Personal Narrative: Resistance Is Futile

Solar panels are a cost-saving solution that can create shaded parking, well-lit areas at night, reduce the urban heat island effect, preserve parking lot surfaces and provide charging stations for both customers and employees who drive hybrid or all-electric vehicles.

In the beginning Scott and Julie Brusaw became open on the subject for creating solar-powered LED roadways, they have encountered an endless amount of doubt and even outright aggression. The reaction was obviously expected given how new this sort of technology is. Not only is it new, but it would quite difficult to execute the dream of electrifying roads and highways with reinforced solar panels. Some questioned question if whether or not solar roadways are even necessary. However, the most important company that governs American roads -- was willing to at least give the idea a shot. Although the idea of solar roadways does sound amazing has many obvious potholes, but its

As a young child, I grew up comforted by constant encouragement that, “Someday you are going to do great things,” although it wasn’t until now, my senior year of high school, that I have finally uncovered my own sense of being. This upcoming July, I will be attending the Austin School of Spa Technology to study Cosmetology as well as Makeup Artistry. In addition, I will be attending Fulton Montgomery Community College in September to begin the study of Chemistry. I plan to continue working towards my two-year degree at Fulton Montgomery Community College. I plan to continue with my future endeavors and transfer to a four-year school with the intent of becoming a chemistry teacher.

This is an example of how solar energy can be utilized in one’s home to make very noticeable differences in their energy bill. However, solar energy can also be beneficial on a much larger scale.

Another concept that will be throughout this paper is how solar panels positivity affects the environment and the society. Along with that, I will be talking about how solar panels’ economics impacts the society. Although solar panels have some disadvantages, such as the weather blocking the solar panels or how much space is being used, there have been some changes to prevent these disadvantages. Solar panels have improved throughout the history and are still improving into the future.

The major problem with solar energy is that it is very costly to buy the equipment although the price has plummeted since 1970 (Corcoran, 2003). At that time solar energy cells cost about $200 per watt, today, it is about $5.00 per watt (Corcoran, 2003). There are a number of innovations intended to change this disadvantage. For instance, SunPower of Sunnyvale in California has devised a way to make the solar energy cells cheaper (Business Wire. 2004). The new cells have a 20 percent efficiency which means they will generate about 33 percent more energy (Hogan, 2003). Part of the savings is in a new way to extract silicon. The company SunPower estimates that average American families need 2000 to 3000 watts and the new solar cells can be met by using about 15 square meters of solar panels (Hogan, 2003). This is far less space than the regular

With benefits comes the drawbacks -the two major disadvantages to using solar power include the price of solar power and finding suitable sunny locations. While the “primary disadvantage of current solar technology is the up-front cost of the equipment. Because of the investment cost, solar power remains the most expensive way to produce electricity.” (Withgott & Brennan, 2011. p. 599) In the United States, it could take as many as 20 before a

Frozen toes and red ears. Pink windburned cheeks and chapped lips. Can you feel it? The rush of cold winter air over your face. Can you picture it? A winter wonderland with slopes, lifts, and free people. Spotlights shining down on you and illuminating the glistening snow. Sundown, a place people go for thrills and fun during the winter. Not everyone departs with a good memory in mind. If you’re not careful you might leave with something unexpected.

On one bright sunny day in July, as Victor was walking through the town where he was vacationing, he noticed something he had never seen before. Grid-like panels on top of a house sparked his curiosity. After returning to the hotel he was staying at, Victor asked to use the business center. He browsed the internet as he tried to figure out what the curious panels were. He eventually came across Solar panels in his search and he began to take an interest in the subject. Victor soon found out why he had never seen the solar panels before; they were used minimally in today’s world and were a small percentage of all energy sources in the United States. Victor didn’t know why this was, because in his quick research, he learned there were many benefits to solar energy compared to how little of disadvantages there were. He decided he would look into solar energy more when he got home and consider obtaining a solar energy system. He figured from the advantages, solar energy will start to become more present. Solar energy is increasingly emerging as an energy source that can compete with fossil fuels.

Renewable energy sources have changed communities, consumers and businesses worldwide. By reducing or eliminating altogether the use of fossil fuel and replacing it with renewable energy sources, can promote a cleaner future for America. Solar power and solar energy are helping to assist many families in reducing their energy bills and more so with commercial businesses. Ultimately solar energy has the potential to become United States main source of energy, along with replacing the demanding effects of fossil fuel currently being utilized. In a world driven on convenience, economy, and self-sufficiency, society is not always open to revolutionize, for the simple fact that people get set in a specific way of living or have no notion that alternatives are available.

There are currently two different approaches to the solar panel roadway concept, both of which are currently in the Research and Development stages with prototypes already deployed. First, a company aptly named “Solar Roadways” here in the United States, founded by Scott Brusaw, a US Marine Veteran turned Electrical Engineer and his wife. Their concept replaces traditional paved roads with 4 square foot hexagonal arrays. Each interlocking panel is individually replaceable, removing just four retaining bolts and a single electrical/data connection. The Solar Roadways design requires a sophisticated sub-surface road bed with steel support columns and poured concrete with one side designated to channel water runoff and provide drainage. The other side, large enough to support underground telecommunication lines, electric power lines, DC-AC converters, roadway panel wiring and still allow for a man to fit inside to perform required servicing. These panels incorporate photovoltaic cells, a

As more homes and businesses across the country install solar panels, our nation moves farther away from fossil fuel consumption and closer to a clean economy powered by the sun. It is known that when we burn fossil burns to create energy we are releasing toxic gases that cause pollution and global warming. But the installation of solar panels allows for less and less of those toxic gases to be emitted and lowers our dependence on the other fossil fuels. Throughout this essay you will see how and why solar panels play such a vital role in our environment, and yes it is true that there are two sides to every story but in actuality you find very little disadvantages.

When people think of solar panels, usually the first thing that comes to mind is that they are too expensive, but in actuality, this is far from true and here is why. The current average cost of a solar panel system for a home is about $11,760 (Matasci). However, in comparison to paying an electricity bill every month, the solar panel ultimately pays for itself within eight years, while paying an electricity bill will never stop. Imagine you made the wise choice of switching to solar panels and paid the average cost of $11,760 while you neighbor stuck with standard electricity. Your neighbor pays an average of $150 a month. Now fast forward eight years, the collective total of your neighbor’s ninety six payments will surpass

A lot of people are unaware of the benefits that come with solar panels. I personally feel like solar energy should be implemented in daily living. This is unlimited energy, free of charge. It interests me knowing how the sun

Additionally, the aesthetic of modern solar lighting can significantly improve the outdoor decor of a property. Elaborate lighting arrays can improve the exterior design of a property, are often as cheap as $20 per light, and are available at major home retailers such as Home Depot. The availability and low cost of these lighting products are one reason why it’s so common to see solar powered street lights