Why Is Solar Energy Better Than Natural Gas

Utility scale solar photovoltaic power plants is up more than 100 percent in 2014 over the same period in 2013.

Why is solar energy better than natural gas.

As of 2012 natural gas was responsible for over 30 of all electrical energy generated in the united states and still growing source. According to the florida natural gas association 3 000 pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere for each home that uses a tankless water heater in. Mankind has developed a way to utilize the sun s vast energy by converting its sunlight into electricity via photovoltaics and other solar power methods. Solar energy is more cost effective than traditional power sources even without tax subsidies.

It is a nonrenewable energy source and a fossil fuel albeit the cleanest fossil fuel. Unlike other energy sources including natural gas solar energy. In terms of environmental impact solar power is a much more optimal resource than fossil fuels. If you are thinking about whether to install natural gas or solar power you may be wondering what the differences actually are between the two.

While natural gas is most often cheaper and more efficient it s not without downsides. That is why we decided to create this helpful blog on solar vs natural gas. For comparison sake natural gas is 4 4 6 8 cents per kw hr coal is 6 6 15 2 cents per kw hr and nuclear energy is 11 8 19 2 cents per kw hr. In only one hour the amount of energy that shines on the earth equates to the amount used by the world s population in an entire year.

Natural gas is a vital source of energy for consumers for many reasons including the fact that it s a versatile fuel source abundant safe and the cleanest of the fossil fuels. Solar costs have been falling so fast over the last few years that we understand if you haven t kept up. Natural gas is better for the environment than other fossil fuels. Some types of natural gas called conventional gas are accessible and economic to extract.

According to the eia the average price of natural gas for electric power producers in the u s. The ultimate way to compare solar energy to fossil fuels is by cost where solar has quickly caught up with its non renewable counterparts. There s no question solar energy is cost effective. Even though natural gas sounds like a clean energy source from its name there is actually a lot of difference.

Every day the sun provides abundant energy that we can convert into solar power. Solar energy is unlimited. The levelized cost of utility scale solar is now as low as 36 per megawatt hour putting it exactly. Solar energy the amount of electricity generated by u s.

While natural gas is not as clean as solar or wind energy it is the cleanest fossil fuel energy source available. However natural gas extraction can be problematic. 2015 was 3 37 per thousand cubic feet. Solar power is considered the key to a clean energy future.

Why solar powered energy is rising above fossil fuels. Auc alberta utilities commission 2015. In terms of reliable application coal and natural gas have the edge.