Going solar isn’t just going to help lower your electricity bills. It’s also paving the way to a more sustainable future.

As you know, solar uses energy from the sun to produce electricity. And in a world that now relies on electricity, it’s important for us to find sustainable ways to keep it going. But how does it work?

It’s all down to a process called ‘the photovoltaic effect’. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells that are made of semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits these cells, photons are absorbed by the material which then releases electrons, creating an electric current. The metal contacts on the panels collect the flow of electricity to generate direct current (DC) electricity. We then use an inverter to change this into alternating current (AC) electricity so it they can be used by our devices and appliances.

Pretty amazing, right?

With that in mind, let’s look at the environmental impact of solar power.

• Improvement of air quality – Solar power systems do not produce harmful emissions during their operation. Unlike traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources, solar panels generate electricity without releasing pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter. This leads to significantly improved air quality, which can contribute to a reduction in health issues and respiratory problems for the population.
• Greenhouse gas emissions reduction – Solar power provides a clean and renewable energy source that generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. By switching to solar energy, we can decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change. This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions helps mitigate global warming and its associated impacts, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems.
• Land use efficiency – One of the significant advantages of solar panels is their ability to be installed on rooftops and other existing structures. This means that they do not require additional land, thereby minimising habitat destruction and land-use conflicts. By using the otherwise underused space on rooftops, solar panels offer a highly efficient way to harness renewable energy without compromising valuable land resources that could be used for agriculture, wildlife habitats, or recreational areas.
• Reduced resource use – Solar energy eliminates the need to extract finite resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are associated with significant environmental impacts during extraction, processing, and transportation. The extraction of these resources often leads to habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil degradation.
• Consistent source of energy – Solar panels are designed to have a long operational lifespan, typically around twenty-five years or more. During this period, they require minimal maintenance and produce a steady supply of clean energy. This long-term reliability ensures that solar panels have a minimal environmental impact over their lifetime.

Switching to solar is a great way to create a more sustainable future. And you’re saving on your electricity bills. It’s a win-win!

Your Solar & Electrical Experts

Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.