You have been relying on traditional energy sources because it has been convenient to use and easily available. But with the changing energy landscape in the world, have you thought about how long you and your next generation will be able to use them?
The rising concerns over the limited fossil fuels left in the world are leading to a major shift towards sustainable sources due to environmental concerns. Since fossil fuels are limited, finding better and more sustainable options becomes necessary.
Solar energy is one such substitute that has shown massive growth. From powering the appliances at home to reducing hefty electric bills in commercial properties, you can easily rely on solar energy.
Yet most people still rely on traditional energy sources because of their cheaper price and easy accessibility. But does that mean they are better? To get the perfect understanding, we have prepared this article covering solar energy vs. fossil fuel comparison on a cost and environment basis.
Solar energy is a form of sustainable energy generated by capturing and converting the sun’s radiation into usable power. It requires the installation of solar modules at sunlight-exposed places like the rooftop of household or commercial property.
Solar panels have photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. You can also save the excess solar power generated during peak hours in solar batteries for later usage. But to do that, you need to install an appropriate number of panels that fulfil your daily energy needs and even store some in your battery system.
Moreover, photovoltaics is also transforming as now you can get it fitted in the buildings during construction and get flexible options for easy installation.
Traditional energy includes the power derived from three types of fossil fuels. It comprises coal, petroleum and natural gas. All these fuels are generated through organic processes but are finite as they take millions of years.
Fossil fuels are present underground, causing huge expenditure in mining and drilling for their usage. Later, regulated industries burn them to break down their atom bonds that store energy and generate electric power.
Apart from origin, there are two main solar energy vs. traditional energy comparisons that you should look for before making your choice.
Cost is one of the crucial factors that determines the purchase decisions of most people. The price of fossil fuels per kilowatt-hour can range between 5-17 cents, while the cost of solar energy has reduced by 3-6 cents per kilowatt hour.
Although fossil fuels are well-researched and accessible, the reduction in their availability and increasing demand has caused a significant increase in their mining cost and a constant rise in electricity prices.
On the contrary, continuous research and technological innovation have led to a significant drop in solar panel prices by more than 20% in the last 5 years, indicating more reduction soon.
Once installed, solar panels are inexpensive and don’t require too much maintenance. You can earn money by selling extra generated power back to grid power companies.
Still, the initial solar installation cost can seem a little high and not something everyone can afford. However, with appropriate research, you can get high-quality panels at a lesser cost. For that:
When considering solar energy in terms of the environment, it is one of the cleanest forms of energy. Solar energy doesn’t release harmful gases and causes a lesser impact on the environment than traditional energy sources.
In this solar vs. traditional energy comparison, both hold significant advantages over one another. While solar energy is sustainable and environment-friendly, fossil fuels are a more accessible choice due to their significant presence in our lives.
We hope the above comparison of cost and environmental impact between solar and traditional energy will help you to determine which energy source suits your power requirements.