Solar Energy and the Fight Against Air Pollution

We are living in a world that is already dealing with the devastating effects of air pollution. This necessitates us to look for cleaner, greener, and sustainable energy alternatives, which could not only fulfil our energy requirements but also provide an effective solution for air pollution. Fortunately, we are blessed with an abundance of solar energy, which has emerged as a powerful source for us to generate electricity, and it can be a great ally to solve the problem of air pollution. Increased adoption of solar power will likely revolutionize how we use energy to supplement our developmental activities without causing any damage to the environment.

Let’s understand how solar energy can combat air pollution, what are the current challenges in this regard, and what steps can be implemented in this direction

The problem of air pollution

When the indoor and outdoor environment around us gets contaminated by physical, chemical, or biological agents, it leads to air pollution. The increased industrial development over the past few decades has resulted in a change in production and consumption habits which has further aggravated the problem of air pollution. Be it the usage of household combustion devices, increased reliance on private vehicles, or industrial setups with no pollution regulation mechanisms, all of these have become a major source of air contamination. 

This air contamination has not only led to environmental degradation but also poses a grave danger to public health. Some of these pollutants contain particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone, which can cause serious respiratory or health issues in people. 

Some of the drivers of air pollution have also resulted in increased emissions of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate change. Hence tackling the challenge of air pollution can prove to be an overall win, both for the climate and health. 

How does using solar energy to generate electricity reduce air pollution?

Now that we know how air pollution is a silent killer, this needs to be tackled in a way that is best suited both for the nature around us and for our well-being. 

Presently, a high volume of our energy requirements is being fulfilled by combustible energy from fossil fuels. Using fossil fuels comes with its own set of disadvantages- first, it is nonrenewable energy, which means it cannot replenish itself and second, it can have a negative impact on air, as the main element found in fossil fuels is carbon which when combusted, releases particles which not only contaminate the atmosphere but is also harmful for our health. Increased usage of fossil fuels has also led to an imbalance in carbon in the atmosphere, resulting in global warming and climate change. 

If we look at some renewable sources of energy like water, wind, sunlight, tides, and waves, we find that sunlight can have the widest application and can prove to be more effective in comparison to others. Solar energy is not only sustainable but also a very clean source of energy. Deriving energy from sunlight does not involve the emission of greenhouse gases, which is why it can prove to be a highly effective energy source for meeting our daily needs while also reducing our ecological footprints.

Generating electricity from sunlight reduces our dependence on any finite resources as it does not require water or fuel and it also can outlast the world’s total energy requirements. 

How can solar energy improve air quality?

Smog, smoke, and dust have become so commonplace that we have adjusted our lives around them. So much so that we have stopped pondering about the inconvenience it subjects us to on an everyday basis. Breathable, clean air quality is something that we deserve and hence we should not miss a chance to tap into alternatives like solar energy which is not only abundant but also offers us cleaner air. Here is how: 

Zero emission of greenhouse gases 

 We read how power generation from fossil fuels leads to the emission of greenhouse gases which causes global warming and climate change. Well, the good news is that solar energy does not involve any such emissions, and thus replacing the traditional power generation methods with solar energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Improved health 

Generating electricity from sunlight involves tapping the energy from the sunlight into panels that have photovoltaic (PV) cells. These PV cells can then convert the solar energy into electricity. Hence this process neither involves any combustion nor emits harmful particles in the atmosphere. This is unlike deriving energy from fossil fuels which leads to the release of harmful particles in the atmosphere such as Nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, etc. These particles act as major pollutants and pose health risks. Thus, we can see how solar energy has the potential to offer a cleaner atmosphere that is free from health risks.

Clean Air

If we were to replace energy generation from fossil fuels with solar energy, we would witness a drastic improvement in the air quality around us. Since power generation through solar energy does not emit harmful particles or gases in the atmosphere, it can offer us clean, breathable air with improved visibility and aesthetics. 

The Growth Potential of Solar Energy

Solar energy has some clear advantages and emerges as a viable alternative solution to the traditional methods of power generation. But to harness its true potential, there are certain policy changes needed. Some of the factors which can ensure increased adoption of solar power are: 

Cost-friendly

One of the biggest advantages of solar power is that it is more cost-effective than generating electricity and power from fossil fuels. Moreover, continuous research and development has led to a significant decline in the cost of solar panels, making them affordable and accessible for individuals and businesses.

Incentives and subsidies

Since the advantages of solar power outweigh the traditional methods, some clear incentives are needed to ensure its increased adoption. For this, the governments can offer price incentives and subsidies which can further nudge people to make the switch and adopt solar power for generating electricity for their consumption and production purposes. Further industries that show keenness in adopting such sustainable practices can be rewarded or provided with some carbon credits. 

Innovation

The benefits that solar energy offers make it a ripe field for innovation and research. Technological advancements to make solar panels more cost-effective and energy-efficient have made solar energy not only cost-efficient but also a very reliable source of generating electricity. 

The future roadmap

At a global level, we have become more aware of the consequences of our actions on the planet and our physical health. This increased awareness has led us to think about solutions that are not just sustainable but can also provide a cleaner alternative without being a hindrance to our consumption or production needs. This is why solar power is poised to play a significant role in combating air pollution. When we become more open to renewable energy solutions like solar energy and decide to replace traditional energy sources with renewable alternatives, we pave the way toward a healthier, cleaner planet that benefits everyone.

We have all the reasons why we should consider this shift from using fossil fuels to harnessing solar energy to fulfill our energy requirements. Solar energy provides a beacon of hope against air pollution. Increased adoption of such sustainable and renewable sources needs more awareness in society and a little policy nudge from the government in the form of subsidies and incentives. A collective action taken in this direction can ensure cleaner skies and a healthier, thriving planet that not just impacts our well-being but also takes care of our environment.