What kind of environmental benefits can I expect from an average solar power system?

An average home consumes approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Installing a solar power system that offsets the same amount of usage will reduce 15,000 pounds of CO2 each year. This is the equivalent of the carbon eliminated by 1.5 acres of forests. 

Solar power is a renewable form of energy that eliminates the need for the burning of fossil fuels, which are directly responsible for global and environmental damage. There are no emissions during the production of solar power, and it is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy worldwide. In addition, solar power systems are relatively maintenance-free, which further reduces the carbon footprint.

Traditional electric sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas result in the emission of harmful greenhouse gasses, some of which are toxic and extremely detrimental to the environment. Fossil fuels are, and continue to be, one of the largest causes of global warming. Depleting fossil fuel sources also cause dramatic spikes in the cost of energy, which can be mitigated by the implementation of clean solar energy.

For more information, please visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency site.