Powering Down Pollution: Beaming a Brighter Future with Solar Panels

5/31/2024
Judah Solomon (Hebron High School)

The sun's finally shining a light on climate change, and it's time for us to follow the beaming light! Let's harness the power of solar energy, advocate for clean solutions, and be the change we want to see in the world. After all, a brighter future is what we all deserve! Climate change is a complex issue, and transitioning into renewable energy sources  is a crucial step in addressing it. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, solar panels help us cut greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

The sun is the world's largest light energy source. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Beneficially, this process doesn't release any harmful emissions into the atmosphere, unlike power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the electricity sector is the largest single source of global CO2 emissions. Widespread adoption of solar power can significantly reduce these emissions.

The impact that solar energy leaves on the atmosphere lasts longer than just generating clean and abundant electricity. Solar panels can be installed on homes, businesses, and even large utility-scale projects, which have been on the rise in recent times, on April 22, 2024 when the “Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7 Billion Solar for All Grants to Deliver Residential Solar, Saving Low-Income  Americans $350 Million Annually and Advancing Environmental Justice Across America.” Solar panels not only benefit the environment, but they also help the growing number of more than 900,000 disadvantaged Americans.

Additionally, rising rates of solar panel implementation reduces the load of the traditional power grid, which often relies on fossil fuel sources. A 2023 study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the US found that increased solar energy deployment can lead to lower electricity prices for consumers due to reduced natural gas use at power plants.

Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry being used by millions globally, with its costs dropping significantly the affordability has increased. In February 2024, the Conference Board reported that solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, are now the cheapest way to generate power in many parts of the world, often costing less than traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas. The lowered cost makes these devices easily accessible and a popular option for people. Alongside further accelerating the transition to clean energy, reducing the electric gas emissions released into the air from 50g of CO2 when its first established to the 20x it decreases by the third year of having it up.

Beyond the many environmental benefits solar panels have, solar energy also creates jobs and boosts the economy. The Social Future Study conducted by NREL estimates that the solar industry employs hundreds of thousands of people in the US alone. Therefore as solar energy continues to grow, these job opportunities are expected to increase proportionally.

Furthermore, it is important to establish the fact that solar panels aren't a perfect solution. Especially with the manufacturing that requires abundant energy and a significant amount of resources such as crystalline silicon, gallium, or boron to create silicon ingot, overall the lifetime emissions of a solar panel are typically offset within a few years of operation. Over their lifespan, solar panels generate clean energy that displaces electricity produced from more polluting sources.

In conclusion, solar panels serve as an intricate tool in the fight against climate change. Henceforth solar energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and generating clean electricity, helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future. As this technology industry is rapidly growing it continues to develop even as costs fall. With the sun's power at our fingertips, the future of clean energy is bright, so let's harness the potential of solar panels and illuminate a sustainable path forward. Now more than ever is the best time to shine a light on climate change, and invest in solar, advocate for clean energy, and be the change you want to see in the world.