Renewable energy is considered a key solution to climate change. An estimated 81% of our nation’s energy production comes from fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable energy sources.[1] These are considered nonrenewable because they cannot be replaced once these resources are used up.
Fossil fuels, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal, are the major nonrenewable resources we use today. Not only are these depletable, but they also pose hazardous threats to us and our environment. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, release harmful emissions into our atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, are the leading cause of the rise in global temperatures and long-term shifts in weather patterns, also known as “climate change.”
This is why we now look to renewable energy resources!
To combat climate change effectively, we must sever our dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy and instead invest in alternative sources that are clean, green, and sustainable. The most common sources you will hear of in the renewable energy sphere include wind power, bioenergy, hydroelectric, and solar power.
Solar power is by far one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide. Energy is extracted from sunlight through portable solar panels and stored in solar batteries for future use. But is solar energy renewable and truly inexhaustible, as they say?
Is Solar Energy Renewable or Nonrenewable?
Solar energy is energy that is extracted from the sun and converted into thermal or electrical energy. It is harnessed through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells via an electronic process. This generated energy is usually stored in a power station or battery for future use. Solar energy can power up just about everything, from your small handheld electronic device to your entire home and even large business complexes.
Solar power uses the sun’s energy, and as long as the sun shines, you should continue to get access to solar energy regardless of where you reside. However, there is an ongoing debate within the energy community regarding solar energy’s classification as a renewable resource. Is solar energy renewable?
When we say solar energy, we do not simply mean the sun’s energy converted into a usable form; we also define the equipment being used to harness the solar energy. The solar panels, the batteries, the generators, and the microinverters are all required for solar energy production. There is also the matter of mining scarce minerals such as cobalt and lithium for their manufacturing. In a way, they depend on nonrenewable elements and carry a carbon footprint.
On the plus side, most solar panels tend to last at least 10-15 years if well maintained, so it is highly unlikely that you will be replacing solar panels as quickly. This makes them a worthy investment. Despite its added baggage, solar energy still outweighs the costs associated with it, environmental and financial.
Think of it this way. Rather than using nonrenewable energy resources, you switch to solar power. Just with a few months of operations, you can offset any impact caused by the production of solar energy equipment. This is also much less damaging to the environment than relying on traditional power resources. So, the simple answer to the question, “Is solar energy renewable?” is yes.
How Is Solar Energy Renewable?
Solar energy is classified as a renewable energy source, converting the sun’s rays into electricity by using solar photovoltaic panels. But in what way is solar energy renewable? Let’s go over the key points to keep in mind:
- Inexhaustible Solar Resource
Is solar energy renewable? Yes. Solar energy is present in an unlimited quantity in nature and is unlikely to be exhausted anytime soon. This is because the energy source used here – the sun – is not considered a finite resource. As long as the sun continues shining, we can harness its light without depleting it. The sun’s energy does not get “used up” – not in quantifiable amounts – by using solar panels.
This contrasts solar energy with fossil fuels with limited reserves to keep them running. This strain on resources is also why traditional fuels such as petroleum are seeing consistent price hikes to combat rising demands. On the other hand, solar power continues to get cheaper. Even accounting for seemingly high upfront solar battery price, solar energy is proving to be cheaper than nonrenewable resources when you count in electric bill savings. It is, therefore, not only inexhaustible but also cost-efficient!
- Sustainability and Advancements in Solar Technology
Sustainable energy resources are classified as those resources that create zero carbon emissions that would otherwise harm the environment, lead to global warming, and contribute to climate change. They are much safer for use in the short and long term and can effectively meet our needs at present without jeopardizing our future.
Solar energy tends to fit all the criteria needed to be classified as a sustainable energy resource. It is renewable, does not lead to any harmful emissions, and does not contribute to environmental pollution. The massive amounts of solar energy available for daily harnessing also make it a highly attractive resource. This is also why solar technology is one of the most heavily invested-in sectors today.
The continued decline in the cost of solar panels and associated equipment makes it an attractive investment. The cost of solar has plummeted by almost 70% over the last two decades, making it much more accessible to residential users and businesses.[2]
- Renewable Energy’s Role in Energy Transition
Solar energy plays a pivotal role in transitioning from nonrenewable to renewable energy. Its plethora of benefits makes it the most popular power source in use today. Not only is it safe, clean, and green, but it is also sustainable and can slow down climate change.
TThe increasing developments in solar technology, paired with government subsidies and tax exemptions on solar uptake, and also finding the best cheap energy company rate are also driving its growth. Governments around the globe, including the US, are in a race to reach zero carbon. Decarbonization plans put into effect rely heavily on using renewable energy resources such as solar power.
