After looking at some of the less common sources of energy, it is now time to look at some of the better-known types that are available to us. Perhaps by looking at some of them, we can figure out what is preventing these popular forms of harnessing energy from becoming the next big thing. Thus, in this blog I will be trying to look at the pros and cons of solar energy.
So what is solar energy? Solar energy is the use of the sun’s energy (in the form of photons of light and heat). It is captured with a wide variety of technology, ranging from solar heating, solar photovoltaics/panels, and artificial photosynthesis.
One of the most basic pros of solar energy is that it is renewable – unless the sun goes out. However, if this happens, there would other problems to worry about other than the wasted solar panels. Another pro is that this renewable energy resource is abundant. In fact, “the surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation (sunlight) – 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world” (INSERT). With all the possible places to put solar panels, we can just use a fraction of that area. Solar energy is also sustainable. Unlike natural gas and the burning of fossil fuels, we can’t run out of the sun’s energy. This will lessen the impact/problems that those in the next generation will have to face. Solar energy is also environmentally friendly. While there will be some pollution due to the manufacturing and shipping, solar panels do not constantly spew out harmful gases that could affect the environment. Solar energy is also not limited to certain places of the world. In most areas, having sunlight is a natural phenomenon. Where there is sun, there is a possibility of harnessing that energy.
But another thing that makes solar energy so enticing is the potential for energy savers to gain a profit out of using renewable energy. Through net metering and fee-in tariffs, homeowners can now sell the energy that they don’t use. And according to One Block Off the Grid, “adding solar panels to your home can bring in monthly savings of well above $100 in many states. In Hawaii, residents save on average $64,000 after 20 years” (INSERT). Because solar energy through the use of solar panels is easy to gather – unlike wind power or nuclear power in which only large companies can afford – individuals or schools can be a part of this renewable energy movement. And for those whose homes aren’t best fit to have solar panels but would like to be involved, some areas have things called “community solar gardens” in which a community can invest in a shared energy source. Finally, solar panels have low maintenance. According to the energyinformative.org, “residential solar panels usually only require cleaning a couple of times a year. Serious solar manufacturers ship 20- or 25-year warranties with their solar panels” (INSERT). With such technology that isn’t too intrusive and is available to be set up in different places, solar energy has a good list of benefits to the society.
However, solar energy isn’t without its disadvantages. Solar energy isn’t given as much incentives from the government as other sources of energy such as coal, which got “$1189 billion in federal subsidies and support” (INSERT) in 2010. Also, while solar energy is mostly abundant, the times when the sun is out and directly shining on the solar panels are limited. Things like day and night, the season, the area in the world, clouds, and objects that may block the sunlight can affect the harnessing of solar energy. This main concern is what prevents solar energy from becoming the next big energy provider. And coupled with the fact that storage is a problem, there needs to be an improvement in technology for further advancement in the usage of solar energy.
Resources:
Maehlum, Mathias Aarre. “Solar Energy Pros and Cons – Energy Informative.” Energy
Informative. N.p., 12 May 2014. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
“Solar Power Energy Information, Solar Power Energy Facts – National Geographic.”
National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 2015. Web. 05 Mar
I am a big fan of solar power, but I prefer a forthcoming technology that uses towers to collect thermal solar energy. The one design is basically a massive upside down funnel. The sun heats the air beneath the funnel and since hot air rises, it is forced out of the top of the funnel, spinning a turbine and generating power. I like this method because it does not require the use of rare earth elements and doping like traditional photo voltaic panels.
Solar power can also be expensive. If the whole country were to switch to solar power, an entire overhaul from the fossil fuel-heavy system would be needed, and this would surely amount to thousands if not millions of dollars. Another thing, while solar panels may need only serious cleaning a few times a years, the panels need to be cleaned every day, maybe more. Even the slightest layer of dust on the panel will drastically lower the energy producing potential of each panel.