Debunking Myths: The Benefits of Solar Energy

Non renewable energy, such as fossil fuel, is used all over the world. Big part of the population assumes that fossil fuel is a reliable source of energy, easy to obtain, and is relatively cheap. On the other hand, fossil fuel is a non renewable energy, which means that we can use it only once. Also, this burning fossils are not good for the environment and are the main reason of the global warming. In this era a lot of new technologies have been invented. Although not every created invention has been for good, renewable sources such as, solar, wind, and human power are a good alternative of energy. Despite some people thinking that solar energy isn’t helpful and it’s only a bad investment; solar energy is the best way to reduce the greenhouse gases and decelerate the global warming, also, is a good investment and it will help you save money in a short term, and unlike the burning fossil fuel, is not harmful for human’s health.

While some people still think that fossil fuel is a more reliable energy source that solar energy, they arguments are based only on the price of these fuels and the easy access that we have to obtain them;

however, renewable sources are improving, they are becoming more affordable, and are gratifying. One of the advantages that we get from using solar energy is electricity, in addition, we can obtain hot water, heat, and light. The exterior of our planet collects 120,000 terawatts of sunlight, 20,000 times more energy than is needed in our world, in fact, one day of sunshine is enough to power the world for one year (Aarre). If we collect and use that energy, the price of renewable energy would go down and the use of burning fossils could disappear. By going solar, homeowners are able to save money. Although the cost of the solar panel system and the installation cost are expensive, you will start saving money in a short period of time.

Some people believe that solar energy is related to pollution, and in fact, they are correct. As a matter of fact, there is no pollution free energy in this world. Moreover, solar energy is not as harmful as fossil fuels are. In his article about solar energy, Mathias Aarre says, “solar energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This is an important step in fighting the climate crisis” (Aarre). As we know, solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy that we can obtain. An interesting fact is found in Olivia Taylor’s article for tech.com, “1 kilowatt (KW) of solar energy prevents 300 pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere” (Taylor). Opting for solar energy is actually helping to prevent the global warming. Fossil fuel is a non renewable energy, this is a source that we need in order to stay alive. If we waste this source now, it won’t be available in the future. Apart from some people that don’t care about this, we need to make an effort and go for renewable energy, this could save our lives one day. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “the amount of solar energy that falls to the earth surface’s per day is more than what the planet’s 6.1 billion people could use in 27 years” (qtd in Wicks).

One of the most common arguments that people can’t understand, is how the non renewable sources of energy are causing health issues to humans and animals. When we use and burn fossil fuels as is Coal; mercury is liberated and it could end on the water. Since humans consume seafood, sometimes this food is contaminated with mercury, which results in health issues for people. The air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels is creating health issues in humans and living creatures; respiratory diseases, emphysema, bronchitis, heart, and skin diseases are some of the results of not taking action replacing non renewable energy for renewable sources as solar energy. It’s time for us, humans, to start using pro environment and pro health energy sources.

In conclusion, most people are conscious of the complications that non renewable energy produces, on the other hand, some people think that the use of renewable energy instead of non renewable energy is not going to make any changes in our world.

If we stop using non renewable energy, or at the very least, reduce the amount of fossil fuel that we are burning, people will start seeing changes. Not only people will save money by using the energy that comes from the sun but also it will reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide that we produce; it will help our environment and consequently every living being will have a healthier life. In my opinion, even though non renewable energy is cheaper and easier to obtain, we should opt for the use of renewable energy, it will reduce the green house gases and also will be benefit for people’s

health.