How harvesting solar energy could save all of us money in the long run

There are many tools available to help us reduce carbon emissions, one of which is renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar. Most forms of renewable energy also do not emit carbon into the atmosphere. Today we are diving into solar energy, one of the carbon-free types of renewable energy that can help pave the way to a greener future. We talked with Madhu Khanna, Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as well as Linda Derhack, Energy and Climate Outreach Associate with Illinois Extension.

Interview by Maddie Stover, doctoral student in physics and Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist at the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute. 

Funding for Weather Realness is partially provided by the Backlund Charitable Trust.  If you have a weather or climate question for the scientists on this program, please leave a voicemail at 217.333.2141 or email weatherrealness@illinois.edu.