Why is Solar Energy Better than Fossil Fuels

The demand for fossil fuels is quickly approaching its peak. 

Even though coal and gas may continue to be more affordable in the future, a lot is going on in the global market. 

Solar energy, on the other hand, is now quickly taking control over the supply of electricity.

But why is solar energy better than fossil fuels? 

The answer is simple. 

Solar energy is cleaner and greener to the environment than fossil fuels. 

Besides, it’s readily available and incredibly affordable to harness and use.

This guide will discuss everything you need to know about solar energy vs. fossil fuels. 

Let’s get started.

Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels: 5 Facts You Need to Know

Today, the United States receives about 63% of electricity from fossil fuels. 

But with concerns for cleaner and more affordable energy, Bloomberg’s energy reports for 2017 estimates that by 2040, the U.S. 

Will have 38% of electricity obtained from renewable sources like solar, water, and wind energy.

However, the following are some of the facts you should know about renewable energy vs. fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels Are Still the King

The prices for solar panels continue to fall ever since 2010, and wind turbine prices have reduced up to between  40% since 2008. 

Yes, renewable energy is getting more affordable.

But, electricity from natural gas and coal is yet directly cheaper though the cost for extraction and use may be relatively higher. 

The peak demand for fossil fuels is approaching, but the highest supply is not.

Shale deposits are very extensive in the U.S., and natural gas reserves lifespan is nearly 90 years. 

Coal reserves may last for more than 300 years. 

For these reasons, there’s no sign that the use of fossil fuels will come to an end any time soon.

The Future will Have Varied Energy.

With the affordable prices and rising market demand for renewable technologies, the renewable energy market is rapidly growing. 

It’s greener and safe for the environment. That’s why many countries continue advocating for such energy.

As we have seen above, fossil fuels will still exist to provide electricity into the Future. 

Therefore, we can expect a future with diverse energy sources from renewables and fossil fuels.

Traditional Utilities are Adopting Renewable Energy

Lots of leaders in electric utilities understand that the energy pattern is quickly changing. 

Some of them take measures to invest their money in renewables while sustaining their existing fuel portfolios and services.

Other utilities have opted to build green energy projects and offer the consumers an alternative to support the change in the power grid. 

They tend to support greener energy and renewable energy infrastructures in one way or the other.

Incentives for Small-Scale Renewable Technologies

Solar power is an exceptionally famous renewable technology for many businesses and homes. 

Wind energy is still available for installation for small-scale use.

Purchasing and installing a regular solar panel is about $18,000, and wind turbines are nearly $30,000. 

Thankfully, few federal tax incentives for solar and wind installs exist, though they may decline in the coming years. 

Such incentive programs may include financing options for solar installation. 

Plus, there’s the freedom of searching for the most suitable energy incentive programs on state databases.

Leasable Small-Scale Renewable Technology

Leasing is often more affordable than buying, that’s for at least a short term. 

The lessee can pay the leasing company a particular set amount of fees every month to use solar panels for energy generation. 

This may run for about 20 years, but the lessee may extend afterward.

Renewable technology leasing is now an added benefit for easier installation and maintenance. 

The solar panels and turbines are the leasing company’s investment, and they will cater to those costs.

Is Solar Energy Better Than Fossil Fuels?

Based on the environmental impact, we can say that solar energy is much better than fossil fuels. 

Below are the reasons why solar energy outshines fossil fuels:

• Solar energy is a cleaner and greener source of power than fossil fuels. Fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, the oil will emit carbons at a high rate.
• Solar energy is a pretty reliable and constant source of energy than fossil fuels. Solar is a renewable resource as it can replenish itself.
• Installation and maintenance of solar panels are pretty easy. Probably, the installation costs could be higher. For instance, setting up wind turbines, but the maintenance cost is low.
• Solar energy conversion rates are more efficient than fossil fuels.
• solar energy is growing faster than fossil fuels

Renewable Energy and Fossil Fuels: Renewable energy technologies are quickly increasing, meaning solar energy will one day outdo fossil fuels.

Texas is a leader in renewable energy, and many countries are doing their best to become the same.

• Solar energy investment guarantees a high rate of return than fossil fuels
• Fossil Fuels Environmental Problems are plenty

Global warming is one of the most significant environmental problems that result when we use fossil fuels. 

It’s the rise in the average temperature of the oceans and atmosphere.

It also leads to heavy precipitation, causes polar melting, and even droughts. 

Burning fossil fuels results in greenhouse gas emissions which in turn causes extreme damage to the climate.

