Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy – Solar Energy

 Solar Energy

    Today's changing world raises the question of whether we need alternative energy sources. The question of alternative energy arises from the concerns of global warming, resource depletion, and irreversible environmental damage. Solar energy is known as an alternative energy source. Solar energy is captured by using photovoltaic cells, which can then be converted to heat or electricity. We can drive through most neighborhoods and see solar panels on people's houses because this is quite a popular alternative energy source. 

Advantages

    One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it’s renewable and widely available. The sun is an endless energy source, and solar power can be accessed almost anywhere on Earth. Unlike finite fossil fuels, solar energy can be harnessed as long as the sun is shining, making it one of the most sustainable energy options out there (Mutiti et al., 2018). Solar energy is also environmentally friendly since it produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This makes it a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources. By using solar power, we can cut down on our dependence on coal and natural gas, which helps lower air pollution and supports efforts to fight climate change (Mutiti et al., 2018). Solar energy can also help decrease electric bills for companies and homes, which can lead to big savings. Solar panels are not high maintenance either and have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years according to marketwatch.com

Disadvantages/ Limitations

    However, solar energy does have downsides. One major one is that it relies on the sun, and it is not useful during the night or on cloudy/ rainy days. In this case, it can be considered unreliable without a good storage system or backup from the power grid (Mutiti et al., 2018). Another disadvantage is the high cost you have to pay upfront to install solar panels. Although it can be considered an investment in your home, it is a challenge for many businesses and homeowners. Another limitation is that solar panels require a large amount of space to generate big amounts of electricity. While this may not be an issue for home installations, larger solar farms can require vast amounts of land, which could be used for other purposes such as agriculture (Mutiti et al., 2018). Lastly, it is best to consider the geographical conditions where you consider putting solar panels. Areas with less sun might struggle to use it as a main energy source, which means they would still need other forms of renewable energy or backup systems (Mutiti et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Solar energy can be seen as a promising alternative energy source. Although it does have some disadvantages some examples being that it can be seen as unreliable and inconsistent in some ways along with having high upfront costs. Even with these problems, advancements in technology and better energy storage systems are making it so that solar power can be affordable and efficient. As part of the global move toward renewable and alternative energy, solar energy is important in helping us reduce how much we rely on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable future (Mutiti et al., 2018).

Works Cited

Jude, T. (2024, October 3). How long do solar panels last? (2024 guide). (2024 Guide). https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/solar/how-long-do-solar-panels-last/#:~:text=Manufacturers%20design%20solar%20panels%20to,last%20up%20to%2040%20years. 

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia.

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