Solar Power vs. Fossil Fuels: Why Solar Power Is Better
Fossil fuels are currently the most cost-effective and convenient source of energy available, but all energy sources have their pros and cons, and fossil fuels definitely have plenty of cons. Meanwhile, solar power is a renewable source of natural energy that is quickly gaining in popularity, especially as it becomes less expensive.
Pros and Cons of Fossil Fuels
There are three different types of fossil fuels: petroleum (oil), coal, and natural gas. They come from decomposed plants and animals that have been buried beneath Earth's surface for millions of years. They are considered non-renewable resources because once they are gone, we can't produce more. Currently, they are the most widely used energy source in the world, and they're the energy sources that helped jump-start the Industrial Revolution.
Pros
- Easy to store and transport
- Cheap
- Reliable
- Well-developed technology
Cons
- Unsustainable reserves
- Non-renewable
- Pollute the environment
- Can be dangerous to extract
Pros and Cons of Solar Power
Solar power is a renewable energy source that captures the energy from the sun and harnesses it into electricity. This is done through the use of solar panels, which can be placed on a roof to capture light energy and convert it into electricity. Solar power is a more affordable alternative in the long run compared to the local utility company, which has fluctuating costs and is more prone to outages.
Pros
- Long-term savings
- Increased property value
- Financing and tax credit programs are available
- Good for the environment
- Affordable maintenance
- No downtime when the public utility grid goes down
Cons
- Low energy density
- Location-dependent
- High installation cost
- Takes up space
Why Solar Power Is Better Than Fossil Fuels
When comparing solar power vs. fossil fuels, there's no question that solar is a cleaner energy source, and it's also rapidly becoming a cheaper one. Fossil fuels have played a large role in the climate crisis, but solar energy is abundant, non-polluting, and free once you buy the necessary equipment. Solar energy is quickly gaining traction as it's become much more affordable, and its few disadvantages far outweigh the disadvantages of using fossil fuels. In the future, solar and other renewable energy sources will likely take the lead, especially since we have a slowly dwindling supply of fossil fuels that will run out if we don't explore new energy sources.