Although most Americans care deeply about the environment, it can be easy to take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach when it comes to our individual carbon footprint. This is especially true when considering how our carbon footprint fits into the larger picture of community and public health.

As a homeowner, making the decision to go solar is a personal one, however powering your home with clean, local energy has a big impact on public health. Here’s how your personal choice to go solar can improve public health:

Reduce water scarcity

Water is a basic need for human life, and we use a lot of it. On average, it’s estimated that the average person uses anywhere between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. Similarly, producing the energy we need to power our homes requires a great deal of water, especially in the case of fossil fuels.

Compared to solar and other renewable energy sources which require little water to produce energy, fossil fuels such as coal use large amounts of water to produce electricity. By reducing both your carbon and water footprint, solar helps to support responsible water use and conservation.

Curb local pollution

The air and water pollution often produced by burning fossil fuels has been linked to a number of concerns including breathing problems, neurological damage, and in some cases, cancer. Because solar energy doesn’t produce toxic emissions of any kind, it supports public health and helps to prevent unnecessary healthcare costs and environmental damages. Less pollution means a healthier community and greater financial security for its members.

Combat climate change

Did you know that renewable energy sources are one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against climate change? It’s simple – as an energy source, fossil fuels release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when burned. These gases make it difficult for the Earth to maintain balanced temperatures. Not only can this lead to dangerous superstorms that cause millions of dollars in damage, but abnormal weather patterns can also endanger plant and animal species.

Solar energy is completely clean and doesn’t release carbon emissions or pollutants of any kind. In New York state where the average home uses roughly 7,092 kW of electricity each year, solar-powered homes can eliminate the same amount of carbon emissions that would result from burning 5,253 pounds of coal annually! To sum it all up, going solar is one of the most effective ways to put a huge dent in your carbon footprint.

Your personal lifestyle choices, including your energy consumption, can have a big impact on the world around you. Every Rochester home that’s powered by solar energy has a direct impact on the overall health and resilience of our community. 

Curious about your potential cost and energy savings and their impact on public health? Fill out the form below for a free quote!