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Solar Energy

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Solar Energy
Solar Energy: Earth’s Future Imagine our planet with clean, fresh air. No pollution throughout our whole world. This image is a possibility, using solar energy. Solar energy is the harnessing of the sun’s energy and converting it into energy that we can use to accomplish tasks. Everybody should get involved in solar energy because it helps improve our environment, is efficient in terms of saving money and time, and helps us prepare for the living of future generations. Solar energy is becoming more popular all over the world. There are primarily two technologies for converting solar energy to electricity. Solar thermal-electric power plants use mirrors to gather solar radiation and focus it on a small area to produce high temperatures. Photovoltaic cells, when struck by light, release electrons that combine into modules and later arrays. Solar energy is very abundant. The surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation (sunlight) – 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply our entire world. Not only is solar energy abundant, but it is also sustainable (Energy Informative.) Sustainable energy sources meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In other words, solar energy is sustainable because there is no way we can over-consume. It makes sense to use solar energy because it not only helps our current society, but plans for the condition of future societies as well. Solar energy is saving homeowners and companies hundreds and even thousands of dollars. According to “One Block Off the Grid,” adding solar panels to your home can give you monthly savings of well above $100 in a number of states. Hawaii residents save on average $64,000 after using solar energy for two years. “As for the companies, recently, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad and Sun Edison announced the launch of Malaysia’s first airport solar power system at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The 19


Cited: "Solar Energy." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 8. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 22-23. U.S. History In Context. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. "Solar Energy." Gale Student Resources in Context. Detroit: Gale, 2010. Student Resources in Context. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. "Solar Power To Save Kuala Lumpur International 2.1 Million RM Per Year In Energy Costs." Solar Power To Save Kuala Lumpur International 2.1 Million... N.p.,n.d. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. "Solar Energy Pros and Cons." Energy Informative. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
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