The Primary Types of Solar Energy - Article Example

In this line, Hamer states that the world’s global energy needs will be largely dependent on the use of solar devices to harness light and heat from the sun for the generation of electricity via photovoltaic cells, owing to the declining prices of solar collectors.

This reason is also largely supported by the sunny forecasts put on solar energy and a resemblance of the electricity system to the internet, having no particular centre of activity, except for the photovoltaics integrated into roofs and windows. Consequently, Hamer states that there is an increase in the production, but, a subsequent decline in purchasing costs of PVs; hence, likely to have a significant impact on the installation of PVs and access to electricity. This would then classify solar energy for the many uses that electricity can be put to such as heating of water.

PVs are also environmentally friendly as they produce no greenhouse gases or atmospheric emissions as a technology. Therefore, it presents itself as the most likely choice of renewable energy technology for embracing by the public (Hamer 1). Finally, a proposal for zero net energy buildings is given in which the Department of Energy is considering producing houses that consume no energy on net rate, but, incorporate numerous technologies for future homes, including solar thermal and photovoltaics.2. Solar Energy Can Effectively Provide ElectricityIn with this article, the core theme as presented by Haugen is that of the effective production of electricity through solar energy.

First, the energy is described as clean and reliable by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as a counter for myths over the same. Thus, this presents solar energy as a promising technology for the US to which the author addresses three questions in relation to the proportion of US electricity needs that could be provided by solar in 2003; the uses solar energy has been put to since the 2000s; and what researchers believe the future of solar energy will be like a technology (Haugen 1).

There are five myths dispelled in this article, and in relation to the first myth of the inability of the solar to contribute to the national energy grid significantly, Haugen relates that the contrary is true as solar energy can meet high demands regardless of the scale. This takes into consideration the abundance of sunlight in most parts of the country. Second, improvisations on solar energy are perceived to continue despite the myth that it can achieve everything at the moment. The industry must continue to grow, in spite of the enormous achievements at the moment (Haugen 1).

Third, solar energy produces clear electricity amidst the myth that its production leads to pollution. Fourth, the use of solar energy in multiple applications out rules the myth that solar electric systems can only be put to a few uses. According to Haugen, nearly 60% of the American market for electricity is catered for by solar electricity. Finally, the myth presented of the unreliability of solar electric systems is challenged by the reliability of solar electric systems in nearly all products currently. In totality, considering these myths and truths, solar electricity’s future is considered bright with the hope that most people will reflect upon the technology and embrace it (Haugen 1).