| Can Solar Energy Help The World? |
| Written by Timothy Peters | |
| Tuesday, 22 June 2010 | |
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Perhaps that question should be turned around to impart solar energy's true significance by stating this question as "How could solar energy not help the world?"
Perhaps that question should be turned around to impart solar energy's true significance by stating this question as "How could solar energy not help the world?" Were you aware that one single kerosene lamp, commonly the only piece of lighting equipment in many rural areas and developing countries will emit about one ton of carbon emissions over a seven-year period? I know, that doesn't sound terrible...until you think about the fact that there are approximately 2.5 billion people on the planet who don't have access to any kind of power other than kerosene, other fossil fuels, or animal dung for heat and light. Now we're talking about a pretty big impact, right? Were you aware that the average U. S. citizen emits 27 tons (54,000 pounds) of greenhouse gases a year from using fossil fuels? Well, that's what it says at Nature's Conservancy. That's what I would call a large carbon footprint. With solar energy, we can help the world not only to survive, but to thrive. Using solar energy can allow us to reduce environmental pollution. Using solar energy for heat, lights, and production and movement of water, is both feasible and vital for the Earth to survive and grow. While many third world countries have abundant solar energy potential, many are unaware that it can be easily used as a power source. And many who are aware have felt it too expensive, or unavailable, for them to consider using. At the same time, third world countries are the biggest market for solar energy systems, and other renewable energy products. Since the sun provides an unlimited supply of renewable clean energy, whatever we can do to reduce how much we rely on fossil fuels, while increasing our reliance on solar energy; will make a difference to the world. While every watt of power generated from fossil fuel adds to the world's pollution...every watt of sunshine generated from the sun...is pollution-free. Once you've paid for the initial cost of components and installation, using solar energy is free. Solar energy is silent, which means a reduction in noise pollution as well and there's no maintenance. Currently, the average home emits somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 tons of greenhouse gases into the environment a year, using fossil fuel. Solar energy emits no pollution in a year, a decade, or a lifetime. And...one of the biggest advantages on a world scale...is the ability to create self-sufficient home systems in rural areas where normal (conventional) power distribution is not economically feasible. There is an organization called SELF, which stands for Solar Energy Light Fund, that has been prominent in bringing solar energy to the developing world. This organization describes itself as a "cutting edge, independent, not-for-profit organization that designs and implements sustainable energy solutions for enhancements in health, education, agriculture and economic growth in the developing world." Partnered with government and non-governmental organizations, SELF has helped to bring electrification to villages and homes that had no existing resources, in more than 15 developing countries. Their work on numerous projects has helped provide solar energy powered electricity for irrigation and water systems, as well as health clinics and schools. In addition, this has produced income-generating work in poverty-stricken areas. Currently, solar panels are expected to last about 25 years, and have a 10-year payback. New technologies, particularly thin-film technologies, are expected to increase innovative use and flexibility, and decrease solar panel costs. This market is currently expanding rapidly, particularly for thin film batteries. Solar energy is gaining ground worldwide. The technology works. More investment is being made in solar energy, and as it is more widely adopted, the economies of scale, together with more funding to create new technological efficiencies, will make solar energy more and more affordable. There is no question more and more individuals, companies and countries will move to solar energy as a power source for all their energy needs as fossil fuel prices continue to escalate. Solar energy is here to stay...it works. And let's be clear, the faster we start using solar energy to replace fossil fuels as our primary energy source, the better off our world will be. The Article Author: Timothy Peters is a solar energy enthusiast and author. To find out more about solar power benefits, check out his site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com/ |
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