Benefits of Solar Energy and Comparison in the American Context - Essay Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Alternative Energy Sources 4 Solar Energy 6 Historical researches and progress 6 Benefits of solar energy and Comparison in the American context 8 Role of Government 10 Works Cited 14 Solar Energy Abstract Pollution, global warming, green house effect, emission of harmful and poisonous gases in the atmosphere, increase in the volume of carbon dioxide, melting of glaciers, extinction of various animal species, harm to plants, destruction of the ozone layer, change in the climates and demographics and many other environmental concerns are a hot topic today. The solution to them remains the shift from the traditional fuel and oil to the alternative energy generation sources. Solar energy remains as the hot favorite in the same list. Solar energy refers to the energy that can be generated by the use of radiation, light and heat from the sun by the use of photovoltaics, solar bowls, solar panels and others. Research indicates that solar energy has the capacity to satisfy all the energy requirements of all the people in this world. In fact, it can do the same in just one year, if all the sunlight falling on all parts of the world is harvested. Usage and concept of solar energy is no new concept and it exists in its simplest and passive form since ancient Greeks. However, for the past three to four decades there has been a lot of research in this field. Production of solar vehicles, automobiles, boats, aircrafts and others have made important news. Quite understandably, solar energy provides quite a lot of advantages over the traditional sources of energy generation. Firstly, this method is extremely cost effective since all the consumers need to pay is the fixed cost of buying and installing the machine on their roofs and the rest is free. Secondly, they reduce the risk of the hazards and environmental concerns developed by the use of oil as fuel. Thirdly, solar energy is pretty much useable even in most remote areas moreover the culture of the United states suits it since most of the homes have their own roof tops for installation of these machines. The United States has been doing a lot for promotion of solar energy. Currently, the United States is getting less than 1000 MW of electricity from solar energy but it aims at increasing it more than six times by the end of 2014 (Richards, 32-46). Moreover, currently the governments is providing with many incentives like tax exemptions, soft cheap easy loan facility, leasing, installments, rebates, bonds and others to encourage people to shift to using solar energy. Alternative Energy Sources Consider the following scenarios. Experts all around the world agree to the fact that the United States of America did not launch the war in Iraq for the search of Weapons for Mass Destruction nor it was attempt to fight terrorism. However, it was clear effort to obtain the oil reserves and resources of Iraq since it one of largest oil producers in the world and the United States of America is one of the largest oil importers on this planet. Experts of international relations unanimously and clearly have been predicting that any thing or issue, which has the potential of causing the third world war, would definitely be either oil reserves or water. Here, water is there not only to represent the need of drinking but also for the production and generation of electricity. Many experts around the world have set up environmental commissions and there is a lot of buzz around regarding sustainable and green environment and adopting environmental friendly practices. Authorities in this regard are trying to make people understand the fact that we should all at least try to return save this planet in the same condition in which we received it to our future generations if only we cannot improve it. The obvious question is that why they are so much concerned about all this. This is because they realize that current human practices are damaging this planet and its resources, which would in turn destruct or may cause an end to the human species on this planet. Despite the fact that it is difficult to absorb this fact but we all should understand that we are not the only ones who own this planet. In fact, other creatures own this planet more than humans do. Many animals and plants are there on this planet long before the first human cell took its shape. Moreover, this planet, and what we call nature, has a “system” or we can say that it works in a “systematic and organized manner” (Richards, 32-46). Unfortunately, for the past few centuries, humans have been disturbing and somewhat destroying this system of nature. One may call this an open challenge to nature. In addition, all the scientists and professionals agree to the fact that humans are helpless in front of nature’s power. When nature takes an aggressive mode, humans find themselves helpless. Green house effect and the resulting global warming, climate change and ozone layer are indications of human intervention the system of nature. Scientists agree to fact that we need to take a much more defensive and nature friendly approach but the biggest hurdle in doing so remains our energy needs. Humans are highly dependent on fossils to get oil and use it as a source of energy and power generation. However, this approach to power generation is not environment friendly. Right from production to consumption, it is destructive to the human species at least in the long term. In addition, high dependency