Monday, March 18, 2024

Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels

Incredible Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels Statistics

How much land does it take to power the world?

The reality of growing climate change threats due to carbon and greenhouse gas emissions is beyond frightening. Fortunately, things arent entirely grim.

Solar energy production is one of the answers to the problem. Its clean, sustainable, and could debilitate our reliance on fossil fuels.

In this article, youll learn some of the most vital up-to-date stats on solar energy and fossil fuels.

Breakdown Of Renewables In The Energy Mix

In the section above we looked at what share renewable technologies collectively accounted for in the energy mix.

In the charts shown here we look at the breakdown of renewable technologies by their individual components hydropower, solar, wind, and others.

The first chart shows this as a stacked area chart, which allows us to more readily see the breakdown of the renewable mix, and relative contribution of each. The second chart is shown as a line chart, allowing us to see more clearly how each source is changing over time.

Globally we see that hydropower is by far the largest modern renewable source . But we also see wind and solar power are both growing rapidly.

How you can interact with the stacked area chart

  • In these charts it is always possible to switch to any other country in the world by choosing Change Country in the bottom left corner.

How Can Solar Energy Help

Since solar energy doesnt need to burn fossil fuels to produce energy, it tends not to push greenhouse gases into our atmosphere.

You may have heard the term, reducing CO2 emissions on the news or in general conversation. When we talk about the benefits of solar power, the reduction of these emissions is at the forefront.

A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that a 35% penetration of solar and wind power would reduce fuel costs by 40% and carbon emissions by 25%45%the rough equivalent of taking 2236 million cars off the roadcompared to todays system.

And, as we have mentioned before, solar energy is a renewable resource. The sun provides us with an unlimited supply of energy. As our technology advances, solar experts and engineers are finding more and more efficient ways to harness this energy.

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Why Are Fossil Fuels So Hard To Quit

We understand today that humanitys use of fossil fuels is severely damaging our environment. Fossil fuels cause local pollution where they are produced and used, and their ongoing use is causing lasting harm to the climate of our entire planet. Nonetheless, meaningfully changing our ways has been very difficult.

But suddenly, the COVID-19 pandemic brought trade, travel, and consumer spending to a near-standstill. With billions of people recently under stay-at-home orders and economic activity plunging worldwide, the demand for and price of oil have fallen further and faster than ever before. Needless to say, oil markets have been in turmoil and producers around the world are suffering.

Some pundits are now asking if this crisis could be the push the world needs to move away from oil. One asked: Could the coronavirus crisis be the beginning of the end for the oil industry? Another: Will the coronavirus kill the oil industry and help save the climate? Meanwhile, 2020 annual greenhouse gas emissions are forecast to decline between 4 7% as a result of the virus effects, and some of the worlds smoggiest cities are currently enjoying clear skies.

A reporter raised that very question to me after a press Q& A that I did at a conference a few years ago. We know that oil contributes to climate change and other environmental problems why do we still use it? Why dont we just quit already?, he asked me.

Our energy comes from the sun, one way or another

How Much Of Our Energy Currently Comes From Renewable Sources

Fossil fuels vs renewable energy

Today, renewable energy sources make up a significant proportion of the electricity mix that powers our homes and businesses. And the UK is well on its way to creating an electricity system thats wholly based on renewable and carbon-free sources.

2020 marked the first year in the UKs history that electricity came predominantly from renewable energy, with 43% of our power coming from a mix of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectric sources.

The UK is on the cusp of producing its trillionth kilowatt hour of renewable energy since 1970. While it took 47 years to produce the first half trillion, we will have produced the second half trillion between 2017 and 2023 alone.

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What Is Solar Energy

As you may have heard, solar energy is energy derived from the sun. The sun creates solar radiation that constantly reaches our planet. We see this radiation as visible light. And since theres no reason to believe that the sun will burn out anytime soon, its considered a renewable resource.

We can use devices, such as solar panels, to essentially turn the suns light into usable energy. When the cells of a solar panel capture sunlight, it converts that sunlight into direct current electricity . From there,

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, A total of 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously. Thats more than 10,000 times the worlds total energy use. And that energy is completely renewable at least, for the lifetime of the sun.

