Solar Energy Is The Way To The Future

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

The dilemma we are currently encountering in the 21st century is the depletion of natural resources such as fossil fuels. This issue warrants the subsequent need to find alternative energy sources to replace them. Over the past few years we have seen a great deal of investment in companies dealing with the development of renewable energy. Within the United States alone, Congress has allocated over 90 billion dollars toward greener energy projects. In a speech given on March 15, 2012, Obama stated: "We can’t have an energy strategy for the last century that traps us in the past. We need an energy strategy for the future – an all-of-the-above strategy for the 21st century that develops every source of American-made energy." In addition to the U.S., we are seeing a global response to address these issues. Countries are drafting legislature to improve the environment and have formed partnerships to create more environmental friendly energy sources.

As we face the overconsumption of natural energy sources, many ask whether or not we will have enough fossil fuels to support the world’s demands. The answer, regrettably, is no. Fossil fuels such as coal or gas, is formed from the remains of living organisms over a period of decomposition in soil. It has taken over millions of years for the compounded dead organisms to create fossil fuels. In the event of a shortage in fossil fuels, the prices will sky rocket and increase to the point that only a few will have access to it. This is another reason supporting the need of studies towards alternative and new sources of energy.

Currently, we are seeing a few examples of what can be a solution to our energy needs (i.e. solar energy, wind and hydroelectric energy sources). Other reason to look at energy alternatives is that the continued use of fossil fuels is causing harm to the environment. Fossil fuels emit the majority of the greenhouse gases in the world. It’s estimated to contribute to ¾ of all the carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases. The burning of coal, oil and gases are the initial steps by which electricity is produced, but this also leads to heavy smokes that spill pollutants in our air and water. The high levels of pollutants in the air produce a major impact on our global temperature. The average temperature of the Earth has risen by 1.4°F over the past 100 years, and it’s projected to rise between 2 to 11.5°F temperatures over the next 100 years. While some see these changes as minimal, they have dire affects on the earth as a whole. In some areas of the Earth, we have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in flooding, droughts, intense rain, and in some cases severe heat waves. The glaciers are melting, and sea levels are rising. These changes are occurring now, and the consequences can be more extreme in the near future in changes aren’t made.

The countries of the European Union are one of the global leaders in the development of renewable energy and pushing its application. They have stressed the use of renewable energy sources as important both to the reduction of the EU's dependence on foreign energy, and in meeting goals to combat global warming. In an attempt to cut emissions of carbon dioxide, the European Union members agreed that 20 percent of the energy consumption should be produced from renewable energy sources. The Obama administration has been a strong advocate to leave behind the old ways of oil and gas dependency and moving toward a more earth friendly renewable energy source. The Obama Administration’s investment in clean energy has nearly doubled renewable energy generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources since 2008. The United States reclaimed the title as the world’s leading investor in clean energy technologies; besting countries like China, India, and Germany. Since 2009, the Department of Interior has approved 29 onshore renewable energy projects, including 16 solar, 5 wind, and 8 geothermal projects.

Solar Energy is the way to the future

The sun radiates enough heat to provide all living things on the earth warmth. Without the sun, the earth itself would be unable to sustain life and freeze over a period of time. Solar energy (energy from sunlight) works by capturing rays transmitted by the sun into solar panels that then is converted into electricity. Solar panels can be made by two types of silicon. They are called amorphous and crystalline. The silicon cells, along with the wiring and protection materials, are compressed into the glass case that attracts the solar rays and direct it into the electrical grid.

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Solar-energy-diagram

The benefit of having solar panels on your house and car is the positive effect is has on the environment. It does not release any carbon gases, nitrogen or sulfur dioxide into the air. It does not generate any fumes because it does not burn any fuel to provide electricity. In the long term, it will save you a great deal of money, with less being paid to the electric company. The most alarming barrier to the growth of solar power use has been cost. But that is starting to change- thanks to government incentives and advances in manufacturing. By 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy expects solar power to be cost-competitive with electricity generated from coal. The U.S. has offered financial incentives for those who use any of the following renewable technologies: Solar Water Heat, Photovoltaic, Wind, Fuel Cells, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Other Solar-Electric Technologies, and Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels. Overall, the aforementioned are just a few of the examples of the benefits of using renewable energy sources. Also if you have additional excess of energy, the electrical company is willing to buy the additional output of energy from the solar panels. The strongest point toward moving into a solar energy future is that it’s a renewable source of energy; it will last forever as long as the sun exists and will never run out. The same cannot be said of fossil fuels, because eventually it will run out.