The Benefits to Solar Energy

November 7, 2025 | Tanner Fairbank

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that is powered by the sun. The term renewable refers to an energy source that is naturally replenished over time. In order to harness this energy, solar panels are placed in locations where sunlight is most common. In addition, these panels can be installed residentially or commercially. Furthermore, solar energy is one of the fastest growing energy sources in the US, especially in the southern regions where amounts of sunlight and UV rays are constantly reaching their highest points.

Background Information (Fossil Fuels):

Fossil fuels have been used to create energy for many years, but utilizing them as an energy source creates pollution at alarming rates. The three main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. The negative effects fossil fuels pose on the plane derive from the processes of mining and burning. This ongoing source of pollution has also resulted in climate change and a decline in air quality (Jenks, 2024). The pollutants that occur from burning fossil fuels can cause respiratory illnesses as well (Jenks, 2024). So, not only is the environment itself being harmed, but human lives are as well.

Fortunately, constant technological advancements have led to the development of alternative energy sources, such as solar. As these alternative energy sources are explored, researchers have found that relying on renewable energy is far more beneficial to not only the environment, but to people as well. Their goal is to increase the production of renewable energy and make the use of fossil fuels obsolete.

Background Information (Solar Energy):

In recent years, fossil fuel production has begun to reduce. This decrease has been caused by cost reductions of materials that are used to create renewable sources. With these cost reductions, renewable energy sources are starting to become more popular. As mentioned before, solar power thrives in regions with high quantities of sunlight. Florida, for example, is the most efficient solar energy location in the United States (McCormick, 2024). In just the past five years, residential solar in the state of Florida has grown by 1,106% (McCormick, 2024). According to the statistics, more and more residential locations are experiencing increases in solar energy usage. Additionally, Florida receives about 5.67 hours of sunlight daily, regardless of the season (Turbine Generator, n.d.). These high levels of sunlight in Florida put forth the effort to introduce solar energy more efficiently. Over time, Florida is predicted to become an extremely powerful producer of solar energy.

Environmental Benefits:

Now, we have established the fundamental knowledge required to understand the weight and importance of this topic. This brings us to the first benefit of solar energy which is reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. No waste products are produced when using solar; therefore, there is a link between the creation of energy and the surrounding environment. So, having less CO2 in the atmosphere can help combat climate change as well as the potential respiratory issues that can develop from being exposed to highly polluted areas. These are additional benefits that arise from reducing the use of fossil fuels. In addition, the switch itself to solar energy decreases homes and businesses' reliance on fossil fuels. Essentially, as more people install solar panels, less will be dependent on fossil fuels. Relying on solar power can bring forth better land usage as well. This is due to the fact that solar panels can be installed on rooftops and not on the ground. Overall, the implementation of solar energy will benefit the environment by decreasing emissions, reverting climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and allowing for more efficient land use.

Economic Benefits:

Solar panel investments are relatively inexpensive and are accompanied by lower electricity bills. As of now, the prices to have solar panels installed is steadily declining. Coupled with the environmental benefits, the conversion to solar power is cost efficient in the long run (Comello & Reichelstein, 2017). Though it may appear as a costly investment at first, as time goes on, your investment will pay itself off. The addition of solar power in a home will increase its overall value as well. People can also apply for something called net metering. Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows people with solar panels to add excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for credit off of their electricity bill. In some cases, homeowners have eliminated their electricity bills entirely.

Another benefit occurs during natural disasters. During these tragic events, power grids can become disrupted. Therefore, if traditional power supplies fail, being energy independent means you can continue to support you and your family throughout these emergencies.

The final economic benefit is the creation of jobs. Currently, with the growing demand for solar power, society needs people to help manufacture, install, and maintain solar panels. By investing into solar power, you are helping support and build an industry that employs thousands of people around the US.

Conclusion:

 As expressed, solar energy is an effective renewable resource and the utilization of it reaps both environmental and economic benefits. Though it may seem like a large investment, the payoff is definitely worth it. Overall, solar power is a viable and sustainable source of energy that has the potential to make the world a healthier place.

References

Comello, S., & Reichelstein, S. (2017). Cost competitiveness of residential solar PV: The impact of net metering restrictions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 75, 46-57.

Jenks, T. (2024). Solar energy vs Fossil Fuels: A Comparative Analysis. Green.org. https://green.org/2024/01/30/solar-energy-vs-fossil-fuels-a-comparative-analysis/

McCormick, M. (2024). Rooftop solar is on the rise in Florida. Environment Florida. https://environmentamerica.org/florida/articles/rooftop-solar-is-on-the-rise-in-florida/#:~:text=Residential%20solar%20grew%20by%20a,rapidly%20in%20the%20Sunshine%20State.

Turbine Generator. (n.d.). Florida Sunlight Hours and & Renewable Energy Information. TurbineGenerator. https://www.turbinegenerator.org/solar/florida/