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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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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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