Renewable Energy and the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Did you know that renewable energy plays a vital role in the preservation of our ozone layer? Read more.

Every single day tons of air pollutants and greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere from burning coal or natural gas to power manufacturing plants, generate electricity for our homes and buildings, or run our gasoline-fueled cars. The more we consume fossil fuels or non-sustainable energy resources, the more harm we ultimately cause to our ozone layer.

For most people, the electricity they use daily has to travel a great distance. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, or geothermal energy. According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), fossil fuels are the most significant energy source for electricity generation.

• Natural gas was the largest source—about 40%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2020. Natural gas is used in steam turbines and gas turbines to generate electricity.
• Coal was the third-largest energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2020—about 19%. Nearly all coal-fired power plants use steam turbines. A few coal-fired power plants convert coal to a gas for use in a gas turbine to generate electricity.
• Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation in 2020. Residual fuel oil and petroleum coke are used in steam turbines. Distillate—or diesel—fuel oil is used in diesel-engine generators. Residual fuel oil and distillates can also be burned in gas turbines.

When it comes to protecting our ozone layer, though, renewable energy methods, such as solar power, allow people to have access to electricity in a similar manner to fossil fuels, but without the harmful air pollutants. As more people utilize things like solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage, we can all play a part in preserving our ozone layer and the environment too.

The earth’s ozone layer plays an important role in the health and well-being of our planet and all of the people living on it. We are reminded of this each year on World Ozone Day in September. When the earth’s ozone layer becomes depleted, harmful UV rays reach the surface of the earth. This can have a negative impact on humans, animals, and plants, who naturally rely on the ozone layer to shield us from the most harmful rays of light.

Are you ready to switch to solar and reap the benefits of financial savings, protecting the ozone layer, and increasing your home value? Learn more about the pros of switching to solar below:

• Residential solar panels can pay for themselves in as few as six to eight years, resulting in 22 to 24 years of savings. Some homeowners have been able to reduce their electric bills by as much as 95%.
• Solar creates clean energy that won’t contribute to air pollution, eliminating greenhouse gases and CO2 emissions. It reduces the need for fossil fuels and improves your carbon footprint.
• Adding solar panels to your home can increase its resale value by $15,000 or more. In addition, solar panel systems are expected to last 30 years or longer. That's a home upgrade for buyers to get excited about! 

For more information about how you can help preserve the ozone layer, visit https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/world-ozone-day-2021.

To learn more about switching to solar, visit https://www.dfwsolarelectric.com/.

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