Fossil fuels are natural materials found in the Earth’s crust and are made from decomposing plants and animals. Even though they’re considered ‘natural’, the effects they have on the environment are anything but.

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Fossil fuels are also responsible for almost three-fourths of the emissions from human activities in the last 20 years. 

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“The use of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) results in significant climate, environmental, and health costs that are not reflected in market prices. These costs are known as externalities. Each stage of the fossil fuel supply chain, from extraction and transportation to refining and burning, generates externalities.” - Environmental and Energy Study Institute

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Some of the externalities of fossil fuels are:

• Ocean Acidification
• Extreme Weather
• Sea Level Rise
• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Plastic Pollution
• Oil Spills
• Health Issues (asthma, cancer, heart disease, and premature death)

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Not only are fossil fuels harmful to the environment, but they are also nonrenewable - meaning we have a limited supply. Unfortunately, because of how fossil fuels are produced, waiting millions of years for new coal, oil, and natural gas deposits to form is not a realistic solution. 

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How are fossil fuels made? “Years ago, when prehistoric animals and plants died, layers of rock and dirt gradually buried them. Over millions of years, heat and pressure from Earth’s crust decomposed these organisms into one of the three main kinds of fuel oil (also called petroleum), natural gas, or coal.” - National Geographic 

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Now, scientists and engineers have been looking for ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to make burning these fuels cleaner and healthier for the environment.

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Enter solar.

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“Solar energy is the fastest growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. Over 3 million installations have been built across the country—with 1 million being built in the last two years. As the cost of solar energy systems dropped significantly, more Americans and businesses have taken advantage of clean energy.” - US Department of Energy

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Electricity generated by solar panels isn’t only renewable, but it’s also considered green energy. This is because of its zero-emissions profile and footprint reduction benefits. Solar isn’t perfect but its externalities are overall much more positive than the externalities of fossil fuels.

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By investing in solar, you are investing in renewable energy that will lower your dependence on fossil fuels and power your home for a fraction of the cost.

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Looking for more reasons why solar power is the best? Click here.

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Ready to see what our experts can do for you? Click here.

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Want to earn money by helping your friends and family switch to solar? Click here.