What is solar power and how is it used?
Solar energy is a very clean form of renewable energy in which we harness the power of the sun and store it as electricity to be distributed to the population. The most common way to store this energy is in photovoltaic (PV) cells. These PV cells are typically made of semiconducting materials in order to allow the flow of electrons to produce current. Sunlight is absorbed by the cell and the energy transfer through electrons generates the electricity. Another popular way to convert sunlight into electricity is known as Concentrating Solar Power. Instead of being absorbed, the light will be reflected by an array of mirrors aimed at a receiver. The receiver will heat up and convert the thermal energy into electricity through the use of a steam turbine driving a generator.
While solar power can be a very clean energy producer, the production and application of it is a very expensive process. In addition, it is not the best choice to be the solution to the Energy Crisis. According to the chart above, solar energy represents a mere 1% of renewable energy, which only accounts for 8% of the energy demand in the United States in 2009. That is only 0.08% of the total energy demand in the United States!
While solar power can be a very clean energy producer, the production and application of it is a very expensive process. In addition, it is not the best choice to be the solution to the Energy Crisis. According to the chart above, solar energy represents a mere 1% of renewable energy, which only accounts for 8% of the energy demand in the United States in 2009. That is only 0.08% of the total energy demand in the United States!
Disadvantages of Solar Power
Concentrating Solar Power Mirrors
The Department of Energy estimates that by 2035, renewable energy in general will account for 17% of the country’s electricity production. A report in 2008 states that renewable energy provided 9% of the electricity production in the US. Based on this information and considering the fact that solar energy represents a fraction of renewable energy, it is not a proper solution for the energy crisis even in the next 25 years.
In small cases, such as residential homes, switching to solar energy can be a very good investment. There are tax-breaks and incentives from the government for those who make the initially expensive switch. However, when applied to a larger scale, like producing enough electricity for a town or city, solar energy is not effective. The panels or mirrors like those seen below, take up a lot of space. The amount of energy produced from this Concentrating Solar Power system is not very beneficial when compared to the amount of land and degree of maintenance required.
In small cases, such as residential homes, switching to solar energy can be a very good investment. There are tax-breaks and incentives from the government for those who make the initially expensive switch. However, when applied to a larger scale, like producing enough electricity for a town or city, solar energy is not effective. The panels or mirrors like those seen below, take up a lot of space. The amount of energy produced from this Concentrating Solar Power system is not very beneficial when compared to the amount of land and degree of maintenance required.
