Solar Panels Vs Fossil Fuels

The ultimate way to compare solar energy to fossil fuels is by cost where solar has quickly caught up with its non renewable counterparts.

Solar panels vs fossil fuels.

Outside the limitation that solar energy cannot be used 24 hours a day without a storage solution it is better than fossil fuels. Many of the machines and tools we used only just 10 years ago have been replaced by unrecognizable modern adaptations or even completely replaced by new products. Electricity from fossil fuels costs between 5 cents and 17 cents per kilowatt hour. Whereas fossil fuels will disappear for millions of years the sun should be around for just as long.

An unbiased comparison modern technology is constantly evolving. Fossil fuels can now dominate energy markets but the future of energy is renewable. In terms of reliable application coal and natural gas have the edge. For example the study finds that 11 of the energy generated by a coal fired power station is offset by energy needed to build the plant and supply the fuel as the chart below shows.

And the efforts to harness that energy has very little impact on the environment unlike fossil fuels. It is clear that fossil fuels have a greater price based on the impacts on the environment and human health. Fossil fuels in terms of environmental impact solar power is a much more optimal resource than fossil fuels. Going solar is a money saver in the long term even though startup costs are higher for the consumer.

And as photovoltaic solar technology continues to improve so will our ability to gather sunlight and use it as energy. The study finds that electricity from fossil fuels hydro and bioenergy has significantly higher embodied energy compared to nuclear wind and solar power. The us energy information administration has recommended that levelized costs of non dispatchable sources such as wind or solar may be better compared to the avoided energy cost rather than to the lcoe of dispatchable sources such as fossil fuels or geothermal. This is because introduction of fluctuating power sources may or may not avoid.

Both solar energy and fossil fuels impose costs on society that are not reflected in their prices. The sun provides a free and renewable source of energy. Solar energy is outperforming fossil fuels on all sides and is only improving. Unlike fossil fuels however solar energy will be a viable energy option so long as we can access direct sunlight.