of humans on oil, gas and water for energy generation would make it difficult for them to adapt and live in the world which is about to come where this planet would run out of supply for all these. It is important to recall the basic and first principle of economics that resources are scare and so are these resources. Besides, a comparison of our cost of living for the past century clearly indicates that life today is highly expensive not because of inflation but because of the fact that now a major chunk of any family’s expenses are drained down for paying for the energy costs. Therefore, due to these and many other reasons that would be discussed latter in the paper, humans need to shift themselves to “alternative energy sources.” Also important here is to define the term “alternative energy sources.” Alternative energy sources, quite understandably is a wide term or an umbrella term which refers to all usable energy sources other than fossils and oils which do not result in harmful consequences as the traditional energy sources do (Behrman, pp. 85-93). These primarily include solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy, thermal energy, tidal energy, ethanol and others. However, this paper would move forward by narrowing its focus on solar energy and other aspects related to it. Solar Energy Solar energy technically refers to usage the energy provided by the use of sunlight and the heat provided by sun. Solar energy is the biggest form of renewable energy on this planet. However, only a negligible portion of solar energy is being used. Statistics of year 2008 show that people all around the world consume around 900 Exajoules (EJ) of energy yearly, in various forms. However, interesting here to note is that sun in form of its radiation, heat and light produce this much energy to whole planet in juts one hour. Therefore, this area has a lot of untapped potential to serve us. It is possible to harvest solar energy by using solar panels, heat engines, photovoltaics, solar bowls and other measures. As this paper would discuss in the latter sections that solar energy can be used for various purposes from distillation of water, electricity generation for homes, solar lighting, enhancing crop production by green houses, providing energy for cars, enhance cooking, water heating and others. Historical researches and progress As mentioned in the former parts of the papers the primary reasons that drove research on solar energy. Concept of using the energy from sun goes back to the ancient Roman Empire and Greek Empire. Greek and roman scientists were smart enough to figure that the sun shining above their heads can be used as a potential source of energy and the best part is that it is free. They understood the importance of sun and may be that explains why ancient Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Hindus, Aryans, Persians, Egyptians, Native North and South American and people from all known ancient traditions either worshipped sun or sun occupied an important and central place in their tradition (Mahaney, pp. 16-31). However, the recorded history tells us that ancient Greeks were the first ones to use passive solar energy by building their windows with glasses as to trap the solar warmth. Much can be written under the heading of history of solar energy but since this is not our topic, therefore we would move on and only focus on the developments in this field in the last two decades. One of the most important in this regard has been the “World Solar Challenge” which is race in the throughout the Australian region from Darwin to Adelaide using especially solar powered vehicles. Since 1987, there have been nine races in this regard which has attracted many scientists, experts, engineers, professionals, and research specialists, students from high schools, colleges and universities and many automobile companies (Scheer, pp. 23-39). The objective of this race is quite understandable, to promote research, innovation, improvement, study and investigation on solar powered cars. In fact, since its creation, it has forced the participants to come up with great and efficient designs to create solar powered vehicles. Other examples are North American Solar Challenge since 2007, Dell-Winston School car challenge since 1995, South African solar Challenge since 2008 and Cyprus Institute Solar Care challenge, which will take place in the year 2010. Not only automobiles but during these past years people like Kenichi Horie have shown the world that the creation of solar boats is also possible. He became the first person in 1996 that crossed the Pacific Ocean by using his first solar powered boat. Moreover, quite recently in the year 2007, many people have crossed the Atlantic Ocean with solar powered boats as well. These attempts showed the world that only solar energy is very much possible even for voyages (Prakash & Garg, pp. 30-39). How can we expect air experiments to stay at the back if land and water have been unleashed by solar energy? Despite the fact that the idea is quite old but it happened in 1997 when NASA’s pathfinder and Helios became the “next big thing” since it flew over to significant extent using the solar energy. In the year 2007, Zephyr made by BAE systems broke all the records by taking a 54 four flight in air (Foster, Witcher, Nelson, Ghassemi & Ghassemi, pp. 3-16). They have also claimed a month long late this year. Very interesting is to note that United States department for defense has shown its interest in solar planes, solar aircrafts, solar