Solar Power vs. Coal

Coal is a cost-effective and convenient source of energy, but the sun has been providing us light since the dawn of time. Now that we've figured out how to harness its energy effectively, the sun is quickly becoming a new source of energy that consumers around the world can trust to power their homes without creating particulate or gaseous emissions that harm the environment.

Pros and Cons of Coal

Coal has been an affordable source of electricity since the Industrial Revolution. Since it was cheap and plentiful, the world overlooked its problems in favor of a source of energy that people could afford. Since then, it has continued to be one of the leading forms of energy in use because it continues to be cheap to produce and simple to distribute.

Pros

  • Cheap source of power
  • Plentiful
  • Produces electricity 24 hours a day

Cons

  • High carbon and sulfur dioxide emissions
  • Particulates like soot, smoke, and other small particles are left after coal is burned

Pros and Cons of Solar Power

Solar power uses photovoltaic panels to capture the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Since it has no emissions and can be collected as long as the sun is shining, it's a renewable and green energy source. Large quantities of solar panels together on a solar power farm can be used to create enough electricity to keep communities going, or a few solar panels on the roof can keep a household or business powered throughout the day for less money than the local utility company charges.

Pros

  • Offers long-term savings on electricity
  • Increases property value
  • Financing and tax credit programs are available
  • Low carbon footprint
  • Silent
  • Little to no maintenance

Cons

Solar Power vs. Coal: Which Is Better?

Solar power is leaps and bounds better than coal. The only emissions created from solar power stem from the manufacturing of solar panels, and even those emissions are minuscule compared to what coal emits. In the past few years, solar power has even become as affordable as coal, which eliminates the argument of solar being too expensive to be a good energy source for residential and commercial properties. Renewable energy sources like solar power are on track to one day replace coal and natural gas, greatly reducing harmful emissions while offering an energy source that will last as long as humans do.