The majority of Singapore’s electrical needs are powered by natural gas, a fossil fuel known for its lower carbon footprint. However, despite its low environmental impact, it still isn’t enough. Governments around the world are still looking into innovative ways to power buildings with zero emissions. One of which is through the large-scale deployment of solar energy across the country. Why is solar energy preferred over natural gas? Read on to find out.
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that formed deep beneath the earth’s surface over time after dead prehistoric plants and animals buried beneath layers of rock decompose. It is a nonrenewable energy source that contains numerous compounds, the largest of which is methane, a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It also includes trace amounts of natural gas liquids and non-hydrocarbon gases like carbon dioxide and water vapour.
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is the result of the conversion of light energy into electrical energy through the use of technology. When sunlight strikes solar panels, photons, or light particles, knock electrons off silicon atoms. This generates an electric current within the panels, which is then converted into the electricity we need to power our homes and buildings. It is the most abundant source of energy on earth, as well as the only renewable source with the greatest potential in Singapore.
Also Read: The Potential of Solar Energy in Singapore
Solar Energy vs Natural Gas — Why is Solar Power Better?
Despite being the cleanest source of energy among all fossil fuels, natural gas has a significant environmental impact over time. With the world becoming more aware of the environmental impact of our actions and energy consumption, many people are beginning to pay attention to where they get their electricity.
Solar energy is a preferred source of energy due to its zero emissions. Natural gas extraction can cause methane leaks from wells and pipelines, as well as the contamination of underground water supplies. The use of natural gas to generate electricity contributes to emissions as well. In contrast, solar energy emits no harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants into the environment. This is because solar panels do not require any other sources of energy to function, and the constant supply of light energy from the sun eliminates the need for any other forms of extraction, drilling, fracking, or collection.
Although natural gas is one of the more affordable energy sources today, the cost of solar energy is also decreasing. It has fallen dramatically in recent years and will continue to drop in the future as solar energy becomes more popular and its technology improves.
If you want to make a difference in society, using solar energy to power your home or office is the most environmentally friendly and efficient option. It is a never-ending source of renewable energy.
Here are the differences between natural gas and solar energy at a glance.
| Natural Gas | Solar Power |
| Non-renewable | Renewable |
| Produces emissions | Does not produce emissions |
| Fuel required for operation | Require minimal operation and maintenance |
| Requires frequent maintenance | Low maintenance |
Interested to learn more about solar energy and how you can install solar panels in your home?
Union Solar, a sister company of Union Power is a solar developer that operates a network of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that power businesses and homes like yours in Singapore. Contact us today to learn more.