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What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy?

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 06/07/2024

Did you know the sun sends enough energy to Earth in a single hour to power the world for a year? Solar panels allow us to harness free, renewable energy and create clean electricity.

Whether installing your own solar panels or opting into a community solar project, transitioning to solar energy can significantly reduce your electricity bills and your environmental impact. Using renewable energy to power your home contributes to cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, and improved water conservation. Our guide explores some of solar’s long-term environmental benefits and tips on boosting your system’s impact, so you can learn all about solar energy. 

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Best Solar Companies of 2024

Best Solar Leasing : SunRun
Best Customer Support : Palmetto Solar
Best East Coast Installer : Solar Energy World
Most Reputable : Blue Raven Solar

Environmental Benefits of Using Solar Energy

Relying on solar energy instead of fossil fuels helps reduce harmful pollutants and gases, preserve water, and protect the world’s ecosystems. We’ll examine these benefits below.

Boosts Energy Independence

The problem with relying on nonrenewable energy sources is that they’re finite. For example, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that we only have enough natural gas to last the next 86 years.

Solar energy, on the other hand, is an infinite resource. It’s also more reliable than nonrenewable power sources. Although many residential solar systems are tied to the power grid, your solar panels can still produce most of the energy needed to power your home. This gives you more independence from traditional energy sources.

Quick Tip

  • Adding a solar battery increases your energy independence and provides reliable backup power at night or during blackouts. Some homeowners even opt to go off-grid and use solar power exclusively.
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To learn more about how solar power can eliminate your reliance on the grid, check out the video below. Home technology expert Ross Trethewey visits a home in South Carolina that’s comfortably and completely off the grid thanks to solar technology.

Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Over the years, greenhouse gas emissions have damaged the atmosphere by preventing some of the Earth’s heat from escaping. This trapped heat has caused global warming and unpredictable weather events. Unfortunately, the greenhouse gases produced by human activities have affected the world’s ecosystems and economies. 

Taking advantage of renewable resources, such as solar power, helps lower the harmful gases released into the atmosphere, reducing our Taking advantage of renewable resources, such as solar power, helps lower the harmful gases released into the atmosphere, reducing our carbon footprint. Although some greenhouse gases are released during the solar panel manufacturing process, solar energy production generates zero emissions. . Although some greenhouse gases are released during the solar panel manufacturing process, solar energy production generates zero emissions. 

You can incorporate solar thermal heating into your home for further emission reductions. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), using solar heating and cooling systems can cover about 80% of the energy needed for space and water heating. Solar heating can also improve your home’s energy efficiency, further reducing fossil fuel use.

Promotes Water Conservation

Hydropower, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity, has long been a dependable alternative energy option. However, it’s reliant on a finite resource. Some areas with limited water access can’t use hydro technology and must rely on fossil fuels.

Water also serves as a cooling component for some thermoelectric power plants. However, as the steam is released, it spreads water pollutants into the atmosphere. 

Solar energy requires little to no water usage, preserving that resource for other things. The solar cell manufacturing process does use some water, and homeowners may need to rinse their panels occasionally to clear away dust and debris. However, solar panels require considerably less water than traditional energy sources.

Reduces Air Pollution

According to the EIA, fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal accounted for 60% of electricity produced in the United States in 2022. These traditional energy sources release harmful pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, that contaminate the air and impact our health. A 2021 study from Harvard University found that exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuel pollution caused 8 million deaths in 2018 alone. 

Using solar power lowers pollution levels, which in turn leads to overall better air quality and improved health outcomes. Solar energy produces no carbon emissions, reducing smog, particulate matter, and other air pollutants. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states that reducing air pollutants eliminates unnecessary health care costs and saves more than 25,000 lives. Using solar power lowers pollution levels, which in turn leads to overall better air quality and improved health outcomes. Solar energy produces no carbon emissions, reducing smog, particulate matter, and other air pollutants.