missiles and other solar equipments since they are less costly and can show more effectiveness. It was in late 1990’s when commercial solar water heaters witnessed a boom in their demand and their growth increased by more than 20 percent in the year 1999 and onwards. Benefits of solar energy and Comparison in the American context Quite understandably, solar energy has a lot of advantages and benefits over the traditional energy system and that explains why many scientists look the world after mid 21st century, the age of solar energy. The biggest advantage that solar energy offers is that it is free. Obviously, no body pays for the sunlight that he or she uses and there cannot be check and balance system for it. Therefore, using solar energy means free energy for many generations. However, it is also true that it is not free since there would be a cost associated with setting up the system in terms of purchasing of the machinery, fixing it and other set up costs (Prakash & Garg, pp. 30-39). However, basic microeconomics tells that it is not about the fixed cost of any investment but average fixed cost of the investment that we consider. With electricity generation for free everyday and every moment means that it would plenty of production “units” to spread the average fixed cost (Charters, Pryor & Victorian Solar Energy Council, pp. 63-69). It depends on the electricity usage of every home, that how quick their payback or return on investment period would be. Moreover, with the absence of variable costs and its nature as a lifetime investment, even high fixed costs are avoidable. In fact, recently the authorities have come up with an interesting program called “net-metering.” If you produce more energy than your requirements with the solar energy machine, then you can supply the same to Local Electricity Supply Company and the company would build up a credit on your account (Foster, Witcher, Nelson, Ghassemi & Ghassemi, pp. 3-16). These benefits are even more board from a macroeconomic point of view. If majority of the United States people adopt this program, then quite understandably, they would soon cover their fixed costs. After that, their savings would leave them with higher disposable income and more money to spend. Macroeconomics tells that the consumers would do three obvious things with their money; save it in their banks, invest it in some project or spend it somewhere else. Saving or investing the money would have the same effect on the economy since both would lead to investment since saved money in the banks is the same that they lend for investment (Tiwari, pp. 14-16). More investment means more economic activity, higher gross domestic product and more employment and development. Moreover, spending would also increase the gross domestic product of the country thus improving the economic outlook of the United States. In addition, inflation has been one of the biggest economic problems in the United States history and fuel prices have contributed seriously to due issues. Saying bye to fuels and traditional sources of energy would dampen their effect on inflation in the United States thus making life a simpler issue for a common American. The initial sections of the paper discussed the adverse impacts of using traditional methods of energy generation. With the usage of solar energy, the human species would take the most important step towards making the world a safer and better place to live. No longer would we be at the risk of melting glacier, changing climates, global warming, green house effect, destruction of ozone layer, harmful and poisonous gases and air, lesser pollution, and lesser damage of the eco system and lesser damage to the animals and plants of this planet. This way we would be able to leave this world in a better condition for our next generation. Moreover, it should the United States and no other country to start and implement this movement. Since United States claims to be and is the only superpower of the globe, it should become a role model of the other countries (Hough, pp. 56-59). Unlike the other energy sources, solar power would not be influenced by any other power failure or natural disaster. It would continue to supply energy until the sun exists. Moreover, setting up a solar energy system is also possible even in remote areas (Tiwari, pp. 14-16). All you needed is that machine and some sunlight. It is also important to note that it is some what ideal for a country like United States because majority of the country population lives in bungalows and homes where the own their roofs. Therefore, installation of a solar power machine is not a complicated task. In addition, solar power machines are silent, noiseless, do not ask much maintenance and operating costs, and do not release any smells or poisonous and harmful gases. Despite the fact that the energy generation found itself affected with pollution and clouds in the air, there would be no production at the nighttime but net metering system, and charged batteries can provide the backup for the same. Role of Government The US government is trying to play its role in spreading the concept and circle of solar energy. It was in the year 1991 when the president of that time George H. W. Bush directed the United States department of energy to set up the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Since then the government has been doing pretty much not only in practical terms but also in symbolic way as well (Charters, Pryor & Victorian Solar Energy Council, pp. 63-69). For example, in