Burning these fuels also causes air and water pollution. 

The air pollutants may increase the health risks such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and lung cancer, which may cause death. 

Oil spills and explosions of fuels have damaged water, land, and community residences.

Is Solar Energy a Viable Fuel Source?

Yes, solar energy is a viable alternative clean fuel source of energy to fossil. 

It is readily available and easily harnessed by solar panels to generate solar power. 

As long as there’s sun, solar energy will power homes, vehicles, and other devices for millions of years.

Therefore, there are no emissions that can cause damage to the environment and negatively impact the landscape and existence of living organisms.

As the prices for solar technology continue to drop, meaning that soon solar panels will become more affordable. 

Also, solar energy will be more efficient than fossil fuels. 

For these reasons, it’s true to say that solar energy is a viable energy source for use by many people for years to come.

How Efficient is Solar Energy Compared to Fossil Fuels?

• Solar Panels Efficiency and Cost Savings

As per Forbes, solar panels could convert sunlight into electricity at an efficiency rate of 15-22% by 2017. 

This is relatively low compared with fossil fuels like coal, with between 33 and 40% efficiency, though it’s dangerous to the environment.

Today, solar panels are incredibly efficient in converting solar rays into energy. 

And that’s because the prices for solar panels continue to drop while their efficiency improves.

Since solar energy is still growing, the costs are relatively more expensive than fossil fuels. 

But with the continued spread in terms of usage and demand, solar energy continues to be cheaper.

Fossil fuels are efficient, easy to store and distribute. 

However, their sources continue to get depleted, making fossil fuels more expensive to mine. 

This translates to the final prices.

• Solar Power vs. Coal and Natural Gas

Coal and natural gas sources of electricity are chief sources of greenhouse gas emissions around the globe. 

They’re detrimental to the environment and result in harmful effects on the life of living organisms.

Solar power yields zero emissions hence considered safe and clean for the environment. 

However, it takes some energy and effort to make the solar panels, set them up, and use them to generate electricity.

Why Are Fossil Fuels So Difficult To Quit?

The most straightforward answer is that human activities such as traveling, trading, and general spending mainly rely on energy. 

And due to the efficiency and storage abilities of these fuels, you’ll encounter their usage nearly everywhere on the planet.

Fossil fuels continue to damage our environment in many ways than you can imagine. 

From fossil fuel generation to consumption sites, the continuous use causes long-lasting harm to our planet’s climate.

Besides, many of us don’t fully understand how the fossil fuel system works. 

Large companies depending on fossil fuels neglect the measures for changing their energy sources.

Plus, the blame goes to many state policymakers for enacting policies against fossil fuel companies for real change.

Fossil Fuels Still Dominate Global Electricity Generation

According to BP World’s Statistical Energy Review 2019, fossil fuels account for 64.2% of electricity generation in the world. 

Coal leads with 38%, followed by 23.2% natural gas and 3.0% oil. The rest, 35.8% of the global electricity, originates from:

• Hydropower: 15.8%
• Nuclear: 10.1%
• Renewables: 9.3%
• Other: 0.6%

With these values, fossil fuels are still the kings in the generation of electricity in the world.

Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuel?

The answer is yes. Fossil fuels will one day run out, though we’ll have to wait for decades. 

Solar energy, including other renewable energy sources, is growing, and we can expect more by the end of this century. 

It’ll be cheaper, effective, and easier to use in the future.

• Energy Prices Will Continue To Decline

The prices for solar energy will continue to decline. 

That’s because the technology is quickly advancing, giving us new solar panels and wind turbines that have higher energy conversion rates. 

Therefore, many people will access affordable solar panels for generating energy in their homes and businesses. 

As for fossil fuels, their sources are quickly getting exploited. 

This means that in the Future, fossil fuel energy may be expensive.

• Renewable Energy Is The Future Of Power

Renewable energy comes from sources that replenish naturally. 

Regardless of the source, technology is vital for making energy available for use. 

The energy produced is clean and safe for the environment. 

And since sources like wind and solar will continue to exist, there’s no doubt that renewable energy is the Future of power.

That will only happen if the energy conversion rates become greater. 

There should also be lots of suitable technology for harnessing considerable power to outdo fossil fuels. 

Conclusion

Solar energy is miles better than fossil fuels because of many reasons. 

It’s a renewable resource that can replenish fast. 

Although that’s the bitter truth, fossil fuel’s spike in popularity isn’t ending soon. 

Should you make the best choice, solar energy is the way to go.