Solar energy and the solution to reduce climate change

One option to reduce the problem of climate change is solar panels.

Global warming is caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions in the air, which trap the sun’s heat within Earth’s atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels produces CO², one of the greenhouse gasses, and is the driver for global warming. With higher retention of the sun’s heat, the world becomes warmer, creating changes in weather patterns on a global scale.

There are many ways to overcome global warming, and one of them is by using solar panels.

How do solar panels work?

The solar panel is a system to generate electricity by capturing the sun's energy and converting it into electrical current. When sunlight hits the panel, it's absorbed by the Photovoltaics (PV) cells in the panel, which creates electrical charges. These electrical charges are then distributed into the home or a facility to power various appliances.

Different models and sizes will have different capacities to store the sun’s energy. So solar panels can be installed at a small or a large scale, making them an easy alternative for various uses.

The environmental impact of solar panels is minimal. The solar panel doesn't emit gas, noise, or pollution. On top of that, the sun is a 100% inexhaustible energy. It's abundant, free, and renewable, making solar panels an easy alternative as a clean source of energy production.

Global use of solar panels

Countries are racing to increase their solar panel capacity in various industrial and home forms.

According to the International Energy Agency, the total installed capacity by 2019 is around 627 gigawatts (GW) globally. An average of 125 GW of new capacity are expected to deploy between 2021 to 2025.

In Indonesia, APRIL is installing 20-megawatts of solar panels at its operational site in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province – the largest solar installation by a private company in Indonesia. So far, APRIL has already completed 1 MW.

The APRIL solar panels are a novel solution as they are being constructed over a closed landfill. Moreover, they will reduce the usage of fossil fuels, positively contributing to reducing gas emissions and air pollution, as one of the commitments to reduce climate change. This climate positive is stated in the April2030 strategic initiatives.

APRIL2030 is the commitment of APRIL to deliver a positive impact on climate, nature, and people while growing its business sustainably. It aligns with the Indonesian government’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29% through its own effort and by 41% with international support by 2030, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution document.

Solar energy is an important mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future and save the planet. With countries racing to implement solar panels, we can be hopeful that a greener future is on the way. Nonetheless, it feels good to pass down cleaner air to the next generation.