Environmental Benefits

Solar electricity has many environmental benefits.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says "Using solar energy to replace the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere."

Most electricity in the United States is produced from "dirty" fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas. When power plants turn these fossil fuels into electricity for your home, they pollute our air by releasing nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, radioactive materials, and heavy metals like mercury. Power plants also contaminate soil and water and increase greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2006, U.S. power plants released 2.7 billion tons of CO2, 10.5 million tons of SO2, and 4.2 million tons of nitrogen oxides - not to mention soot, smoke, dust, and dirt¹.

In other words, power plants contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming, which affect public health, the environment, and our society's future.

Switching to solar power means you're doing your part.

Using solar power from your own roof reduces the amount of "brown power" that utility companies produce, which means fewer emissions, less pollution, and a cleaner environment.

Although manufacturing solar panels does take some energy, this energy is recouped in 1.7 years in the California sun, according to the International Energy Agency.

Installing a home solar system is like planting almost 200 trees or taking about 10 cars off the road.

SOURCES
1. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epat5p1.html

More Information

• Read why solar is also great for America's energy independence.
• Switch to solar to help the environment but without breaking the bank by choosing SunRun Power Plan.
• Contact SunRun to find a solar solution for your home.