the year 2002, “President George W. Bush installed photovoltaics plate on the top roof of the maintenance building at the White House. That initiative had the capacity of generating around 9KW of energy” (North Carolina Solar Center, IREC & US Department of Energy, 2010). Followed by these actions were the installation of two solar water-heating systems in the White House as well as symbolic attempts to promote and publicize the use and role of solar energy. However, the year 2004, was the year of big announcements when governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius made huge announcements for promotion of solar energy (Charters, Pryor & Victorian Solar Energy Council, pp. 63-69). Arnold Schwarzenegger shared of vision of setting up more than one million solar roofs in California by the year 2017. On the other hand, Kathleen Sebelius announced the vision of brining more than 1000 Megawatts of renewable energy in the Kansas system by the 2015. Moreover, importantly, it was an executive order, which means that by the year 2015 it had to be followed in anyway until and unless there is any other to reverse. According to last news from Kansas, they are actively working to complete these orders. Quite recently, the United States government has completed a few solar thermal power projects like Sierra Sun Tower having capacity of generating 5 megawatt of electricity in California. It is the first solar tower of United States and it received the “best renewable project” (Hansen, pp. 12-19) award in December 2009 and the award of “renewable project of the year” in February 2010 (Hansen, pp. 12-19). Furthermore, in January 2010, Maricopa Solar started working to provide 1.5 Megawatts of electricity. Situated in Arizona, it is the first dish Stirling power plant (Hough, pp. 56-59). However, the biggest power projects are Nevada Solar One, situated in “Nevada producing more than 64 Megawatts of energy and Solar Energy Generating Systems situated in the Mojave Desert of California,” (Hansen, pp. 12-19) which is collection of nine parabolic troughs. More importantly, it produces around 354 Megawatts of energy for the California State. Moreover, the United States government has announced solar power projects, which would bring more than 5400 megawatts of energy into the system by the year 2014 (Hansen, pp. 12-19). More importantly, the United States governments and the state governments are encouraging the citizens in all possible means to make them shift towards solar energy. Much can be written on this topic since every state is offering different types of programs and incentives to promote them. For instance, for the state of Texas, offers programs like “Solar and Wind Energy Device Franchise Tax Deduction”, “Sunset Valley - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program”, “Local Option - Contractual Assessments for Energy Efficient Improvements, etc” (Hansen, pp. 12-19). In addition, some others are “Green Mountain Energy Renewable Rewards Buy-Back Program”, “Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption”, “Department of Rural Affairs - Wind Energy for Desalination Program” and “LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program” (Hansen, pp. 12-19). The list also includes “Bryan Texas Utilities - Solar PV Rebate Program”, “Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative - Renewable Energy Rebates”, “United Cooperative Services - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program”, “Texas New Mexico Power Company - Solar PV Pilot Program” and many others (North Carolina Solar Center, IREC & US Department of Energy, 2010). In short, every state of the United States of America has almost somewhat similar programs aimed at promoting renewable sources of energy especially solar energy. The tools that these programs use are also somewhat similar. These include tax exemptions for business and homes that include sales tax, property tax and income tax, which use solar energy, leasing options, easy installments, partial financing options for purchase of solar energy equipments, providing soft easy and cheap loans for their purchase, issuance of bonds as benefits and many others (Hansen, pp. 12-19). Works Cited Behrman, Daniel. Solar energy: the awakening science. Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1979 Charters, William W. S., Pryor, Trevor L., & Victorian Solar Energy Council. Solar energy: an introduction to the installation of solar energy systems. Australian Syndicators for the Victorian Solar Energy Council, 1982. Foster, Robert, Witcher, James, Nelson, Vaughn, Ghassemi, Majid, Ghassemi, Abbas. Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. CRC Press, 2009. Hansen, Amy. Solar Energy: Running on Sunshine. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2010. Hough, Tom P. Solar energy: new research. Nova Publishers, 2006. Mahaney, Ian F. Solar Energy. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2007. North Carolina Solar Center, IREC & US Department of Energy. (2010). Database for incentives for Renewable and Efficiency. Retrieved at March 23, 2010. Retrieved from http://dsireusa.org/ Oxlade, Chris. Solar Energy. Heinemann Library, 2008. Prakash, Garg, & Garg, H. P. Solar energy: fundamentals and applications. Tata McGraw-Hill, 2000. Richards, Julie. Solar Energy. Marshall Cavendish, 2009. Scheer, Hermann. The solar economy: renewable energy for a sustainable global future. Earthscan, 2004. Tiwari, G. N. Solar energy: fundamentals, design, modelling and applications. CRC Press, 2002. Read More