Disadvantages And Limitation Of Fossil Fuels

  • When fossil fuels are burnt in excess amount they give rise to the emission of greenhouse gas . Greenhouse gasses make the earth absorb more heat and therefore increasing the earth`s temperature above normal. This effect is called Greenhouse effect.
  • When oil is drilled from oceans, there are chances of oil spills which could affect the aquatic life in ocean. There have been numerous occasions of spills in the recent history.
  • Fossil fuels also give birth to pollution which not only effect humans but the aquatic life too if drained into rivers.
  • When burned fossil fuels emit toxic substances, including sulfur dioxide gas which gives rise to acid rain.
  • Even though the production of Si solar cells does pollute, the overall greenhouse emissions are irrelevant seen the amount of power produced over the 25 years lifetime of a pv module.
  • Solar panels do not pollute and can be recycled after its lifetime.
  • Solar energy is completely clean during its usage and doesn’t pollute aquatic life nor rivers.
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    What Is The Best Alternative To Fossil Fuel

    There are 3 renewable energy sources that are the best alternatives to fossil fuel:

    Wind Power this is a clean energy source where kinetic energy from the wind is converted into mechanical energy using a wind turbine. Wind power prices are between $0.07 and $0.15 cents/kWh. Turbines come in a range of sizes but can stand upwards of 328 feet, so they do require a lot of space, such as in open waters.

    Solar Energy another clean energy source, solar panels are used to convert sunlight into electricity. This can either be used on a commercial basis, with large solar farms or on a domestic basis with solar panels installed on a roof of a home. Solar panels are fairly unobtrusive, and the solar energy is priced at $0.12 cents/kWh, although domestic solar panels will eliminate electric bills, you will just need to pay the initial costs of installment.

    Hydroelectric Power this is where electrical energy is created when water flows through a turbine and powers a generator. With an average cost of only $0.03 cents/kWh, this is the cheapest source of alternative energy.

    The best part about these renewable energy sources? You can take advantage of all of them and more to power your home with 100% clean power! Click the banner below to learn more about powering your home or business with renewable energy from solar, wind, and hydroelectric sources.

    Clean Energy Has Created Millions Of Jobs And Can Create More

    Renewables vs. Fossil Fuels: The True Cost of Energy

    At the start of 2020, the clean energy sector employed about 3.4 million workers in the U.S., with much of the workforce concentrated in the energy efficiency industry. In 2019, clean energy jobs outnumbered jobs in the fossil fuel sector 3 to 1 across 42 states and the District of Columbia, the clean energy workforce was larger than that of the fossil fuel industry. The quality of these jobs is also important. According to research by the Brookings Institute, clean energy workers earn higher and more equitable wages when compared to workers nationally, with mean hourly wages exceeding the national average by 8 to 19%.

    Clean energy jobs are only expected to continue growing notwithstanding the hit to the sector as a result of COVID-19. Through 2028, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that the two fastest-growing jobs in the United States will be solar installers and wind technicians . Under the International Renewable Energy Agencys Transforming Energy Scenario, the number of renewable energy jobs worldwide could more than triple, reaching 42 million jobs by 2050, while energy-efficiency jobs would grow six-fold, employing over 21 million more people. By contrast, the fossil fuel industry is expected to lose over 6 million jobs over the same time period, even without the impact of the virus.

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    Renewable Energy Vs Fossil Fuels In The Future

    According to a survey carried out by the Pew Research Center, 77% of Americans agree that it is much more important that alternative, renewable energy sources are developed within the United States than to carry on depleting the fossil fuel reserves.

    With an increased demand for renewable energy and prices dropping at a consistent rate, the renewable energy market is already growing, and fast. Thankfully, a lot of utility providers have noticed this change and are working to make steps into taking better advantage of renewable energies, but not yet ditching fossil fuels altogether.

    Although fossil fuels may still be the main source of energy in the US, and across much of the world, renewable energy will most certainly be dominating the energy market in the future.

    Solar Energy Pros And Cons

    Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a renewable resourcewe will never have to worry about the sun one day disappearing on us. Because you only need to install solar panel systems to harness the suns energy, its carbon footprint is far smaller than that of fossil fuels. And because it can be so easy to generate power, many homeowners will be able to ditch their power company and reduce their monthly energy bills while relying on the solar panels on their roofs.

    There can be high upfront costs when you switch to solar energy, but it is important to note than government-backed financial incentives are available and can help reduce costs for homeowners. And while they do generate power as long as there is some kind of sunlight hitting their photovoltaic cells, solar panels tend to work better in regions that get plenty of sun year-round. You also wont be able to take your solar panels with you should you move into a new home later.

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    Cost Of Renewable Energy Vs Fossil Fuels

    Because renewable energy is in its infancy, it is expensive. New, pioneer technology at first is always expensive, but with its constant spread, it is becoming cheaper and cheaper.

    That happened with natural gas. It is not a new technology, so it is much more efficient, easier to store, and our distribution system is much more developed. If we cannot deliver it through international pipelines, we can liquify it to be shipped with tankers.

    And most fossil fuels have changed a lot recently because, in the 19th century, natural gas was primarily used to power lights in buildings and on the streets. Today, technology has expanded the uses of natural gas so much that we can use it for almost anything.

    The results? It is much cheaper both for the commercial and residential sectors than renewable energy.

    Nevertheless, the future belongs to alternative energy sources. Fossil fuels are cheap, easy to store and to ship, but it is bad for the environment, and eventually will run out.

