Carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically the past few decades and the threat of climate change is continuing to grow. Climate change can be fought both individually and collectively. While it may seem like an overwhelming task, residential solar plays a huge role in creating a cleaner and safer environment. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is available in all regions of the United States. By going solar, you can help fight climate change in your own individual way.

Each energy choice we make plays an important role in the impact of climate change. Changing our everyday behavior can lead to massive changes in our fight against climate change.

According to the EIA, in 2018 the U.S. generated around 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity.  About 644 percent of that electricity was generated by fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum. In 2018, that same year, the U.S. also emitted nearly 5.27 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide.  This was 12 percent lower than in 2005. One of the largest factors of this change came from the residential sector. Heating our homes and using gas as we travel can all impact climate change. Our choices matter!

Solar Energy Reduces Greenhouse Gases and CO2 Emissions

With U.S. carbon dioxide emissions as high as 5.27 billion metric tons, it can seem as though small changes will have no effect. However, solar energy is known for helping reduce these carbon dioxide emissions.

Depending on the state, an average home can use anywhere between 515 kWh - 1,273 kWh power month of energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. residential customer uses approximately 909 kWh per month of energy, or around 10,909 kWh per year!

A solar system allows for that number to be significantly reduced. A modest-sized solar system can reduce usage by approximately 80%, with others approaching 100%. This indicates that the environmental impact of solar is significant. With this type of clean energy production, going solar can offset the CO2 emissions and the greenhouse gases to create a cleaner environment.

Why Go Solar?

What can the switch to solar energy do for the environment and climate change? Here are a few reasons to go solar:

• Solar energy is a sustainable form of energy and is a one-time investment that will provide long-term results. Because it is sustainable, it will fulfill the needs of this generation without compromising the needs of future generations.
• Solar energy is a clean energy and is not a threat to the planet as it has no harmful emissions of any kind during its production.
• Solar energy helps reduce air and water pollution. Solar energy results in very few, if any, air pollutants. The amount of water that is needed to generate solar electricity is significantly less than most traditional electricity sources. By going solar, you can reduce your carbon footprint, while simultaneously creating a more healthy environment for you and your neighbors.
• Solar technology is cost effective and continues to fall. This will reduce the dependency on expensive fuel and gas.
• Solar energy does not have health hazards like respiratory diseases and various kinds of cancers and cardiovascular problems.

These are a few ways that solar can actually help the environment and why it is a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources. These small changes, if made by hundreds across the globe, can fundamentally transform our fight against climate change and make the world a cleaner place.

If you are interested in going solar, visit www.ionsolar.com for a free quote!