# Top 4 Environmental Benefits of Going Solar - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/top-4-environmental-benefits-of-going-solar/ - Published: 2020-07-29T01:55:55-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Let’s just look at the benefits of solar power. The world becomes more and more aware of the global impact of pollution. That’s furthering the benefits of solar energy with every passing day. Much of this [pollution](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/06/epa-proposes-first-guidelines-to-cut-carbon-pollution-from-existing-power-plants/) also comes through solar energy generation. The problem is for the world relies on it to function. Moreover and to be sustained. Many sources of energy are not renewable or sustainable. Safer alternatives have to be found. I mean for the future of our planet. As well as all its occupants. Consequently, one natural and [renewable energy source is solar power](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/sunbolt-solar-workstations/). It also has no limits to its capacity. Furthermore, it also releases no by-products or gases into the atmosphere. Let’s now look at four benefits of solar power and also how it would benefit our environment. #### Reduced Water Use So over 40% of the [freshwater](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/03/valuing-groundwater-during-groundwater-awareness-week-march-6-12/) used annually in America. That’s just to make fossil fuels. Water is also required for every stage of the process of making electricity. Power plants also use water- cooling systems. Water is therefore needed for refining fuel. In addition and also for transporting it through the pipes. The problem most noteworthy is also that the environment needs water to survive. With the ever-increasing global population, water supply could become less in than demand for energy. In total contrast, solar power uses no water to create energy. Because if someone has a sufficiently large enough roof all bets are off. For they could harness this power for all their daily needs.  ![Solar](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_0449- 1.png?resize=780%2C585&quality=50&ssl=1 "img_0449 - The Green Living Guy") Image Source: Unsplash This would also reduce the national reliance on the power grid. Interestingly, not everyone has access to the grid. As well as being able to afford and connect to it. Furthermore and when studying the Off Grid Solar System it was so interesting to learn that solar power helps. It can also be produced independently of the grid. Then for power packs it can be used as back up generators. For it can also be set up in tandem to it. This would ideally suit people living in rural areas, or small businesses using a modest amount of energy.  #### Less Use of Fossil Fuels Well over half of the American electricity is generated by [fossil fuels](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-renewable-energy-will-replace-fossil-fuels_b_596cad4de4b022bb9372b313). This is equally split between natural gas and coal. The process of accessing this fuel source can be dangerous and harmful. Where strip mining occurs, there is a risk of worrying flood levels. The process of drilling is bad news for groundwater as adverse minerals are released into it. The notorious process of fracking adds to this the potential destabilization of the ground beneath one’s feet.  #### Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions The biggest culprit for this is electricity generation. One-quarter of all American electricity comes from coal-fired power plants. These are unfortunately the worst places for creating carbon issues. Toxic gases speed up the [greenhouse effect](https://climatekids.nasa.gov/greenhouse-effect/) because they get trapped in the atmosphere. In return, unnatural heat is trapped in the Earth. The result is the extreme hot or cold weather reported in the [news](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/volvo-xc60-b5-awd-2026-test-drive-results/) and rising water levels.  #### Less Public Health Issues Greenhouse gas emissions can also create disease. As we have discussed, [toxic](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/no-more-toxins-toxic-lets-breathe-better-with-doterra-essentials/) chemicals and molecules are released into the air. Sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide are also two major examples. The cost to human health is measured in breathing and respiratory problems such as asthma, plus cancers and heart conditions. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_0448.png? resize=570%2C323&quality=50&ssl=1 "img_0448 - The Green Living Guy") Image Source: Unsplash In conclusion, solar power is a major contender for the future of our planet. Because as it doesn’t use water or fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases are also not released. That’s so the planet wouldn’t heat up so fast. Everyone’s health would finally be protected too. That’s a powerful argument for using solar power. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)