As a result, our developing policies are also lifting barriers to adopting solar energy to accelerate the transition to clean energy. For instance, in August 2022, Congress passed an extension to the original Federal ITC, raising the tax credit for solar systems installation from 26% to 30%![3]
All these developments have made solar energy much more accessible and attractive to the public, expediting the transition to renewable energy. So, again, the answer to the question, “Is solar energy renewable?” is yes.
Exploring Solar Generators and Battery Solutions
We have discussed solar power to answer the question “Is solar energy renewable,” but we must also factor in the equipment it uses for operations. The solar panels you see only work to generate electricity from solar energy. The electricity must be stored somewhere for future use. This is where the use of solar generators or solar batteries comes in.
- Understanding The Role of Solar Generators or Battery Systems
Solar generators and batteries are mechanisms or tools used to harness and store solar energy. A solar generator typically includes solar panels, a battery, and an inverter, all in a single device meant to facilitate the storage and use of solar power.
Unlike traditional generators that would operate on the burning of fossil fuels, these rely on the sun’s energy. Solar energy is extracted through the connected PV cells, which is then converted into electricity and stored in the solar battery.
This electricity provided by the solar panels is usually direct currency (DC). Solar generators will further convert this DC current into alternating currency (AC) using its inverter capabilities. This alternating current is what we use in our homes to power our essentials.
Battery systems are an essential part of this system. Reliable battery systems can store large amounts of electricity extracted from solar power for future use. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular types in use today, known for their long lifespan, small size, and capability to store more significant amounts of energy.
- The Benefits of Solar Batteries in Storing Solar Energy
Solar generators or solar batteries in tandem allow you to maximize solar energy. You can use them to store energy for future use. This could be for your personal use at home to cut back on utility bills. Or you could use these solar batteries as a future emergency backup source in the event of a power outage or a natural disaster. Having a reliable and renewable source of energy at hand will allow you to power up your essentials at any time.
The portable nature of modern solar panels and solar batteries makes them an incredibly popular choice in RVs, remote living, and traveling. You can use them wherever you go, deploy them when the sun is out for recharging, and use them as you go. Since sunlight is accessible everywhere on the Earth’s surface, solar energy is the way to go! In many ways, solar batteries are helping us curb our dependence on nonrenewable energy resources and enhancing our energy independence.
Jackery’s Renewable Battery Solutions
Is solar energy renewable? It is renewable, and a solar-dominated future is no longer out of reach. However, as the adoption of solar power increases, so will our dependency on reliable renewable solar equipment providers. Choosing a renewable solar battery provider is one of the first steps in your transition to enjoying solar power.
Jackery has proven to be one of the most reliable providers of renewable energy equipment and solar power solutions around the globe. They have various solar batteries available with multiple capacities, capable of powering up nearly all your electronic essentials. Here is a brief overview of two of the brand’s most popular battery modules.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station features an expansive 1264Wh battery with an output of 2000 Watts, capable of powering up most essentials. It features an industry-leading lithium-ion battery pack, which can further be expanded to increase your power storage capacities as needed.
This is great for those who wish to transition to solar power on their terms, particularly in residential plots. You can start small and slowly transition by adding more battery packs as needed.
That is not all; the power station touts an impressive 10-year expected lifespan with a 5-year warranty (only applicable for purchasing power stations on their website).
- Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
Similarly impressive is their Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, which offers a mega 2kWh battery. And by adding extra battery kits, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station can be expanded up to 24 kWh of capacity. This is ideal for those who want a wider transition to solar energy, particularly through a whole house solar generator.
The LFP battery cells deployed in Jackery modules allow for long-lasting reliability, around 4000 charge cycles before showing any signs of reduced battery life. Its portability, cost efficiency, and noiseless operations are also worth considering!
Conclusion
So, is solar energy renewable? Yes, solar energy emerges as a clear and renewable solution to our growing energy needs. Despite debates on the environmental impact of manufacturing solar equipment, the benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy far outweigh the concerns. Solar power, facilitated by advanced photovoltaic technology and storage solutions, is pivotal in the global shift toward renewable energy. With decreasing costs, government support, and companies like Jackery providing reliable solar battery solutions, solar energy is becoming more accessible and attractive. For efficient, reliable, cost-effective solar batteries and portable solar panels, check out the official Jackery website!
Reference
[1] US energy facts explained. Available at:
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/us-energy-facts/ (Accessed: January 11, 2024)
[2] Cost of Solar Panels Over Time. Available at:
https://www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/solar-cost-over-time/ (Accessed: January 11, 2024)
[3] Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics. Available at:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics (Accessed: January 11, 2024)
