Solar Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

In all countries, electrical energy is required to meet the daily requirements of human needs, which includes lighting, safety, comfort, cooking, transportation, communications and the basic production that supports our economies all depend on electrical power. It is reported that 39% of all energy consumed is used in the producing electricity. Electrical utilization is an important part of a person’s environmental footprint.

The difference between renewable energy and the non-renewable energy (fossil fuels) isn’t as difficult as you might think. Renewable energy (solar energy) comes from natural resources that are replenished during an average human lifetime and includes the following types of power:

• Wind
• Solar
• Hydro
• Geothermal
• Biomass

Whereas, Fossil fuels can take thousands or even millions of years to naturally replenish:

• Natural gas
• Coal
• Oil

These differences might seem cut-and-dried, but there are some grey areas. Natural gas is sometimes labelled as “clean power” because it burns cleaner as compare to coal. Some people may even believe that natural gas is a sustainable resource. This is not the case.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that produces CO2 when burned. In the case of biomass, things also get a bit more complicated. Burning wood—the most common method of biomass energy generation as compare to coal. Therefore, many scientists consider wood as a renewable resource because trees can be replenished.

Solar Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

When it comes to environmental impact, solar power is a much more efficient resource than fossil fuels. In terms of reliable application, coal and natural gas have the competitive advantage. The best way to compare solar energy to fossil fuels is by cost, where solar is much better than its non-renewable counterparts.

If we compare solar energy vs. fossil fuels, there is likely no surprise to you. Fossil fuels provide the benefit of being a reliable resource that offers near-constant availability. If you’re going on a drive, you don’t have to worry as a consumer other than if your gas tank is full. However, many people know of the detriments of gas, oil and coal, including significant pollution and the reality that it is a limited resource.

The list of fossil fuel “cons” is well understood. Simply put, the operating costs associated with producing fossil fuels dramatically outweighs the operating costs of producing solar energy.

Solar is easily installed on a rooftop surface or ground mount and harnesses an already-available resource (sunlight). On the other hand, fossil fuel use requires the degradation of the earth as a means to a fuel’s production. Fossil fuels do not just create greenhouse gas emissions – the process of drilling also degrades and erodes the ground and pollutes the water supply.

For more details: Natural Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd.