Question #2: How Does Solar Energy Impact the Environment?

This is the second question in a twelve-question series. Please click here to read the introduction, as well as access the other questions in the series. Or, download the printable ebook to view the entire series.

"Removes carbon from our atmosphere" -Geoff Mirkin

"Much less reliance on fossil fuels to meet the demand on the grid. At this point, solar is putting so much energy back on grid during the daytime in southern California that we are having to send it to Arizona." -Matt Stoutenburg

"Simple power of a purchase. If, as consumers, we invest in clean energy, then it will make less and less sense for billions of dollars to be wasted in fossil fuel procurement, therefore reducing the negative impact that the current outdated infrastructure has." -Julio Daniel Hernandez

"Any renewable resources provide environmental benefits. However, solar panel technology and infrastructure is much ‘lighter’ than some other forms, such as wind and hydro, which inherently are more equipment-intensive and require much more construction costs and other infrastructure to integrate effectively. This is why most wind and hydro facilities are still primarily more economical at large grid-level installations, but solar can be deployed more easily and less expensively at the distribution and end-use level." -Greg Reed

"Once the carbon cost of manufacturing/transporting/installing the system is amortized, there is no negative impact on the environment, only the positive one of reducing the need for unclean fuels like oil, coal, nuclear, and (cleaner but still dirty) natural gas." -Shel Horowitz

"Increasing the rollout of Solar PV significantly reduces our reliance on traditional power stations for generating electricity and reduces our CO2 output." -Mark Stevenson

"In places where coal is the main fuel for energy, the carbon footprint of solar panels is much better for the environment. Solar is an efficient energy creator because the line loss for a residential solar energy system is MUCH lower than the power running the miles from the plant to your home." -Teris Pantazes

"Our mission is to contribute to global change by providing environmentally friendly, alternative, independent, affordable, and efficient energy to consumers. We believe that the Earth's natural resources are precious and that society's addiction to outdated forms of fuels has put our environment at risk. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to make changes and embrace new, innovative ways to power our collective way of life. Choices of the past have created challenges for future generations. Solar Optimum's goal is to be part of the solution to help our community become energy independent. The bottom line is to save the planet." -Rainier de Ocampo

Click here to go on to Question #3: How Much Could the Average Homeowner Expect to Save With Solar?