The global population is on an unprecedented rise, increasing the growth of industrial goods to move people. Standing at this point of time, we really need a stable climate to drive economic growth, sustain our ecosystems and societies. But, human activities including energy generation and an increased rate of transportation use put the stability of the climate at a greater risk. As greenhouse emission results in progressive climate change, it is a challenge to curb the emission on a global scale. As a result, our planet is exposed to an extreme level of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
With the EU ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016, the EU is aiming at reducing emission by at least 40% by 2030. But, we should not forget there the road to victory is not so easy. There are some challenges we tend to face ahead.
Challenges We are facing to reduce greenhouse gas emission
Energy is everything. Be it heating up your houses in winter, running your offices, powering your manufacturing factories or fueling your automobiles, we cannot imagine any other sources rather than energy. Energy is a sole element to drive our economic growth and support the way we tend to live. It is energy and its integrated technology that harnesses the source is a key to facilitating us to maintain our standard of living.
Unfortunately, an unprecedented endeavor to first catch up with the need of economic growth and improving the quality of life is ending up is expanding the energy production infrastructures. For example, in developing countries including India and China, the rural electrification projects are under process. And developed countries require inexpensive and plentiful access to energy to maintain robust economic growth. This necessity has given rise to the high demand of energy. As per reports from IEA, energy worldwide energy demand grew by 2.3% since last year. With natural gas being the primary choice, energy consumption grew by 45%, while in the United States and China, gas demand remains high. Even though renewable energy is growing steadily, it is not enough to meet the demand of the world that use coal powered fuel.
According to U.S. Energy Information Administration, Primary energy consumption in the United States has touched a record high of 101.3 quadrillion British thermal in 2018. At the same time, consumption of fossil fuel grew by 4% in 2018.
Figure 3: U.S energy consumption (1950-2018), source: IEA
Despite different endeavors from the EU, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information, 2019 is going to be the warmest in history of all times.
Amid everything, the global temperature is on a rise due to high rate of fossil fuel use in industries and transport such as aviation and petrol-diesel driven cars. As a result, there is as much as 70% increase in energy related co2 emission in the climate since 2010. According to the EPA, U.S alone has contributed 6,511 million metric tons of greenhouse gas to the climate. Another report from EPA, the global energy related greenhouse emission is expected to rise by an average of 1.7% from 2007 to 2035.
Since demand is high to move people and its functions, it is a long-term challenge to seek ways to reduce Co2 and other greenhouse emission.
Ways to reduce greenhouse emission
We need to unleash efforts to the fullest in order to curb the global greenhouse gas emission and control average temperature below 2 degrees Celsius. In order to make it happen, a strong political will, more innovations and renewable power generation can find us way. As per reports, wind and solar are going to add 50% of the world’s total electricity by 2050. Surprisingly, the trend sees almost 80% of the global market penetration due to its cheap production costs and efficiency. About 77% of $13.3 trillion investments would go into renewable power generations comprising solar and wind.
California seems paying heed to the urge of controlling the global climate change and temperature rise. And that’s being the reason, California has declared all of its newly built homes in 2020 and afterwards to be solar powered. With California Energy Commission mandating solar panels for new homes and low-rise apartments starting in 2020, California has had a quantum leap to achieve a neutral energy status. Not only does California stay ahead of 49 states, the approval from the California Building Standards Commission set an example for everyone across the world to reduce greenhouse emission through small endeavors. One-of-its-kind in nature, the move is regarded as historic for the entire country. Well, California has long been pioneering for curbing co2 and greenhouse gas emissions before too.
Benefits of solar panels
As you go for solar homes or use rebated programs to install batteries for solar panels, it is going to help you in varied degrees. Here they are:
Zero Energy production Cost
The production of solar power does not require any external supply to facilitate its functions, hence you need not worry about its maintenance and production cost. The only cost that is added to it is the installation charges and manufacturers components. However, much to your relief, the cost is balanced over the next 30 years even though you pay $8,400 for solar panel installation. Solar voltaic panels being energy efficient, you are expected to save $500 a year on your utility bills.
Cost-effective from the very first day
Some programs namely Solar Purchase Power Agreement (PPAs) including solar leasing have made it possible to go solar powered with little or absolutely no money. If this option does not suit you, you can choose pay-as-you-go program. It enables you to get solar panels installed to your home against the installation, maintenance, repair and monitoring services from third parties like Pick My Solar. For California commissioning the solar power generation, this highly dense state aims at advocating for zero net energy while promoting lower emissions from homes and vehicles.
Easy installation
Versatile installation capacity of the solar powered panels reduces the probability of losses of power during energy supply via supply point and impact on the performance. As the panels can be easily installed on the rooftops, the effect from a distance is least bothered, while increasing the efficiency of the electrification.
Environmental impact
It has zero negative effect on the environment. During the production of solar energy, there is no generation of noise pollution. As a result, it is user-friendly to be used in urban areas. On the other hand, solar panels are sturdy to withstand the extreme weather impacts and offer a long-lasting efficiency. The best part, it does not require any maintenance and hence it is a lifetime investment for you.
Incentive benefits
After the Federal Solar Tax is lifted, you can take advantage of 30% of the total solar panel costs. This means $25,000 worth of system cost, you can save $7,500 on the product. You can use rebates too. When you use this in combination with solar renewable energy credits, the entire cost of the system would go down to half.
Secured Performance
As you get the system installed, the solar panel manufacturers warranty you of 20-25 years of incessant performance. You can even enjoy 80% efficiency even after 25 years of the installation. Interestingly, the lifespan of the solar panel could generate 30-40 years worth of electricity. This is a huge benefit for you.
A robust step towards saving the environment
From a financial point of view, solar panels are a cheaper option for every homeowner. With this, you can take the initiative to keep your environment clean and green. As earlier mentioned, with U.S being placed at second position in co2 emissions at 17.9%, you can lend your hand in reducing the carbon footprint by going solar powered.
Economic development
The installation of solar panels generates a huge wealth, fostering a good amount of local jobs. As per reports, the solar industry was estimated to have increased employment by 168 percent through 2015. It is expected to transform the job market even more in the coming months, hence fostering the local economy.
We must keep in mind that solar is cost-effective and easy. Since it offers a multifaceted capacity to transform our lives while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of life, we should embrace the solar panel system from today. Remember it and start investing in this asset for a long-term benefit.
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