“Carbon footprint” generally refers to the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a toxic by-product of the activities of a particular individual, organisation, or community.

These harmful gases are released when fossil fuels such as coal and oil are used to make energy and are responsible for global warming.

To reduce your carbon footprint, you need to employ carbon offsetting strategies. Switching to solar power is one of the biggest contributions you can make to the environment.

Carbon Footprint In Perspective

To gain perspective on how we are affecting the environment, consider this.

The following activities ad roughly 2 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere:

• 7 miles by public transport system ( train or bus )
• Driving 4 miles by car
• 32 hours on a household computer
• Production of 2 plastic bottles or 5 plastic bags

What’s even more disturbing is the fact that the average American household’s carbon footprint is roughly 5 times higher than the rest of the world’s.

Environmental Impact Of Solar

Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, they are also a finite resource. While fossil fuel supplies will dwindle eventually, sunshine will remain a reliable energy source.

Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun. When you install solar panels on your home, you immediately begin to combat greenhouse gas emissions and global warming by reducing your collective dependence on fossil fuels.

In fact, the average solar power system will offset 30 tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years.

This save can be compared to:

• 60,000 miles driven with an average car
• Planting 2,400 trees
• Saving 80,000 gallons of water used in electricity production
• Avoid the emissions from 16 tons of burned coal

Fossil Fuels vs Renewable Energy

Did you know that in one hour, the earth absorbs more energy than the world uses in ONE YEAR !

This is the power of the sun.

If used properly, this renewable energy source could meet our energy requirements for as long as humanity inhabits earth.

Solar Energy And The Environment

Solar energy does not simply benefit the home or business owner. Utilising the sun’s energy means avoiding toxic pollutants and other global warming emissions.

As more homes and businesses across the world install solar panels, America continues to move farther away from fossil fuel consumption and closer to a green economy powered by the sun.

Some of the benefits include the following:

• The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Greater energy security due to reductions in imported fuel.
• Cleaner air, water, and soil.
• Stronger economic growth through the creation of “green” jobs.

Rooftop solar panels also provide power to the grid during peak demand hours of the day. This in turn lightens the load on power companies taking strain during the summer.

Support Safe, Renewable, And Cost-Effective Energy

Switching to a clean, more affordable source of energy has never been more important. With the help of sustainable solar systems we can enjoy a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.

Whether you own a home, run a business, or manage a municipal building, there are many advantages to consider when contemplating solar energy panels on your property.

Solar’s green approach, in short, will not only save you money, but more importantly, it saves the environment with our cumulative effect which inevitably makes a larger impact. Sustainability is the massive driving force behind installing solar photovoltaic systems. Our planet needs reliable, affordable, sustainable power everyday and solar provides the solution.

It’s time we band together and save OUR planet by reducing our carbon footprint.