Although solar energy technology is primarily aimed at producing
clean electricity, the development and spread of solar
energy use presents other social and economic benefits
of using this technology.
The following is a sample of
the plethora of non-energy benefits of Solar Energy:
Electrical
- Contributes to overall electricity supply
- Reduces demand
for utility electricity
- Offers power in times
of emergency
- Presents grid support for rural lines
- Increased electricity efficiency by reducing transmission and
distribution losses that occur with long power lines
- Improves
grid reliability and resilience
- And most importantly - Solar is the only practical
and comprehensive solution to ameliorate energy problems
faced by our nation, as it is technologically developed,
requires virtually no infrastructure, and can be implemented
on
a widespread scale in almost every geographic area.
Architectural
- Can substitute certain building components
- Provides waterproofing, fire protection,
wind protection, acoustic control, day lighting, shading,
thermal collection,
and dissipation
- aesthetic appeal through color, transparency,
non reflective surfaces
- Reduced building maintenance
and roof
replacements
Socioeconomic
- Creates new industries (especially local), products, and markets
- Creates local
employment for installation and servicing
- Reduces fuel imports and price volatility
- Supports urban
renewal and rural development
- Lowers externalities (decreases environmental
impact,
social dislocation,
infrastructure requirements)
- Reduces
fuel transport costs and pollution from fossil fuel use
in rural areas
- Reduces risk of nuclear accidents
- Creates a symbol
for sustainable development
- Presents potential
for international
cooperation, collaboration, and long-term aid to developing
countries
[Content Partly Sourced by IEA]
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