**The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy in New Brunswick**

These days, it’s hard to avoid all the hype surrounding clean energy and going green. Solar is often paraded as the solution to this. Let’s dig into how effective solar really is as a green energy.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Let’s start by looking at the solar energy environmental benefits, starting with reduced carbon emissions.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Solar energy reduces carbon emissions, by eliminating the need for carbon-polluting energy sources.

According to Statistics Canada, households “consumed almost one-quarter (23.2%) of Canada's total energy used in 2020” and “both Ontario (29.6%) and Quebec (28.4%) counted households as their greatest source of direct GHG emissions in 2020.”

We can clearly see the impact of home electricity usage on carbon emissions - almost a quarter of total energy Canada used was for residential usage. Solar energy, on the contrary, creates no C02 emissions when producing electricity!

If those homes were powered by solar, that would be a 23.2% reduction to Canada’s total energy usage, and greenhouse gas emissions.

What If

To say “if those homes were powered by solar” only goes so far, but a real life case study is much more compelling. So let’s look at one.
According to Environment America, in 2006, California passed a bill into law “to create a ten-year, $3 billion declining rebate program to entice homeowners and small businesses to go solar, with a goal of installing 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity (enough to power one million homes).”

Environment America goes on to state; “Thirteen years later, we’ve surpassed our original goal almost three times over, with 8,700 megawatts of solar installed, but at no additional cost to the state beyond the original rebate program.”

So what were the results of this?

So now we know solar energy production reduces carbon emissions, we should ask ourselves how much carbon is created in the making of these solar panels;

According to Vattenfall’s Life Cycle studies of electricity - the most often cited report - solar tends to produce 50g of C02 er kWh, compared to the 975g of CO2 per kWh produced from coal.

This indicates to us that solar is 20x better than coal in reducing C02 emissions.

For more information about the environmental impact of the production of solar panels, follow this link.

Air Quality Improvement

This goes hand in hand with the reduced carbon emissions. Air quality is vastly improved when there is less C02 emitted into our environment.

As we mentioned above, solar does not emit any C02 during it’s production of electricity.

On the contrary, electricity from fossil fuels emit all kinds of toxins into our air; “nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury; and greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide” all come from the creation of electricity via fossil fuels (source: US Department of Energy). By going solar, we eliminate the need for such fossil fuels - or can at least displace the usage to minimal amounts - thus vastly improving our air quality.

Solar Energy and a Sustainable Future

Understanding how little pollution solar energy creates can help us understand Sustainable Solar Solutions New Brunswick.

Many of us are already aware of the damage greenhouse gas emissions cause to our planet. For those who may not be, let’s take a look;

Carbon dioxide and other toxins are released as fossil fuels are burned, and they form a layer around the earth, trapping heat. This causes global warming and climate change.

In order to stop global warming, and protect our planet from climate change, we need alternatives to fossil fuels. This is where solar comes in.

By going solar, we can reduce these emissions, and keep our planet healthy for generations to come.

FAQS

How does solar energy benefit the environment in New Brunswick?

Solar energy reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality, and promotes sustainability in New Brunswick.

Can solar power help combat climate change in the region?

Yes, solar power significantly reduces carbon emissions, making it a key player in combating climate change in New Brunswick.

Are solar panels environmentally friendly?

Solar panels are eco-friendly due to their recyclability and minimal environmental impact.

What is the role of solar energy in New Brunswick's sustainable future?

Solar energy aligns with New Brunswick's sustainability goals and contributes to a cleaner, greener future.

How do solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Solar panels reduce greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and energy production, making them environmentally responsible.

Is solar energy considered clean energy in New Brunswick?

Yes, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy, contributing to a cleaner environment in the province.

How can I learn more about the environmental benefits of solar energy?

To explore the environmental benefits of solar energy in-depth and take the first step, click the "GET A FREE SOLAR ASSESSMENT" button below or reach out to us at 1-833-GO-SUNLY