Solar as an Alternative Energy Source - Essay Example

Solar as an Alternative Energy Source al Affiliation Solar as an Alternative Energy Source Introduction The earth’s natural resources are depreciating. With increasing population it is evident that the available resources may be termed insufficient to care of needs. The earth’s population requires channels that will utilize the available resources and maximize on their benefits. The increasing population has prompted humans to invade the natural spaces with an aim of satisfying their ever-growing needs. The traditional sources of energy have had a negative impact to the environment. The potential danger and limited supply has prompted humans to innovate models that will enhance their survival. Sources of energy have shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy. There is need to focus on this energy with an aim of evaluating its economical value and its impact on the earth’s atmosphere. The solar energy has been termed as the best alternative of energy source. The unlimited supply of this resource has prompted many to shift to this mode as their sources energy. Availability Solar energy has a relatively higher energy density compared to other forms of energy. More than a half of the earth receives sunlight for more than 10 hours. This implies that the source of energy could be available to a larger area compared to other sources where specialize technique are required to construct required material to generate energy. The availability of the source indicates the immense potential with the source. The availability of the source compared to other sources indicates its ability to produce energy to be utilized within a given environment (Pembina Institute, 2007 & Foster et al. 2009). The benefits of the source could be utilized in a wider scale to allow energy to be utilized. The alternatives provide an advantage edge compared to other source. The source is also available to the small scale users hence making appropriate Solar power verses fossil fuels The world is geared towards producing green energy. The exhaustion of natural resources has meant that reliable energy sources be used to replace those that sources depending on these natural resources. Oil, gas and other petroleum products has been teamed as major fossil fuels. According to Gaughan (1998), fossil fuels have uncertain future. This implies that in the long run the fuels sources are likely t be extinct thus in the near exploration will need to be gone to identify new site to source raw materials required to produce energy. This means frequent research to prevent the commodity from depleting in the market. In the case solar energy, the resource is unlimited and with proper technologies the users are likely to enjoy a longer period (Pimentel, 2008). Thus, comparing the two sources of energy it is evident that solar is reliable to its certain future. Solar versus hydropower Hydropower is limited to area with amble rainfall or access to larger water body masses. This implies that the alternative could be limited to area with low rainfall. The source in some cases is affected by the amount of rainfall in a given area. The connection between water body masses and the amount of energy produced makes the source unreliable. The solar source of energy requires minimal hour’s exposure to sunlight. This means that the source is unlimited in any conditions. The amount of technology and the complexities involved while developing a hydroelectric power plant, limits the source to areas with access to a large pull of capital. An alternative energy source requires one which is affordable and can be accessed by a large population. The high and low markets within the economy should be offered an alternative that satisfy their demand for energy while at the same time offer it at a lower cost. Solar power versus other renewable sources Bio-fuels are limited and have high initial cost compared to solar energy. The high cost associated with bio- fuels means that the source of energy may not be reliable in low end economies. On the other hand wind energy sources could be limited to areas with low winds. Solar energy if utilized may be used independently to generate energy, this is not the case for bio-fuels where backup plans need to be in place to increase its effectiveness (Cardwell, 2014). In matters renewable energy solar power remains the best alternative given the fact that it could be utilized in a number of functions. Economic benefits The solar panel has a relatively lower initial cost compared to hydroelectric, geothermal and fossil fuels. This means that the source is easily available to household. The low maintenance cost compared to hydroelectric and geothermal production means that the model remains suitable for production electric energy and other forms of energy (Conca, 2012). The method of production could be beneficial for both commercial and domestic use in that it may reduce on the operational cost hence effectively benefits the end users. The initial and overall cost makes it beneficial compared to other forms of energy. The method of production also has a long life compared to the depleting nature of natural gas and coal. This means that the source could eventually reduce the cost incurred while replacing and researching on new sites (Bergmann et al. 2006 & (Cardwell, 2014). Environmental benefits comparison Coal and other fossil fuels emit a larger percentage of carbon dioxide gas into the earth’s ozone layer. Coal produces approximately 200pounds of CO2 per kilowatt per hour. On the other hand fossil fuels emit approximately 130 pounds per kwph (United Nations, 2012). This means that increasing the carbon footprint among within the earth’s atmosphere. The potential impact this may have to global warming and other health complication is large compared to solar sources of energy. The source emits no CO2 or any radioactive substances emitted by other forms of energy sources (Rubin et al, 2007). Solar remains the only alternative as far as green energy is concerned. Its potential usage makes it suitable in both commercial and domestic use. Replacing fossil fuels with this form of energy production would decrease the carbon emissions by more than a half (Marland et al. 2005). Earth degradation is another concern as far as energy production is concern. Fossil fuels and coal mining contributes to a larger number negative impacts to the environment. The soil facility could be affected by the effects of mining (Marland et al. 2005). Underground matters would potentially be affected as the form of energy requires an underground excavation. The effect could be large in an event the existing reserves are drained and new explorations needed. Hydroelectric power sources also have a negative effect as it requires dam building hence interfering with the flow of rivers. This may affect the aquatic life. The silt accumulation within the dams would lead to flooding upstream. The area needed for hydroelectric power production and fossil fuels and natural gas mining is large as compared to solar energy sources. This means that solar energy production could have immense benefits to the other activities such as agriculture and infrastructural development. Conclusion The benefits of solar sources of energy range from environmental to social. In an effort to search for the best alternative, there is need to focus on the environmental factors. The world is under threat by human activities. Focus need to be done to reduce the negative impact human activities have to the environment. Renewable energy potential has benefits on earth’s atmosphere compared o other forms of energy production. The fragile earth’s atmosphere requires green energy that is affordable and readily available. With the right technology being in place it is evident that the source remains the best alternative. This is in comparison to both economic and environmental factors. The long term benefits of the source should be in place to allow the wide spread use of the source of energy. Reference Bergmann, A., Hanley, N. & Wright, R. (2006).Valuing the attributes of renewable energy investment. Energy policy, 34(9): 1004-1014. Cardwell, D. (2014 November, 23). Solar and Wind Energy Start to Win on Price vs. Conventional Fuels. New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/business/energy-environment/solar-and-wind-energy-start-to-win-on-price-vs-conventional-fuels.html?_r=0 Conca, J. (2012 August, 7). The Direct Costs of Energy: Why Solar Will Continue To Lag Hydro and Nukes. Retrieved form http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2012/07/08/the-direct-costs-of-energy-hydronuclear-best-solar-still-lagging/ Foster, R., Ghassemi, M. & Cota, A. (2009). Solar Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment. New York: CRC Press. Gaughan, R. (1998). Solar power vs. fossil fuels. Demand Media. Refrieved form: http://education.seattlepi.com/solar-power-vs-fossil-fuels-3937.html Marland, G., Boden, T.A. & Andres, R. (2005) Global, Regional, and national fossil-Fuels CO2 Emissions. Oak Ridge: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center. Pembina Institute. (2007). Benefits of Renewable Energy. Retrieved from: http://www.pembina.org/re/benefits Pimentel, D. (2008). Biofuels, Solar and Wind as Renewable Energy Systems: Benefits and Risks. London: Springer Science & business media Rubin, E.S., Chen, C. & Rao, A. (2007). Cost and performance of fossil fuel power plants with CO2 capture and storage. Energy policy, 35: pp. 4444-4454. United Nations.( 2012). 2009 Energy Statistics Yearbook New York: United Nations Department for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis Statistics Division. Read More