Solar and Coal Energy Sources - Essay Example

Solar Energy versus Coal Non renewable energy sources such as coal are widely used worldwide but there has been need to use an alternative energy source such as solar and other renewable energy sources because they are more environmental friendly. Even though coal is cheaper than solar energy, it is very harmful to individuals’ health and the environment as a whole. Therefore, an alternative energy source like solar should be adopted so as to have a safer environment. Table of Contents Abstract 1 Introduction 3 Methods 3 Results 3 Discussion 4 Cost 4 Safety 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Introduction Solar and coal are some of the renewable and non-renewable power sources respectively. Solar energy provides substantial benefits for individuals’ health, climate and economy. On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources like coal have adverse impacts on the ecological system as well as individuals’ health. This is because it significantly contributes to pollution and triggers global warming. Therefore, it is not safe to use coal and other non-renewable energy as power source. Renewable energy sources are infinite energy resource and this implies that they never run out. This report compares and contrasts these two sources of energy in relation to cost and safety. Methods This report is well structured and coordinated to ensure that all the ideas presented flow smoothly. Both primary and secondary sources have been used exhaustively to acquire important and relevant information to write this report. The information has also been acquired though surveys, telephone, mail as well as internet surveys. Extensive research has also been conducted to make this report effective. Results Coal is not expensive as compared to solar energy, but again solar energy costs are dropping. Coal may not be expensive but it requires expensive air pollution controls such as mercury because it emits higher levels of carbon dioxide. It has a higher environmental impact from mining and burning since the carbon dioxide released during the process contributes to global warming and creates acid rain (Evans 2005, p.138). Coal mining has always been known to be dangerous and associated with many problems (Britton 1977, p.118). Moreover, coal as a source of energy is a significant contributor to acid rain and global warming and this is directly linked to its pollution ability because it emits major greenhouse gases that play a leading role in triggering global warming and climate change. Solar energy is somehow cheap because sunlight is usually free when available (Chiras 2014, p.363). Solar energy does not generally cause pollution but there are some emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems that may cause pollution. Solar energy is better for environmental safety and cleanliness as opposed to non-renewable energy sources (Nagel 2000, p.178). Therefore, using solar energy will help in reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and fight the climate crisis accordingly. Discussion Cost Solar energy is more expensive as compared to coal and this is because it is very expensive manufacturing and implementing solar panels. However, once they have been fully developed, renewable energy sources like solar have the potential to be more cost efficient. The cost of coal ranges from 0.02 to 0.04 dollars per kWh making the electricity bills low as compared to electricity from solar power that costs 0.14 to 0.06 dollars per kWh (Schiffman 2011, p.367). According to Smith and Taylor (2008, p.50), “power produced from photovoltaic is much more expensive than power produced from the coal-fired power plant”. Renewable energy sources including solar energy provide affordable electricity to the consumers, and with the solar energy electricity costs especially for homeowners have significantly reduced. In addition, the costs of renewable energy technologies such as solar panel have declined. In overall, the cost of renewable energy is more likely to decline as the market mature and companies increasing take advantage of economies of scale. The renewable facilities cost a lot to develop, once built, they operate at very low cost and in some cases, the fuel is free. On the other hand, the prices of fossil fuels can vary and are prone to price swings. For instance, a situation such as the rising global demand of coal power source can lead to rapid increase of coal prices and the prices are likely to fall rapidly after the decline of global demands. Arguably, the use of renewable energy can help in reducing the price of and demand for coal by increasing competition and diversifying energy supplies. Therefore, increased reliance on solar can assist in protecting consumers when coal prices rise. Safety Solar is one of the energy sources that provide for cleaner and environmental friendlier power sources (Şen 2008, p.35), it is pollution free (Evans 2005, p.139). Therefore, it is safer as compared to other non-renewable sources such as coal (Pederson 2011, p.176). One major problem of using coal as energy source is that it pollutes the environment. Coal emits about 3.6 pounds of carbon dioxide whereas solar only emits 0.2 and this indicates how the use of coal as energy source is very harmful to the environment. Generating electricity from solar as opposed to fossil fuels such as coal provides significant public health benefits. The coal-fired power plants are very polluting technologies putting public health at risk and leading to climate change, reducing air quality, and polluting water systems (Schiffman 2011, p.368). Agreeably, the air and water pollution emitted by coal is associated with health complications such as breathing difficulty, heart attack, cancer, and neurological damage among others. More so, using renewable energy sources as alternative to fossil fuels has been determined to be effective in reducing premature mortality and overall healthcare costs. The health impacts of fossil fuels increases healthcare costs significantly and causes financial burden among the affected individuals. Renewable energy sources such as solar generate power with no associated air pollution emissions. Pollution avoidance is one of the major advantages of renewable sources such as solar (Gordon 2001, p.646). Even in cases where some renewable energy sources such as geothermal and biomass emit air pollutants, the total air emission by these energy sources are much lower than those of coal. Moreover, solar energy requires no water to operate and so it does not pollute water resources. On the contrary, fossil fuels can have a significant impact on water resources because coal mining can pollute drinking water systems. More so, coal requires large amounts of water for cooling and this may have adverse impact on river ecosystems. Conclusion Considering the harmful impacts of coal on the environment and individuals’ health, it is important to rely on the alternative source of energy such as solar which is less harmful and environmental friendly. Coal, though inexpensive, is not clean, safe and environmental friendly and has harmful health effects on individuals. Its usage leads to emission of harmful gases that lead to various health complications such as cancer, heart attack, and breathing difficulty among others. Increasing the supply and use of renewable energy such as solar would help in replacing carbon intensive energy sources and this will in turn reduce global warming emissions significantly. References Britton, P., 1977, Popular Science, Vol. 211, No. 4, Winter Park, Florida: Bonnier Corporation. Chiras, D.D., 2014, Environmental Science, Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Evans, L., 2005, The new wider world coursemate, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes. Gordon, J. M., 2001, Solar energy: the state of the art, London, James & James. Nagel, S.S., 2000, Promoting Prosperity: Via Economic and Technology Policy, Lexington Books. Pederson, R., 2011, Coaltrain, New York: Xlibris Corporation. Schiffman, H., 2011, Green issues and debates: an A-to-Z guide, Thousand Oaks: Calif, Sage Publications. Şen, Z., 2008. Solar energy fundamentals and modeling techniques: atmosphere, environment, climate change and renewable energy, London: Springer. Smith, Z. A., & Taylor, K. D., 2008. Renewable and alternative energy resources: a reference handbook, Santa Barbara: Calif, ABC-CLIO. Read More