Why is solar power better than fossil fuels? In an era where solar energy is widespread and we are relying on it for everything, we often hear that it is a better option than other energy sources including fossil fuels. This is due to several reasons, which may be economic or environmental. Let us discuss the details below.

Why is solar power better than fossil fuels?

When we wonder: why is solar power better than fossil fuels? It is worth noting that we address the definition of each of them first.

What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource that originates from fossilized animals or plants that have remained underground for years including natural gas, oil, and coal.

What is solar energy?

A renewable energy source generated by the sun, known as visible light through solar panels.

Similarities between fossil fuels and solar energy

Sunlight and fossil fuels are both conventional energy sources and produce energy directly. But why is solar energy a better fuel than fossil fuels?  How is it better than fossil fuels?

Solar energy vs fossil fuels statistics

Fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source while solar energy is a renewable energy source. But the amount of sun depends on several factors: location, time of day, weather, and time of year. If you live in the northern hemisphere, a south-facing roof is ideal.

Solar energy vs fossil fuels pros and cons

Solar energy more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels? In fact, solar panels have some negatives from an environmental standpoint, as pollution is produced when producing the panels, but they are still less compared to fossil fuels.

Pros and cons of solar energy

• The sun is a renewable source of energy.
• Solar energy systems do not produce any pollution.
• Solar power is not available at any time during nighttime and cloudy days.

Pros and cons of fossil fuels

• The ability to use fossil fuels whenever you want.
• Non-renewable and unsustainable resource.
• Fossil fuels produce pollution, which negatively affects climate change.

In other words: Solar energy, like any other source, has pros and cons, the most prominent of which is: the high initial cost, but despite this, it remains lower than the economic and environmental cost of fossil fuels. Is solar energy better than fossil fuel energy?

Is solar energy cheaper than fossil fuels?

The initial costs of installing energy systems are high but they are good for long-term savings according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Fossil fuel electricity costs between 5 and 17 cents per kilowatt hour, while solar energy costs between 3 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour.

In addition, the cost of maintaining a solar energy system after installation is minimal and money can be made by selling excess energy to your local grid.  In short, you’ll get virtually free electricity after installing a system.

Why solar energy is important for the future?

Solar energy is considered a blessing for the future because it does not use renewable green energy sources, in addition to several reasons that make it effective.

What are 5 advantages of solar energy?

Its positive impact on the environment is that it reduces environmental pollution significantly, resulting in a cleaner and greener environment.  While burning fossil fuels produces emissions including: nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

• A renewable energy source that does not run out no matter how much consumption increases.
• It provides job opportunities, as installing solar systems requires workers, employees, and engineers
• It reduces the anger of the government, as it may not be able to provide electricity to remote areas, while solar energy solves this problem. The shortage of fossil fuels will not cause a problem with the increased demand for energy, but rather reduce power outages.
• Solar energy systems save money. All you have to do is install the solar panels and pay the cost once, and you will get free electricity for the rest of its life.

Now, after we explain: why is solar power better than fossil fuels? It is worth noting its comparison with other renewable energy systems.

Why is solar energy better than other renewable energy?

Although all other forms of renewable energy provide free electricity and reduce environmental pollution, how do solar systems compete with them? And why is solar power energy better?

Solar energy and wind energy

Wind energy has had some problems as turbines require more maintenance than photovoltaics and are prone to making noise.

Solar energy versus hydro energy

Building dams requires a very large initial installation cost, and their construction may change the ecosystem. They change the natural flow of waterways resulting in lakes which affects wildlife in the area and limits fish migration.  On the other hand, the panels do not change the environment and are small in size compared to dams.

Solar energy versus biomass

Burning biomass is effective because it is renewable, but it requires space to grow crops and may produce waste. The efficiency of solar panels is 19%, while the efficiency of biomass does not exceed 1%.

In short, the answer to the question is: Why is solar power better than fossil fuels? As a result of its environmental benefit, it is a clean, renewable and comparatively cheap energy source.