You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that climate change is a hot topic. You’ve probably also heard that renewable solar energy is playing a huge part in tackling this global problem. But how?
To help answer this question, we’ll give you the rundown on current climate change goals and the major ways solar power will help reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades.
You’ll also find a few great reasons why you should consider installing solar panels in your home or business to not only save money but help create a sustainable future for our country.
Australia’s Net Zero Goal
One of the biggest culprits in damaging our environment is the burning of fossil fuels and gas, like coal and methane. These nasties release a huge amount of pollution into the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere (AKA the greenhouse effect), with too much leading to a rise in global temperatures. This contributes to climate change which has a whole heap of knock-on effects, such as rising sea levels and severe weather events. Think floods, heatwaves, drought etc.
To combat climate change, the Australian government has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. They’ve invested a staggering $24.9 billion to do this, with one of the biggest initiatives to transform Australia’s electricity supply to run mainly on renewable energy. And that’s where solar energy benefits Australia the most. Here’s how!
Solar Energy Benefits 1 – Environmental
There are plenty of solar power benefits for our beautiful Aussie environment. It’s a clean, green and sustainable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, it doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gases or contribute to air pollution.
Living in this gorgeous vast land also means we have access to an abundance of sunshine year round, and an almost unlimited solar power supply. The government’s Why Australia? A renewable energy superpower report shows our nation has the second greatest potential for solar power in the world (Russia just beat us). We also took out the number one spot as the world’s largest producer of solar electricity according to population size in 2021.
Using solar power also protects our precious wildlife. Solar panel installations coexist harmoniously with nature, minimising disruption to our ecosystems, unlike traditional energy sources.
Solar Energy Benefits 2 – Economic
Renewable solar energy isn’t just good for the environment, it’s great for your wallet too. Install solar panels in your home or business and watch those hefty electricity bills shrink. With solar panel technology fast evolving, it’s set to become more efficient and even cheaper to install as time goes on.
The added bonus? You have more control over your energy, rather than the power companies. Solar significantly reduces your reliance on the main electricity grid, shielding you from global energy price fluctuations.
Another economic benefit is that solar power creates jobs. From the sparkies who install and maintain them, to the Aussie scientists working on breakthrough solar technology, our country’s bottom line gets a great boost from solar power!
Solar Energy Benefits 3 – Social
Solar power equates to community power. There are heaps of community solar projects happening across Australia right now, bringing people together and ensuring that even remote and off-grid areas have access to clean and reliable energy. It’s not just about power, it’s about improving lives.
Take for example community solar gardens. These allow people to purchase or rent a plot of solar panels situated somewhere other than their home, usually on land with good sun exposure near the existing electricity grid. It might be on a nearby warehouse roof, or at a farm on the outskirts of town. The energy produced from that plot is sold back to the retailer, who then provides them with a credit on their electricity bill.
Then we have solar bulk buy programs, where local councils and community organisations join together to negotiate discounted rates on solar panel installations for residents struggling to afford it. This makes solar power more accessible.
Community solar battery projects are another great example. These store excess electricity generated from a community solar array, for use when the sun goes to sleep. This significantly reduces reliance on the main electricity grid, and helps communities avoid those nasty price fluctuations (solar batteries are also a great option for your home if you want to reduce your bills even further).
Another social benefit of solar power is the reward that comes from knowing you’re enjoying a sustainable lifestyle, better for the planet and better for you. Who knows who you might inspire to follow your lead?
Solar Power Support
That’s our lowdown on how solar power is combating climate change. If you’d like to help contribute to Australia’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, installing solar panels is a great way. You’d be joining over 3.4 million Aussie households if you do!
Feel free to give us a buzz on 1800 844 651, or drop us an email here at Think Renewable if you’ve got further questions about solar installation, solar batteries or are ready to get your installation underway.
