The Advantages of Using Solar Energy

The world's supply of traditional energy sources is limited. As fuels such as coal, oil and uranium become more expensive and difficult to acquire, energy producers and consumers are looking toward longer-lasting alternatives. One alternative energy source is solar energy, and much modern research and development is devoted to creating photovoltaic panels and other solar energy collectors that will efficiently collect the sun's energy and convert it to heat and electricity for human use.

Conservation of Resources

• A malfunctioning oil rig can be costly and devastating to nearby ecosystems.

  Because solar energy systems utilize the existing light and heat of the sun, you do not need to consume fuel to produce electricity. By consuming fewer fossil fuels, you can reduce the risks of catastrophic accidents associated with fossil fuel mining, such as oil spills and coal mining accidents. By using less petroleum-based fuel, you also free up the limited supply of oil for production of durable goods, such as plastics, and consumables, such as medicine.

Cost Savings

• Photovoltaic panels reduce the metered electricity you consume from the power company.

  After you have paid the initial expense to purchase and install a solar energy system, the electricity it generates comes at no additional cost. If you take additional steps to reduce your energy consumption, such as installing energy-efficient appliances, your solar energy system may even generate a surplus of energy, which the local power company will often "buy back" by reimbursing you for the excess energy you produce.

Reduction of Waste

• Burned fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere, endangering the health of nearby communities.

  Several modern fuel sources generate waste. Coal and oil, when burned, contaminate the air and contribute to the presence of greenhouse gases and particulates that can harm human lungs. Nuclear fission reactors, which operate without air pollution, still produce highly toxic byproducts that can damage nearby ecosystems and human life if improperly stored. Solar energy, which consumes no fuel other than sunlight, produces electricity without contributing to these forms of pollution.

Potentially Unlimited Energy Source

• For as long as the sun shines, its energy can be used.

  Uranium, which fuels nuclear reactors, and fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are limited resources. Over time, their availability diminishes as known supplies are used up or become too costly to reach. Solar electric and heating systems operate without this concern, as they utilize the existing energy of the sun. The potential to harness the sun's energy will therefore exist for as long as the sun shines.