The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Solar Energy Essay

Solar energy is totally free. Did you know that the earth takes in 174 pettawatts of solar radiation? This implies that we have more than enough resource of free power to power every home in the world. Regrettably, the majority of our energy is still drawn from oil, gas as well as coal. However over the last few years, there is a constant rise of demand for different as well as renewable energy like solar energy. It is approximated that the demand for different sources of power will boost by 53% between 1999 as well as

     Solar energy is the most ancient kind of energy found on earth, for it is as old as the sun. "Solar" means from the sun. The earth is only one of the many planets which is bathed in the sun's overflowing energy. Every second the world receives 95.8 trillion watts of power…just think about that for a minute. Think about how much power the earth just received in the time it took you to read this sentence? It is well beyond the amount of power used in one day. It has the potential to satisfy all our energy needs forever without ever having to use the pollutive fossil fuels ever again. "The problem however, does not lie in the limited source, as do fossil fuels, but in harnessing

In this modern fast paced world that we live in, there are many issues that are looked over, energy is one of these. As a world, we are dependant on dwindling fossil fuel supplies and take for granted electricity, oil, and gas. There are four completely renewable sources of energy around us that should be used and developed, they are: wind, growing plants, flowing water, and the sun. These sources of energy are the ones we should be tapping, because they are reliable and renewable. Harnessing the suns energy is the most certain and ultimate energy source. Looking at a brief history and some facts about solar energy, a glimpse of the future can be seen, a future not dependant on

The federal government should work on promoting either nuclear or solar energy. Energy is important for survival on a daily basis. In fact, the development of any nation depends on the long-term availability and increase of clean and safe energy that also supports the environment. Currently, no energy source can be said to be sufficiently capable of meeting future needs that a nation requires. It is important therefore to promote any particular type of renewable energy. Promoting and enhancing solar energy would be a better move to take. It is better for the environment if the federal government work on improving solar energy usage. Installation of solar panels by Americans continues to increase with each passing day. Despite this positive progress, this avenue of power is not fully exploited because of lack of infrastructure to store solar energy. Solar energy was ranked as the third electricity-producing source after natural gas and wind energy thus accounting for fourteen percent of the total electricity produced. This significant contribution of the solar energy shows that when properly exploited, solar energy can be a major source of electricity for the country. However, there is need for the issues surrounding its maximum exploitation to be addressed. The government should subsidize infrastructure. The most important infrastructure that the federal government should look into includes connection to the power grid, conversion of the solar

Solar Resources are not only affecting the GDP for power, but in other areas as well. Over a million residential water heaters are replaced each year and more are being replaced by using solar power. The solar power is given an opportunity in use solar power as the primary heating source for homes and commercial buildings. Which can increase the amount of GDP that is spend, yearly on solar and a large share of the energy market.

The world right now is facing a major disaster if our habits don’t change. Fossil fuels dominate our energy demand and at our current rate this will remain true for quite some time. The World Energy outlook claims that by 2030 84% of our energy demands will be fulfilled by fossil fuels (Shafiee et al, 181). It is believed that we possess the reserves to meet our demands until 2030 (Shafiee et al, 181) but the cost will increase as time goes on. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, meaning that once we run out of what’s currently available, we cannot replenish it. Our future energy needs are heavily dependent on a non-renewable and quickly depleting energy source.

This paper will address the importance of funding research towards solar energy. Individual-level changes, community-level changes, and impact to using solar energy and the improvements over time for both.

Alternative or clean energy is the way of the future. Every day we wait to implementing changes in the way we generate energy, is a lost opportunity to prevent further damage to the environment. As Kevin Begos (2016) points out in his article “The Solar Energy Controversies” by implementing solar technologies we can help the environment by reduce our dependency on fossil fuels (p. 387).

Alternative energy versus fossil fuels is a very controversial issue surrounding America today. The issue is so controversial for many reasons, such as our economic dependence on fossil fuels and the possibility of global warming due to the burning of these fossil fuels we are so dependent on. Where one argument seems to succeed in persuading the reader one way, another rebuttal can be made that will neutralize the arguments before it. If the United States become more alternative energy dependent, it could destroy thousands of jobs, or it could save the US’s economy.

In addition, solar energy operational costs are manageable. It is free from monthly charges compared to conventional sources of energy. Solar energy does not require raw materials such as oil and coal, and once the panels are built, there will be no monthly charges. In addition, the prices of fossil fuels are increasing day by day, and this means conventional energy will be very expensive. Solar energy will remain the most capable world’s future power supply because, it is cost effective once the plants are built, and there will be no transport costs like for conventional energy sources. Therefore, solar energy is cost-effective, and will help in future energy supply, as the maintenance cost is affordable, as long as they are installed properly, and are working efficiently ( Hans, 2012). Furthermore, with the improvement and advancement of technology, it will increase its efficiency, and cost of production thus, making it more cost effective and the world’s best

Solar energy is an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Our planet has been experiencing an average increase in global temperatures. Slowly but surely our planet is deteriorating, unless we change our form of energy into a greener alternative. Deterioration of our planet may occur at a faster rate. The depletion of fossil fuels is detrimental to our environment. By substituting fossil fuels with the solar energy, our planet will benefit. These benefits include: reduced climate change, beneficial economic opportunities on both a large scale benefitting our government and on a smaller scale helping individuals decrease their energy bills, and solar energy is renewable and sustainable.

Solar energy is the most plentiful and purist renewable energy source available. Because it is completely natural, it is considered to be a clean energy source. It does not disrupt the environment or threaten the Eco-systems the way oil and some other energy sources tend to. Nor does it cause greenhouse gases, air or water pollution. Solar energy is an immensely important aspect of life and has been since the beginning of time. Increasingly, we are learning how to harness this important resource and use it to replace traditional energy sources. Modern technology can utilize this energy in a variety of ways, such as; generating electricity, providing light or a comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, industrial, or commercial use. One day solar energy may well become our primary form of energy. This would lead to a clean environment, less money spent on utilities, and a healthier world. It is highly important because it has the potential to allow technology and nature to co-exist peacefully.

For those who don 't know, solar energy is radiant energy produced by the sun and can be captured through semi conductors to use the energy. Solar energy is used in many parts of the world and has become very poplar today. The history of solar energy goes back to the 1769’s when a “Swiss scientist named Horace-Benedict de Saussure created the first solar collector which was an insulated box covered with three layers of glass to absorb heat energy. Saussure’s box became widely know as the first solar oven, reaching temperatures of 230 degrees fahrenheit.”(7). This complex system of collecting sunlight to create power for all sorts of things became extremely popular and the industry started to boom. An article from solar energy history states that, “In 1947 following the second World War, solar power equipment started being popular among many people in the USA. There was a huge demand of solar equipment.”(7). After this boom

Solar energy and its use isn’t new to the world. It has been used by various societies beginning from 7thCentury B.C, when the sun’s heat was concentrated by glass and mirrors to light fires. Today, we have everything from solar-powered buildings to solar-powered vehicles. By and large solar technology has some environmental, economic, psychological and ethical implications for our society. Actions taken by companies and individuals to increase the use of solar technology will create good local jobs, improve our environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil while doing what’s ethical and moral for our society.

Think about solar energy and the first image that springs to the mind is that of those arrays of shiny photovoltaic panels adorning the rooftops and the countryside. Indeed, photovoltaic cells still remain the most popular way of generating solar power. Solar power, for one thing, is not cheap. However, even though the initial set up costs can be quite high, the long-term financial benefits of using solar power are too strong to deny.