Preserves Land and Ecosystems

Traditional power sources require extensive land use and invasive extraction processes that disrupt the surrounding ecosystem. According to Appalachian Voices, coal mining has already destroyed over 500 mountains and 2,000 miles of headwater streams in America. The effect of oil spills on marine wildlife is well-documented, but drilling and fracking for oil or gas can cause significant habitat destruction and water contamination even if nothing goes awry.

Solar energy has a comparatively low impact on land and ecosystems. Large-scale solar farms can be strategically placed in already degraded areas like brownfields or former industrial zones, minimizing disruptions to untouched natural habitats. With careful planning, solar installations can coexist with agriculture and conservation efforts. Agrovoltaics combines solar panel arrays with pollinator-friendly ground cover, crop fields, or livestock grazing.


How To Improve Your System’s Environmental Benefits

Homeowners can take the following steps to improve their solar power system’s environmental benefits:

Add battery storage: Solar batteries store energy generated during the day for use overnight and during emergencies. Tapping into this stored energy helps reduce your grid-tied electricity use, boosting energy independence. 
Install electric vehicle charges: If you own an electric vehicle (EV), consider adding a home EV charger to work with your system. Solar-powered EV chargers help reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. 
Invest in energy efficiency upgrades: Making energy-efficient upgrades helps decrease your overall energy use. These upgrades include adding a smart thermostat, top quality replacement windows, and improving your home’s insulation. You can also incorporate more clean energy appliances, such as solar water heaters or space heaters. 
Optimize solar panel energy generation: A top solar installer can help you position your panels for maximum sun exposure. Any surrounding trees or objects that cover your solar panels will reduce their efficiency. Eliminate any nearby shading and remove debris from your panels’ surface.

Our Top Solar Company Picks

Sunrun

4.5

We like Sunrun for its four financing options, including its unique leasing options if you don’t want to own your system. This stands out to us because the other companies on this list don’t offer as many options.

Prepaid and leased systems also include a 25-year warranty with system service and maintenance, ongoing monitoring, and theft insurance. The company even offers financing plans for quality monocrystalline solar panels and products from trusted brands such as LG.

How We Scored Sunrun

Sunrun earned 4.4 out of 5 stars based on our methodology. The company gained many points for its positive reputation, comprehensive leasing options, and well-rounded warranty coverage. It lost some points for is limited service selection.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (15 out of 25 points): Sunrun provides solar panel and battery installation but uses third-party installers. Though this is becoming an industry standard, in-house installers typically yield better communication and quality. The company also doesn’t provide roofing services or energy audits but does offer quality active monitoring assistance. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): Sunrun offers quality warranties, such as its 25-year manufacturer and labor warranty, but doesn’t include a performance guarantee. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Sunrun has one of the higher customer BBB ratings we’ve encountered, and the company maintains an overall positive customer reputation online.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): The company doesn’t offer any in-house financing but provides more warranty coverage for customers interested in solar leasing than other providers, such as Palmetto.
  • Industry Experience (9 out of 10 points): Sunrun holds 17 years of experience in the solar industry, making it a veteran compared to a newer company such as Blue Raven Solar.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company only serves 18 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides system monitoring that signals issues with your system Offers diverse financing options to suit various budgets Provides EV and solar battery solutions Cons Limited online information on solar incentive disqualification with leases Requires added costs for the same coverage plans as leased and prepaid customers Varies solar battery availability by state

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Sunrun backs its systems with a 10-year comprehensive warranty which includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
PPA

State Availability

Available in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Reputation and Reviews

The company earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for incorporating drone technology in its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun was recognized by Comparably with 14 awards. Its accolades include Best CEOs for Diversity 2022, Best Company Culture 2021, and Best Company for Women two years in a row.

Sunrun currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and is accredited. Former customers praised the comprehensive coverage for leased systems but complained about delayed installations, poor customer service, and poor communication with project managers. Additionally, some customers note being confused by Sunrun’s leasing and PPA options, though they also mention Sunrun is willing to discuss and clarify these plans.

