Solar energy
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Solar energy is
produced by the sun. It is often referred to as a renewable energy source and
a dependable source of power. The world today relies on fossil fuel,
generating harmful by-products such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases which have contributed to global warming. This has resulted in extreme
weather conditions such as floods, droughts as well as food shortages in many
parts of the world. The rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources
means that we have no choice but to come up with alternative energy sources.
Besides, energy costs are increasing and people are now turning to alternate
energy sources.
Nuclear energy has
often been suggested as an alternative energy source. However, while nuclear
energy has the potential to deliver tremendous power, it has many drawbacks.
Maintenance, radioactive waste problems and water usage are some of the
challenges that have to be dealt with. One long-term solution to all these
problems is to increase the use of solar power. We use the sun's rays every day
in many different ways. When we hang out our laundry to dry in the sun, we
are using the sun's heat to dry our clothes. Plants use sunlight to make
food. The rays of the sun can also produce light and radiation that can be
captured by solar panels to produce electricity.
Generating
electricity from solar energy means less consumption of fossil fuel and this
will in turn reduce pollution and emission of greenhouse gases. Solar
technology applications do not pollute. They do not release carbon dioxide or
any of the other poisonous gases. The most important benefit of using solar
energy is environmental. Steps must be taken to reduce global warming and our
dependence on fossil fuels. By switching to solar power, we will be doing our
part to combat global warming. Solar energy is a renewable resource. Unlike
other energy resources like oil which is limited in supply and which becomes
more and more scarce with the passage of time, the sun is always present. As
long as we have the sun, we will have solar energy.
Although the sun's
rays are free, it costs a lot of money to utilize solar power. Setting up
solar cells and other equipment can cost thousands of dollars. However,
although solar energy systems require large initial investments, they
generally pay for themselves in a few years. In addition, solar energy
systems require little or no maintenance after installation. Solar systems
have life spans ranging from 30 to 40 years. Tax incentives can further
reduce the cost. Market demand too, can lower the price.
Like all energy
sources, there are disadvantages of solar energy. Although solar power is a
vast and inexhaustible resource, it is also an intermittent energy source,
which means that it is not available all the time. The amount of sunlight
that reaches the earth's surface varies from place to place. It also depends
on weather conditions. Since the sun does not deliver large amounts of energy
to any one place at any one time, a large surface area is required to collect
the energy. Moreover, solar panels require a large area for installation to
achieve a high level of efficiency.
The changing position
of the sun throughout the day can affect the performance of solar panels.
Obstruction from buildings and trees can further aggravate the problem. This
means that in order for solar panels to function effectively, the solar
panels have to be adjusted. The level of pollution in an area can affect
solar energy production.
Proponents of solar
energy claim that this resource represents a clean alternative to fossil fuels
that currently pollute our land and water and threatens our health. At the
same time, it contributes to global warming. Given the abundance of solar
energy and its relatively cheap cost, this resource will, no doubt, play a
prominent role in future. As conventional fuel supplies dwindle, solar
energy may be the answer to the future of our energy needs. the use of solar
energy is not yet widespread. However, with education and tax incentives from
the government, solar power can become the main energy source in years to
come.
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Summary: Solar energy is a
renewable source of energy produced by the sun. Like all energy sources, solar
energy has its advantages and disadvantages. A big advantage of solar energy is
that it is clean energy. It does not emit carbon dioxide or any of the other greenhouse
gases. It does not pollute the environment. Although the initial costs of
setting up solar systems are high, they generally pay for themselves in a few
years. Moreover, solar energy systems are virtually maintenance-free and can
last for decades. The main disadvantage of solar power is the steep initial
cost involved in setting up a solar system. Besides, the efficiency of the
system relies on the position of the sun and is also influenced by weather
conditions and pollution.
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