a finite amount of oil, coal, and natural gas to give up. The sun is Earth’s most abundant power source, producing 173,000 terawatts of solar power every second! That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total combined energy use and it’s available again and again. In contrast, fossil fuels are dirty and totally non-renewable. At some point, they will simply be gone, or the cost of finding and extracting them will be way too expensive for our population. Going solar is like saving the planet..

Conclusion

By relying on solar power, we are one less household, at a time that is relying on fossil fuels and it can make a bigger impact than you might think. Solar lasts a long time and require little to no maintenance. In fact, it’s pretty much the only home improvement investment that will have an immediate and measurable impact on the environment while putting money back into your pocket from the moment it starts generating.

Home solar is wise investment!

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