Solar Energy
Solar Energy
Introduction With the unlimited energy we receive from the sun, solar energy has the capabilities to meet the endless demand of energy and electricity both here in the United States and worldwide. Solar Energy is the one of a few energy sources that emits no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at all. When comparing the cost and benefits of solar energy to other energy sources it is clear that solar energy is the most viable form of energy possible. With renewable energy becoming more and more of an issue, governments should utilize more funds to furthering the development of solar energy. Recently the cost of creating solar energy has drastically dropped which makes solar energy cost competitive in the energy market. Although there are some issues with the expansion and creation of solar plants, the benefits reaped would be worth the process. There are two main types of ways to harness the sun’s rays and convert them to energy; through a photovoltaic energy system and a solar-thermal energy system. A photovoltaic system converts sunlight into an electrical current while a solar thermal system harnesses the suns energy and stores it away to heat up any liquids or gases. The cost of producing solar energy, harnessing the energy to use during winter seasons, and environmental issues surrounding solar energy are of great importance to creating a full-scale zero-carbon energy producing society. Solar energy possesses the ability to keep pace with the never ending issue of generating energy while not adding to the carbon dioxide levels, making it the most viable form of energy.
Overview of Solar Energy The two main types of ways solar power is converted into an electrical current or any other form of energy are: photovoltaic power system and Concentrating solar thermal, also known as concentrating solar power. (Solar Thermal vs., 2008) Both of these processes are carbon free, meaning they do not produce any carbon dioxide at any time. In a
Introduction With the unlimited energy we receive from the sun, solar energy has the capabilities to meet the endless demand of energy and electricity both here in the United States and worldwide. Solar Energy is the one of a few energy sources that emits no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at all. When comparing the cost and benefits of solar energy to other energy sources it is clear that solar energy is the most viable form of energy possible. With renewable energy becoming more and more of an issue, governments should utilize more funds to furthering the development of solar energy. Recently the cost of creating solar energy has drastically dropped which makes solar energy cost competitive in the energy market. Although there are some issues with the expansion and creation of solar plants, the benefits reaped would be worth the process. There are two main types of ways to harness the sun’s rays and convert them to energy; through a photovoltaic energy system and a solar-thermal energy system. A photovoltaic system converts sunlight into an electrical current while a solar thermal system harnesses the suns energy and stores it away to heat up any liquids or gases. The cost of producing solar energy, harnessing the energy to use during winter seasons, and environmental issues surrounding solar energy are of great importance to creating a full-scale zero-carbon energy producing society. Solar energy possesses the ability to keep pace with the never ending issue of generating energy while not adding to the carbon dioxide levels, making it the most viable form of energy.
Overview of Solar Energy The two main types of ways solar power is converted into an electrical current or any other form of energy are: photovoltaic power system and Concentrating solar thermal, also known as concentrating solar power. (Solar Thermal vs., 2008) Both of these processes are carbon free, meaning they do not produce any carbon dioxide at any time. In a