Here’s How Community Solar Protects the Environment
When we discuss the effects of renewable energy, we tend to focus only on how clean energy will affect the environment in the future. But how does it affect the environment right now? While switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a good move for the environment, we still need to build the infrastructure to support renewable energy. At Renewables Worldwide, our focus is community solar, a renewable energy solution that is good for the environment both now and in the future.
Here’s how community solar minimizes the environmental impact that comes with installing new infrastructure.
It takes up less space.
In an earlier post, we discussed the difference between utility-scale solar farming and community solar farms. While utility-scale solar farms can produce a lot of energy, they also need a large area of cleared land. In many parts of the country, especially New England, there are no large, open areas that easily lend themselves to solar panels. To install the number of panels required for a utility-scale solar farm many trees have to be cleared away. If you think this sounds counter-productive, you’re right. Community solar farms take up much less space, so we can erect them in smaller areas that are already cleared, either naturally or for another purpose.
It repurposes cleared land.
Let’s stick with the land that is already cleared for another purpose. We can build community solar farms on top of landfills or on top of former farms. For example, there is a solar farm in Oxford, Massachusetts, that sits on top of a former pig farm. The area was already clear, but full of waste and refuse. By building a solar farm in an area like this, we can preserve untouched land and protect ecosystems and habitats.
It protects wildlife.
When we build a community solar farm on an already-built or degraded area, we minimize disruption to the surrounding environment. By extension, we preserve habitats, which protects the local wildlife. Installing solar panels can also affect drainage from rainfall. Using a degraded area for a solar farm reduces the risk of further damage to the land and the animals and plants that live around it.
Responsible Renewable Energy with Community Solar
One of the primary goals of using renewable energy is to protect the environment, so we want to do everything we can to ensure we do exactly that. If you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, turn to Renewables Worldwide. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that you are choosing the most sustainable options with community solar. Do you have questions about community solar and how it can work with your business? Contact our team at 855-811-9060.
