Scientists have it that the amount of energy produced by the sun for one hour can cater for all our energy needs for one year. Solar energy is among the cleanest forms of renewable energy in 2021.
On the other hand, natural gas such as coal and oil produces non-renewable energy, meaning you cannot quickly replenish them. This guide will compare energy from solar as opposed to fossil fuels to help you make an informed decision on what options are best for you.
Ready to begin?
Understanding both solar and natural gas energy
Besides solar power, other forms of renewable energy include geothermal, biomass, hydropower, and wind. The sources cannot be depleted as stated above.
Conversely, natural gas comes from coal and oil, which are fossil fuels. Once the energy source is depleted, you cannot recover it.
The difference between Solar and Natural Gas Energy
Let us compare energy from the sun and natural gases to get a clear difference.
∙ Natural gas comes from non-renewable sources, while solar energy comes from the sun, meaning it is renewable.
∙ Natural gas emits carbon emissions while solar power does not: The main reason why it is regarded as the cleanest energy form.
∙ With natural gas, you need fuel to operate while solar energy does not.
∙ Natural gas energy requires constant maintenance, while solar energy is relatively easy to maintain.
Natural Gas and the Environment
Currently, more nations are aiming to acquire clean energy efficiently. Most of these countries have turned to natural gas since it is naturally available in most parts of the world.
However, the extraction of natural gas has negative environmental impacts. Let’s dive into this. After mining natural gas, it is burned to produce electricity. As a result, the gas negatively affects the environment through harmful emissions.
However, millions of people continue to use natural gas as a form of energy. So why is natural gas popular, although it is harmful to the environment?
Advantages of Natural Gas
Natural gas is the cleanest among the other fossil fuels. The gas emits relatively lower harmful chemicals like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. According to experts, natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide of coal and a third of what oil produces.
Now let us look at solar energy to make an informed decision between the two.
Solar Energy and the Environment
To many countries, solar energy is the most efficient form of energy to power homesteads. Even if you compare the entire life cycle of solar power, the emissions will remain insignificant. The life cycle, in this case, refers to the manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning of solar technology.
The following are the benefits of using solar power.
Advantages of Solar Energy
The energy is entirely free. Secondly, the sun is the best form of renewable energy out there. Finally, the cost of solar panels has been reduced in various countries to increase their adoption.
So, Which One is the Ideal Source of Power for Your Home?
If you compare energy from natural gas and solar, solar energy is the best. Although the upfront cost of solar panels is a little pricey the ongoing savings do make it worthwhile and it has environmental benefits to match. The only problem with solar energy is that it is not easily accessible for everyone. So if you are in a location where solar energy is inaccessible, you can use natural gas to power your house.
Interesting Related Article: “Renewable energy changing the global energy system“