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Of all of the "green" energy options, solar power is one of
the most viable, most well-known and most well-accepted by the
public at large. However, in 2008, only 1/10th of 1 percent of the
world's energy needs were provided by solar power, according to
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory deputy director Paul
Alivisatos. While it has a number of benefits, solar power also has
drawbacks that have not yet allowed it to reach its full potential.
How Solar Power Works
To power homes and businesses, solar panels
convert energy from sunlight into electrical energy. Solar panels
are typically made from sheets of specially treated semiconductors,
such as silicon. Semiconductors are materials whose electrons are
bound tightly enough to be stable, but loosely enough to "jump ship"
when prompted. When sunlight hits the panel, the electrons in the
silicon break free and begin to flow in a single direction, which
creates an electrical current. Metal plates in the panel collect the
current, and wires distribute it to appliances.
Benefits
Sunlight is an endlessly renewable, and it
doesn't require dangerous, labor-intensive, or environmentally
destructive collection methods. Sunlight is free, and in most places
on Earth, abundant. It's also a clean energy source that doesn't
pollute the atmosphere. In addition, solar power is highly
versatile; it has applications for devices as small as a wristwatch
or as large as a space station, along with everything in between.
Drawbacks
While sunlight may be free, the technology
that makes solar power possible isn't. Alivisatos notes that solar
power can cost up to 5 times more per kilowatt than traditional
electricity from a power plant. The more efficient solar panel types
are costly to produce and install, and powering an entire home
requires a number of panels. Because solar panels are large, they
require a great deal of space for installation -- space that must
have clear sunlight exposure. Solar panels also have a limited
efficiency -- at most, the type of solar panel currently affordable
to the average homeowner only has an efficiency of 18 percent. In
addition, sunlight isn't available at all at night and isn't always
readily available during the day, so a backup battery is necessary
to provide a consistent source of power.
Considerations
Space, efficiency and financial considerations do make solar energy
out of reach for any consumers, and the world is a long way
from replacing oil-based energy with solar power. However, scientists and
world leaders are working hard to make solar power a viable energy
alternative on a larger scale. Production costs have fallen
dramatically over the past few years as technology has advanced, and
new options, such as solar panel roof tiles, have helped to resolve
space issues. Governments in several countries, including the U.S.
offer subsidized cash incentive programs that reward businesses and
residents for their use of solar power. When coupled with the money
saved on electricity, some users have found that their solar power
systems paid for themselves within five to 10 years. To find out if
Solar power is an option for your home,
contact a qualified solar power expert in your area.
References:
Scientific American:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-does-solar-power-work
National Geographic:
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/solar-power-profile/
Science Clarified:
http://www.scienceclarified.com/scitech/Energy-Alternatives/Solar-Power.html
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