We all know that fossil fuels have a negative environmental impact, and the UK government has openly acknowledged the massive role industrial combustion plays in releasing pollutants into our atmosphere.
Even more worryingly, the University of Exeter predicted that atmospheric CO2 levels are set to climb 52% above pre-industrial levels by the end of 2024.
So, can solar save the day? You’ll be pleased to hear that scientists have been working to offset the impact of fossil fuel air pollution for years. The impact of solar energy on air quality has, so far, proven to have a number of positive benefits.
Does solar energy affect air quality?
Yes, positively! Solar panels don’t produce harmful greenhouse gases or emissions while operating. Many worldwide environmental organisations condemn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gases for releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
The sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter released by these sources can cause widespread respiratory issues, even damaging our environment in the process.
Solar panels, however, work by converting sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits a solar cell, it creates an electric current. The direct current (DC) is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter.
This process is completely free from releasing any harmful pollutants into the atmosphere!
How does solar energy positively affect air quality?
The environmental benefits of solar panels have been proven time and time again.
While some materials used to create solar panels (e.g., glass and metal) may require energy-intensive manufacturing processes, their clean electricity production offsets this impact over a typical 30-year lifespan.
Solar panels may also conserve water, as nuclear and coal-fired power plants require massive amounts for cooling, meaning widespread adoption of solar could relieve the immense pressure on water systems around the world.
But what about the environmental benefits of solar, specifically related to air quality?
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Reducing particulate matter
Fossil-fuel-burning power plants accounted for 15% of fine particulate matter emissions in 2022 (the latest statistics from GOV.UK updated for 2024).
In fact, the annual mortality from human-made air pollution in the UK is roughly equivalent to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths every year.
By replacing carbon-intensive energy sources with solar power, we would likely see a reduction in fine particulate matter nationwide.
Solar panels and wind turbines don’t emit air pollutants during operation, so their widespread adoption could immediately improve air quality.
In fact, any small amounts of pollution created by production processes would still be drastically less than that caused by fossil fuels.
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Lower levels of aeroallergens
If you’ve ever suffered hayfever, it was likely caused by naturally-occurring particles called ‘aeroallergens’.
Aeroallergens are airborne particles like pollen, dust mites, and mould spores that can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals (particularly those with respiratory conditions like asthma).
Scientists have found evidence that climate change caused by fossil fuels can worsen these aeroallergens by extending the pollen season and encouraging faster plant growth.
But with more renewable energy sources, we could potentially stop these longer pollen seasons and improve air quality as a result.
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More fog and rain
Did you know that weather conditions like fog and rain can be good for our air? Studies from around the world show that certain weather conditions effectively ‘sweep’ harmful particles out of the ozone layer.
However, there is some bad news. Research by Indiana University has shown that environmental damage from fog reduction can now be seen from outer space!
Climate change patterns (caused by our global use of fossil fuels) are preventing fog from clearing our atmosphere; this has also had a knock-on effect on growing vegetation.
So, with more renewable energy in the mix, we may be able to ‘trap’ these pollutants and eventually clear our air.
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Preventing ‘stagnation’ events
Worsening air quality has damaging effects, both in the short and long term.
Possibly one of the most well-known causes of climate change is increasing temperatures, which we have already seen in the UK in 2024 (Scotland had its hottest-ever January with an average temperature of 19.6º).
This combination of hotter summers and worsening air quality can lead to a phenomenon known as ‘the stagnation effect’. Meteorologists describe it as an event where pockets of hot, stale air traps pollutants within the lower atmosphere.
If the UK’s rollout of renewable energy sources continues, we may be able to prevent these pollutants from damaging both our health and the environment.
Joining the revolution
It’s clear to see that solar’s many environmental benefits are just a stone’s throw away. Going green, even if it’s home-by-home, will bring the UK one step closer to its Net Zero 2050 targets. You can join the fight today with Project Solar.
We offer commercial and domestic solar panel systems for properties across the UK. To learn more, contact us.