Palmetto

4.4

Palmetto Solar offers a wide range of quality solar products and excellent customer service, including phone, email, and online chat options, an online service request portal, and a library of troubleshooting resources. Overall, Palmetto offers more customer support than other providers we reviewed, most notably through its tiered system protection plans and mobile app.

How We Scored Palmetto Solar

Palmetto earned 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company scored more points for its comprehensive service selection and long-term protection plans. It lost some because of its standard warranty options and lack of production guarantee. 

  • Solar Equipment and Services (20 out of 25 points): Palmetto offers an excellent selection of solar services, including solar battery and electric vehicle (EV) charger installation, energy audits, and active monitoring.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (16 out of 25 points): The company’s warranty options don’t stand out as much as Sunrun’s. It offers industry-standard coverage for 25 years on products and 10 years on labor.
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (14 out of 15 points): Palmetto has a highly positive online reputation on popular review sites such as the BBB. The company also screens its installers to ensure they’re certified with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): Palmetto doesn’t provide in-house financing but offers all possible payment methods.
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): Palmetto holds a decent amount of experience, with 15 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (8 out of 10 points): The company serves 17 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Gives access to customer support via email, chat, phone, and app Offers a tiered system protection plan Provides an online solar savings calculator to estimate potential savings Cons Limits its active monitoring services to three years Shorter roof leak and workmanship coverage than other installers Some online reviews mentioned permitting and installation delays

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

Palmetto’s warranty protection includes a 25-year panel warranty, 12-year inverter warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty, and five-year roof penetration warranty.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Lease
✔ Loan
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

Palmetto Solar received Solar Power World’s Most Forward-Thinking Contractor award in 2022. Inc. magazine recognized the company the same year with a Power Partner Award. Palmetto also aims to provide solar energy to underserved communities with its Get Solar, Give Solar program.

Palmetto Solar is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating from the site. While reading online reviews, we noticed that homeowners praised Palmetto for its dedicated installation managers and quality systems but mentioned very long waiting periods for permitting, plus installation delays.

Solar Energy World

4.4

Solar Energy World (SEW) is one of the most robust and well-regarded solar installation companies. It boasts several impressive features, such as its 30-year manufacturer’s warranty. Its service area is limited, and it doesn’t offer energy auditing services. We like that SEW discloses what solar panels it primarily works with and that the panels are from trusted, quality brands such as Qcells and Silfab.

Roughly 11% of our surveyed solar users purchased their system from Solar Energy World.

How We Scored Solar Energy World

SEW scored 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our methodology. The company received many points because of its warranty, which is longer than most other solar companies’ warranties. SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all its solar panels and inverters, whereas many providers only offer 25-year warranties.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): The company is an ideal option for many basic solar products and services, such as solar panels and battery installation. It lost points because it doesn’t install EV chargers or perform energy audits.
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (19 out of 25 points): SEW’s manufacturer and labor warranties are standout features, but the company doesn’t include any production guarantees with its work. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (15 out of 15 points): The company’s reputation is one of the best, with high BBB and Google Reviews ratings. We also found no active alerts or lawsuits.
  • Financing Options (13.5 out of 15 points): SEW offers all possible solar payment options but doesn’t provide an in-house financing department. 
  • Industry Experience (8 out of 10 points): The company has been in business since 2009, so it received most of the points in this category.
  • State Availability (6 out of 10 points): SEW limits its service area to eight East Coast states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Features an extensive solar product catalog with trusted brands Includes free active monitoring Hires NABCEP-certified installers and designers Cons Reviews mention communication issues with staff Warranty coverage varies by solar panel brand Doesn’t offer a power production guarantee

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

SEW offers a 30-year manufacturer’s warranty on all purchased solar panels and inverters. However, coverage varies by brand, and the company doesn’t guarantee them with every panel option. 

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPA

State Availability

Available in: Washington, D.C, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia

Reputation and Reviews

The company landed on Solar Power World’s 2023 Top Solar Contractors List in the No. 10 spot.

The BBB accredits SEW, and the company holds an A+ rating. Former customers praise the company for its professionalism, assistance with applying for financial incentives, and smooth installation process. However, some reported discrepancies in finances and scheduling.

