Solar Power – Good for Your Health and the Environment?

If Americans could take one step to improve both their health and the environment, what would it be?

Many believe it would be converting to solar power. The sun shines more brightly and more often in some areas of the country than others. But just about everyone could benefit from the power it delivers where they live.

This could take the form of installing an array of solar panels on rooftops of homes and businesses. Or in large fields. On a smaller scale, it could be using one or more solar panels to power electrical appliances and devices.

Regardless, harnessing the energy from the sun is great for our health. And protects the environment. And the more we use solar energy, the lighter the burden on our vulnerable electric grid.

Clean Energy vs. Toxic Emissions

Let's look first at the ways we can improve our health by generating more of our power from the sun. Solar energy is clean and efficient. It's an unlimited, renewable resource.

Greenhouse gas emissions, on the other hand, pollute the air. Especially carbon dioxide, methane and surface-level ozone. They all get trapped in the atmosphere.

I'll let others argue about climate change and what causes it. And how warmer temperatures result in extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

But it's indisputable that poor air quality can negatively affect our health. In a wide variety of ways.

Poor Air Quality Can Kill

Many of us have been wearing facemasks the last few months. The goal being to cut down on the spread of the coronavirus.

But even before the pandemic started, many people were wearing masks. At least in cities with dangerous levels of air pollution.

A large number of health issues are associated with contaminated air. Including the loss of lung capacity. Plus bronchitis, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and more.

According to the World Health Organization, polluted air kills 7 million people annually.Fortunately, solar power can reduce air pollutants. Such as sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides and fine particulate matter.

Save on Food & Medicine

An indirect health benefit of solar power is financial. Generating power from the sun helps to conserve funds.

Over time, the extra funds can be used for the food and medicine we need to stay healthy. It also helps us better provide for the health of family members, friends and neighbors.

Due to the need for heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, electric rates can be daunting. Powering our homes and businesses with solar energy can help conserve dollars. And that can be spent on staying healthy.

It also helps businesses thrive. Better health means fewer sick days, which means increased productivity.

An Inexhaustible Supply of Energy

As far as protecting the environment is concerned, our sun has the power to do that. Endlessly. We don't have to worry about leaving less energy for future generations. But we do have to tap into that power properly.

The energy stored in the earth's fossil fuel reserves from oil, coal and natural gas is equal to 20 days' worth of sunshine.

Switching from fossil fuels to solar power can have a dramatic impact. In one home it could have the same emissions reduction effect as planting 150 trees.

It also helps to water. Normal electricity production depends on a lot of water.

It cools generators and refines fuel. Solar panels, on the other hand, do not need water to convert sunlight into energy.

Solar Panels Are the Key

We access the sun's power mainly through solar panels. The typical panel contains silicon cells and a metal frame. And a glass casing protecting the photovoltaic cells. Plus wiring to allow current to flow from the cells.

There's also a layer of insulation to keep the temperature under control. And a back sheet protecting against heat dissipation and humidity inside the panel. As well as a reflective coating to increase sunlight absorption.

The cells in a panel convert energy in sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts that DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. Which is what we use when we plug an appliance or device into a wall socket.

One of the great things about solar energy is that it can be stored in batteries for later use.

Patriot Power Generator 1800

It's clear that using solar energy can have a huge impact on many aspects of our lives. From the environment, our health, to even our wallets.

One way you can get started on making yourself less reliant on the electric grid is with the Patriot Power Generator 1800.

You can use it to run kitchen appliances. Charge your personal or medical devices. Or light up a room with an LED light string... for weeks at a time.

And it's renewable and recharges using only the power of the sun. So you don't have to worry about gas shortages either.

See this personal solar power system in action [video]