    Solar Energy: An Overview

    Solar vs. Coal

    With the growing threat of climate change due to the excessive release of carbon emissions, many nations are looking to clean energy alternatives to replace traditional fossil fuels.

    Of all the clean energy alternatives, solar has arguably been the most expensive though prices have been declining. However, after considering the pros and cons along with the expectation that prices will continue to decline, the future of solar energy is looking rather bright.

    The pros of solar energy include that it is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and has a low impact on the environment and the potential for any country to produce it. The cons are that it only produces energy when the sun is shining, needs a significant amount of land, and that certain solar technologies require rare materials.

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    Fossil Fuel Advantages And Disadvantages

    The most significant advantage of fossil fuels is our well-developed technology for turning them into energy. Historically, nonrenewable fossil fuel energy has been easy to find and reliably used across the globe. We’ve had centuries to perfect they way we use it.

    Though there are innumerable uses for fossil fuels in everyday life, its hard to ignore their disadvantages. Fossil fuels are a top contributor to global warming because of their high carbon output when burned. There’s also the potential for dangerous accidents during the production and transportation of fossil fuels.

    Given the consumption rate of fossil fuels, the world is reaching a point where well have little choice in the matter nonrenewable fossil fuels are extracted at a rate much faster than the rate of replenishment. Because of this, some fossil fuels, like coal, are on track to be more expensive than solar within the next decade.

    Making The Leap To Clean Power

    In the midst of pandemic-induced high unemployment and low interest rates, renewables and their now-cheap prices could finally have their moment.

    It is rare to have a policy option that leads to more jobs, cheaper prices for consumers, and a greener, safer planet, writes Max Roser in the Our World in Data article. If affluent countries invest in renewables now, he adds, those technologies will grow even more affordable and therefore more likely to be adopted worldwide to meet increasing energy demands.

    In the US, the federal government can play a huge role in these investments. It can borrow at low interest rates and use that advantage to help energy transition projects at state and local levels. Paul explains that this could take the form of a national climate bank, backed by the federal government, that issues bonds for local decarbonization efforts. Senators Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland just introduced a bill proposing to launch such a bank.

    Helping renewables flourish might be the easy part, though. President Biden has stated a goal of bringing the United States to 100 percent clean energy by 2035. Meeting this goal would require sending lots of fossil fuel plants into early retirement.

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    Fossil Fuels Vs Renewable Energy

    There are a lot of pros and cons of renewable energy and fossil fuels, too. Both have a huge impact on the environment, on the energy sector, on everyday life and the future of humanity.

    Alternative energy will never run out, meanwhile, fossil fuels will. While fossil fuels will run out in 50 years, renewable energy is here and will never run out. Ever.

    But fossil fuels are very easy to store, which unfortunately cannot be said of renewable energy sources. Nowadays there are some alternative energy storage technologies, but they are still in their infancy. They are not efficient enough yet. And it is even worse if we think of large-scale plants.

    And although renewables will never run out, they are unfortunately not available continuously. When the weather is cloudy, solar panels are not efficient enough. If the wind is not blowing, the wind turbines will not rotate.

    But most importantly renewable energy is clean, which means that it does not pollute the environment. If we want humanity to survive longer than non-renewable energy sources, then we certainly need to stop pollution and global warming.

    The difference is even greater if we look at the pollution of coal vs solar energy. Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel on Earth, meanwhile, solar energy is not polluting at all.

    However, these arguments do not yet explain why the use of natural gas is increasing much more than solar energy. Here comes the biggest difference of all: the price.

    What Is Renewable Energy

    16 Inventions Getting Us Off Fossil Fuels

    Renewable energy is any energy which comes from a source that regenerates on a human timescale and produces minimal emissions that contribute to climate change. Natural phenomena like the sun, wind, water, and natural heat stored in the Earth are prime examples of renewable energy.

    Simply put, renewable energy is the future.

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    Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels Statistics

    Although wind and solar power use have increased noticeably in recent years, as of 2018, they still account for less than 4% of the total energy consumption in America. As far as we know, natural gas, oil, and coal have been the primary sources of energy used.

    In 2018, fossil fuels in the US met around 80% of the energy requirements, down from 84% a decade earlier. Moreover, between 2000 and 2008, natural gas consumption increased, coal use went from 22.9% to 13.1%, while oil use remained within the range of 35%40%.

    Solar Energy Costs Vs Fossil Fuel: Overview

    Consumers prefer fossil fuels as they are cost-efficient and convenient.

    Experts consider them since their worldwide supply is limited.

    On the other hand, solar energy is purely a renewable and natural source of energy.

    Its supply isnt going to end any sooner. Plus, it exists worldwide.

    However, the intensity of sunlight that produce electricity tends to vary depending on:

    • time of the day

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