Blue Raven Solar

4.4

Blue Raven Solar has one of the best reputations for reliability and trustworthiness. It has won awards for its team and CEO, and customer reviews report great customer service and prompt installations. The company also stands out for its in-house financing, which includes 18 months of free solar energy.

Out of all solar brands in the market, 6.5% of our survey respondents chose Blue Raven.

How We Scored Blue Raven Solar

Blue Raven received 4.4 out of 5 stars according to our rating system. The company scored the most points for its customer service reputation and warranty coverage. It also earned points for providing all standard solar panel services but lost some due to its limited financing options and lack of roof leak coverage.

  • Solar Equipment and Services (18 out of 25 points): Blue Raven offers solar panel and battery installation, active monitoring services, and energy audits. However, it doesn’t offer solar roofs, EV chargers, or additional roofing services. 
  • Warranty and Performance Guarantees (22 out of 25 points): The company offers top-of-the-line warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty. The company earned points fo providing a performance guarantee, but its guarantee is shorter than many other providers. However, it doesn’t provide any roof leak coverage. 
  • Brand Reputation and Professional Certifications (13 out of 15 points): Blue Raven has high customer review ratings on its BBB profile and other popular review sites. The company uses in-house installers but doesn’t ensure they’re NABCEP-certified, which made it lose some points in this category.
  • Financing Options (12 out of 15 points): Blue Raven offers some of the best in-house financing of the companies this list, but it limits this financing to solar loans. You may want to consider a different provider, such as Sunrun, if you’re looking for a lease or PPA.
  • Industry Experience (7 out of 10 points): Blue Raven has less experience than other providers, with only 10 years in the industry.
  • State Availability (7 out of 10 points): The company limits its service area to 19 states.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers SunPower’s high-efficiency panels and storage options Provides a unique in-house financing option which includes 18 months of free solar energy Recognized as one of the industry’s most reputable solar companies Cons Offers one of the shortest production guarantees among our reviewed companies Some customer reviews mention poor communication Workmanship warranty falls slightly below the industry standard

Warranty and Financing

Warranty

A Blue Raven system has a 25-year product warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.

Financing Options

✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

State Availability

Available in: Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Reputation and Reviews

Blue Raven has won numerous awards from Comparably, a site known for its company culture and reputation reviews. It also ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.

Blue Raven is accredited by the BBB and currently holds an A+ rating. We noted that customers praised the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation but cited poor communication after completing projects. We analyzed several consumer reviews and found that some of these issues stem from the company’s financing department and third-party installers.

Read our review of Blue Raven Solar for more information.


Our Conclusion

Solar energy offers powerful benefits for both the environment and your budget. Investing in a home system will reduce your energy bills and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Not sure if investing in solar is worth it? Start by researching the Not sure if solar is worth it? Start by researching the pros and cons of solar panels and how much they cost in your area. and how much they cost in your area. Explore quotes from leading solar companies to make an informed decision about transitioning to solar power.

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FAQ About the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy

Is solar worth it for the environment?

Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment due to its environmental benefits. Solar energy decreases reliance on fossil fuels and promotes clean energy generation. Harnessing the sun’s power also helps to preserve natural resources, mitigate climate change, and create a healthier planet.

What are some disadvantages of solar power?

Some disadvantages of solar power are the high upfront cost and weather dependence. Solar panels are expensive, even with declining prices, and production will drop on cloudy days or at night.

How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?

Solar panels take an average of six to 10 years to pay for themselves. This time frame, known as the solar panel payback period, may vary depending on your solar panel quality, financing option, and overall system costs. High-quality solar panels yield better savings than cheaper options, increasing your return on investment.  

Is solar energy 100% eco-friendly?

Although solar energy doesn’t create greenhouse gases, emissions, or pollutants, it’s not 100% eco-friendly. Solar panel manufacturing requires energy and resources that still impact the environment. However, solar energy is cleaner and more sustainable than traditional sources.

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