The energy sector was heavily affected when Covid-19 came in with restrictions, including business closures, stay-and-work at home orders, and travel limitations.
However, the utility of green and renewable energy keeps increasing daily. And there are more than a few causes for this new trend, from conserving the natural environment to saving money on energy bills. So, why do we need to move to renewable energy?
Benefits You Get to Enjoy
Lower Carbon Emissions
Renewable energy eliminates the creation of greenhouse gases and other toxic pollutants. Coal alone produces approximately 2.2 pounds of CO2 per kWh of electricity. Its green counterparts, like solar systems, make none. Renewable energy is an ideal way to ensure we don’t contribute to global warming and is the key to decarbonising our world.
Fuel that Replenishes Itself
Renewable energy essentially means that the supply comes from sources that naturally refuel themselves. These include wind, water, sunlight, and biomass. As opposed to fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and natural gas, they also don’t need heavy machinery, pipelines, and transportation to convert energy into electricity. Besides, they are becoming more difficult to source, leading to the fluctuation in their prices. Yet, they are at the core of the destruction of natural habitats.
Cleaner everything
Fossil fuels go beyond fostering a warm climate; they pollute the very air we breathe and the water we depend on for life. Coal power plants release high levels of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. Moreover, they produce mercury, sulphur oxide, lead, and other potentially dangerous metals. All these can lead to various health issues, including respiratory difficulties and premature death. These fossil fuels also contaminate waterways, which can fall as rainfall.
At the same time, renewable energy produces no harmful waste or poses a contamination risk to the air and water.
Cheaper electricity
It is the most attractive benefit of using renewable energy, which makes financial sense. The utility of renewable energy has been growing for over a decade, with solar power at the top. It is also the cheapest electricity source. Besides, the costs of solar panel systems have reduced over time, with solar rebates available for financial help. Yet, the system still pays for itself while offsetting your energy bills.
Creation of employment opportunities
The renewable industry is labour intensive. That means with the popularity of renewables comes job opportunities. These positions created include solar panel technicians. Additionally, job growth is expected to increase over the next ten years.
Energy independence
Fossil-fueled power mainly comes from overseas countries; therefore, you can’t influence the pricing. On the other hand, renewable energy promotes stability in costs since they don’t fluctuate from time to time, offering peace of mind. Australia can look forward to days when importing fossil fuels would be a thing of the past, if only more people could switch to renewable energy.
Solar energy also saves you from the situation that many Australians face every time there is a blackout. With a high-quality solar system, you don’t have to worry about a blackout getting in the way of your indoor climate and comfort. Storage battery systems also ensure you can keep more energy for future use.
Enjoy both the summer and winter
Regardless of the seasons, energy bills can be daunting for many. Renewable energy allows you to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer without worrying about your energy bill. This way, you can use your electricity as per your comfort needs. Depending on the renewable energy you choose and its size, you can offset these costs or even eliminate them entirely.
Save or make money?
Because all are possible with renewable energy sources, especially solar, you can save money using renewable energy. And when there is excess electricity, you can sell it to the grid to make money. Businesses that also use renewable and sustainable energy are more attractive to customers.
Conclusion
Solar power systems provide a great opportunity to save yourself from the uncertainties and high costs of oil, natural gas and coal. It also produces 100% clean energy, boosts energy independence, and omits the production of harmful substances that affect the quality of water, air, and soil. Now is a great time to go green with solar!