This energy is produced naturally -- by the sun and other stars making heat and light- and artificially-electricity from nuclear power plants. The nuclear power plants produce more energy using less fuel compared to the fossil fuels and hence it is seen as an environmentally friendly energy source (Ansolabehere, et al
The active technology uses photovoltaic panels, pumps and fans to convert sunlight into useful energy that can be used to accomplish other applications like heating water to be used for bathing, producing heat for industrial melting or producing electricity directly or through turning steam turbines. Passive involves designing spaces that naturally circulate air and referencing the position of a building to the sun (Bradford, 2006)
They are biodegradable, nontoxic and free of aromatic hydrocarbons. The carbon dioxide they release during combustion does not add to the average composition of carbon in the atmosphere because it is readily used up by plants for photosynthesis (Reyes, 2007)
For example, in Israel 90% of homes use solar hot water system hot water systems (Bradford, 2006). Solar energy being chosen to be the next big thing in energy production has come because of the advantages the following advantages (Scheer, (1995)): i
The amount of pollution caused by these fossil fuels is a big concern that has made people more aware of the need to find a more environmentally friendly energy source. (Solangi, Islamb, Saidura, Rahimb, & Fayazb, 2011) Solar energy has been used for a long time ever since the prehistoric times where it was used to heat the house, cure food or dry clothes
By December 2010, global installed capacity for PV had reached around 40 GW with crystalline silicon base photovoltaic cells dominating the market. Since fuel costs are highly volatile and capital costs of solar technologies are changing every year, an economic analysis carried out in one year might be outdated the next year (Timilsinaa, Kurdgelashvilib, & Narbelc, 2012)
Solar power is not new, yet it has been relatively slow to gain speed within American favor and its development has continued to reinforce positive benefits within the environment and domestic economy. In fact, it was first demonstrated in real practice in 1839 by scientist Edmond Becquerel (Johansson & Burnham 1993)
In many cases, individual residences and public institutions have to work on a severely limited budget, thus harnessing them from turning to solar power as an alternative. Yet, "Corporations, however, are better endowed, more influential, more sure of their goals, more flexible, more effective, and better organized than any institution could be," (Scheer 2005:19)
With very little fragmentation within the crystal design, the panel puts out maximum efficiency in terms of power wattage. Studies have shown that "Conversion efficiencies range from 12 to 18%, the theoretical limit being about 23%" when using monocrystalline panels (Starr & Palz 1983:16)
Two writers note, "Solar energy technologies represent one of the least carbon-intensive means of electricity generation. Solar power produces no emissions during generation itself, and life-cycle assessments clearly demonstrate that it has a smaller carbon footprint from 'cradle-to-grave' than fossil fuels" (Resch, and Kaye)
Another writer notes, "But the biggest objection -- the massive quantities of land needed for large-scale solar development -- remains. Solar energy output large enough to displace our current consumption of fossil fuel might easily require 53,000 square miles of land in the desert Southwest" (Stein)
It is more expensive to create solar energy than it is to create the same amount of fossil fuel energy in almost every case, and this means that development of solar energy plants lags far behind what could be developed. Another writer notes, "The system does have several disadvantages, such as the high expenses of building a solar power station and the unreliable nature of sunlight" (Woloski)
" In fact, all international institutions that are relevant acknowledge the fact that over the next twenty years "power and water supply will be two major issues mankind will have to face and solve during the present 21st century." (Blanco, et al
" In fact, all international institutions that are relevant acknowledge the fact that over the next twenty years "power and water supply will be two major issues mankind will have to face and solve during the present 21st century." (Blanco, et al
" In fact, all international institutions that are relevant acknowledge the fact that over the next twenty years "power and water supply will be two major issues mankind will have to face and solve during the present 21st century." (Blanco, et al
Mining non-renewable fuel sources has a huge effect on the environment, whereas solar energy does not have to be processed any further than catching solar rays with solar cells. The sustainability and infinite supply of solar energy is an additional benefit of switching over from non-renewable fuel sources to an alternative energy source such as solar energy (Bradford, 2006)
It actively adds to the reduction of unsafe green residence gas exhausts. It does not contaminate the air by launching co2, nitrogen oxide or mercury into the environment like lots of conventional kinds of electrical generation does (Cass, 2009)
Numerous 3rd world nations can lower its oil import costs by merely transforming to solar power and solar items such as changing to compact florescent bulbs. Changing 460 watt bulbs with 13 watt compact florescent bulbs would decrease oil usage and conserve the nation millions of dollars annually (Crabtree and Lewis, 2008)
Instances of this are photothermal, photoelectric, and photochemical. The last means is nuclear response with instances of fission and combination (Debian Gnu/Linux, 1999-2011)
Challengers might suggest that solar power adds to pollution due to the fact that solar energy is usually saved in lead-- acid batteries. These batteries include lead and sulfuric acid which are poisonous to air, dirt, water, marine life which can produce ecological concerns (Gibson, 2012)