Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources on planet Earth. Solar energy is also one of the most powerful tools available to reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions at their source. Unlike coal, oil, and gas, solar energy generates electricity without releasing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or nitrogen oxides into the air. This makes it uniquely important not only for climate action, but for protecting public health—especially in communities burdened by pollution.
Yet despite its promise, solar energy is often misunderstood. Persistent myths about cost, reliability, and feasibility have slowed adoption, even as technology improves and prices fall. Understanding what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what challenges remain is key to scaling solar responsibly and equitably.
What is solar energy and why is it better for air quality?
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that comes from naturally replenished sunlight and generates electricity without releasing harmful air pollutants, like PM2.5, that are linked to asthma, heart disease, and premature death.
Solar and other clean energy solutions are becoming increasingly accessible. Today, renewable power is the most affordable source of electricity in much of the world, with over 90% of new renewable projects costing less than fossil fuel alternatives. Because renewable resources are available in every country, they reduce dependence on imported fuels and help protect communities from volatile energy prices and supply disruptions.
Most importantly, solar energy directly improves air quality. By replacing fossil fuel combustion with clean power, communities cut pollution at the source—reducing exposure, improving public health, and lowering healthcare costs. This is why clean energy plays a critical role not only in addressing climate change, but in helping people breathe cleaner air every day (1).
Among all clean energy sources, solar power offers one of the most scalable and widely accessible paths to cleaner air.
Solar energy: Myths
Solar energy is still surrounded by misconceptions such as how it actually works—and what challenges remain.
Myth: Solar power is unreliable or too expensive
Though global solar capacity is growing, a persistent myth has slowed adoption: that solar power is unreliable or prohibitively expensive (2).
In reality, solar energy is now the cheapest source of electricity in most regions of the world. Advances in technology and sharp declines in cost have made solar more efficient and accessible than ever. Between 2021 and 2025, solar capacity grew faster than any other renewable source, with costs now lower than coal or natural gas in many markets (3).
Myth: Solar power only works when it’s sunny
It’s true that solar panels produce the most electricity under direct sunlight—but solar doesn’t stop working when clouds roll in. Because panels generate power from light, not heat, they can still produce electricity on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days, just at reduced output. In fact, solar panels often perform efficiently in cooler conditions, since excessive heat can reduce performance.
For times when the sun isn’t shining, batteries can store excess energy generated during the day and provide backup power. And for most households, rooftop solar is still connected to the electric grid, meaning the home can draw power from the grid when solar production is low. Together, these systems help make solar a reliable part of everyday energy use, even when the weather isn’t perfect. (4).
Solar energy: Facts
Fact: Solar is the most abundant energy source on Earth
Solar energy is by far the most abundant source of energy on the planet (5). The amount of solar energy reaching Earth in one hour exceeds global energy demand for an entire year.
This abundance, combined with falling costs, makes solar a cornerstone of clean energy transitions worldwide—especially in regions seeking affordable, locally available power.
Fact: Solar is inexpensive and generates zero air pollution emissions
Solar energy often delivers electricity at a lower cost than new coal or natural gas plants—even without subsidies—according to annual analyses (6).
And once installed, solar panels generate electricity without releasing PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, or other harmful air pollutants. This means solar cuts pollution at its source while providing affordable power over decades.
While manufacturing solar panels requires energy and materials, multiple lifecycle analyses show that most systems produce the energy used in their manufacture within one to four years.
As solar technology scales and recycling programs expand, both costs and environmental impacts continue to decline—making solar not only one of the cleanest energy sources, but also one of the most affordable paths to reducing air pollution and protecting public health (7).
Solar energy: Challenges
Challenge: Energy storage and responsible battery supply chains
One key challenge for solar energy is storage. Supplying electricity when the sun isn’t shining requires hybrid systems that rely on batteries to store excess energy generated during the day.
Battery production relies on mining materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, raising concerns about environmental impacts and labor conditions in mining regions (8). Meeting these challenges will require responsible sourcing, improved recycling, and stronger labor protections—so solar’s clean-air benefits are not achieved at the expense of people or ecosystems elsewhere.
Challenge: Land use and wildlife impacts
Large solar facilities can require significant land area, and poorly sited projects may fragment habitats or disrupt local wildlife—especially in sensitive ecosystems. These risks can be reduced through careful siting (such as on already disturbed land, rooftops, or parking structures), strong environmental assessments, and mitigation measures like wildlife-friendly fencing, bird deterrents, and vegetation planning.
Done responsibly, solar can scale while minimizing harm to biodiversity (9).
Dual benefits: Climate action and cleaner air
Solar power—often deployed alongside wind—cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollutants linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
These reductions deliver real-world benefits. Uruguay, for example, now generates nearly 99% of its electricity from renewables, stabilizing energy costs and sharply reducing fossil fuel pollution—while creating tens of thousands of clean energy jobs (10).
How much has the air quality in Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo, improved? PM2.5 noticeably decreased from an average concentration of 14.2 µg/m3 in 2021 to 11.5 µg/m3 in 2024.
Uruguay is far from alone. China has significantly reduced its PM2.5 concentrations over a decade, in part through clean energy policies (11)(12). As one example, Beijing’s average concentration of 58.8 µg/m3 in 2017 declined to 30.9 µg/m3 in 2024.
In April 2025, wind and solar power generated more than a quarter of the country’s electricity for the first time on record (13). Solar’s capacity has rapidly risen from a mere 4.1% share of China’s electrical mix in April 2020 to 12.4% by April 2025.
How you can take action for clean energy and clean air
Clean energy transitions happen at every level—from households to governments.
Here are ways different groups can take meaningful action:
Individuals
- Reduce home energy use and choose energy-efficient appliances.
- Support renewable energy providers or community solar programs where available.
- Stay informed about local air quality and energy sources to make healthier daily decisions.
Communities
- Advocate for clean cooking programs, electrification, and renewable energy access.
- Support local initiatives that reduce fossil fuel dependence and air pollution.
- Encourage air quality monitoring to make pollution visible and actionable.
Businesses
- Commit to renewable energy sourcing and improved energy efficiency.
- Install elevated solar canopies over parking lots to both cool off vehicles and reduce building energy costs.
- Reduce emissions across operations, logistics, and supply chains.
- Invest in clean technologies that protect workers, customers, and surrounding communities.
Governments
- Expand renewable energy investment and grid access (with shorter distances).
- Accelerate clean cooking and electrification programs in underserved regions.
- Align energy and air quality policies to protect vulnerable populations.
Together, these actions help ensure that the transition to clean energy delivers cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more equitable future.
Clean energy and clean air are deeply connected—and progress on one strengthens progress on the other.
Conclusion
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels cuts pollution at its source—helping people breathe cleaner air while protecting the planet. Solar energy, in particular, offers a powerful path forward by delivering clean electricity without the air pollutants that harm health, while expanding access to affordable energy.
Observed each year on January 26, the International Day of Clean Energy underscores the global commitment to a just and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2023 and aligned with the mission of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the day highlights how clean energy—especially solar—can protect public health, reduce inequality, and expand economic opportunity.
By dispelling myths, confronting real challenges, and scaling responsible solutions, solar power can play a central role in building a healthier, cleaner, and more equitable future for communities around the world.
