Introduction
Did you know, the sun provides energy for almost every energy source on Earth? Solar energy is transformed from sunlight. Light from the sun can sometimes be used to make electricity to heat and cool businesses,schools, etc... It has been used for other things for thousands of years. It provides energy for plants which can provide food for other organisms. Solar-powered panels turn the sun’s rays into electricity, by exciting electrons in cells using photons of light from the sun.
Pros
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Cons
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Environmental Impacts
The impacts can depend on the quality of technology. Some are land use, habitat loss, water use, and the use of dangerous materials. Some examples are, if the government wants to put up solar panels in an area they would have to remove trees from an area and other natural resources. This would limit sources other organisms need to survive in their habitat.
Cost
Solar panels cost between $15,000 to $40,000 with the cost per watt being 6 to $8. An electric bill could be $100 per month, cost per watt at $6.50 and electricity rate at $14.78 annual 2.8%.
News
In recent news, Dubai, a country in the Middle East has used solar energy to power desalination plants. Al Tayer said, “Dewa will save 13 billion dollars between now and 2030.” This makes me think that this one change can save billions of dollars. Because this country has a lot of desert lands the sun can reflect on the sand causing a lot of energy to pass through. With the lack of natural fresh water this new power plant will benefit the Dubai economy greatly.
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Fun Facts
- In America, 1 solar panel is installed every four minutes
- Directly or not directly the sun provides energy for nearly all energy sources on Earth
- The only source of energy that does not get heated by the sun is geothermal and nuclear fission energy
- People in ancient times would build their house according to the direction of the Sun in order for them to be heated
- Every square meter of Earth gets around 1,366 watts of direct solar energy
Bibliography
http://energyinformative.org/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/
"Solar Energy." Alternative Energy, edited by K. Lee Lerner, et al., 2nd ed., UXL, 2012. Science in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/OTGAYV511819160/SCIC?u=sacred&xid=6c5da18e. Accessed 10 Feb. 2017.
http://www.nwwindandsolar.com/solar-power-in-seattle-and-the-northwest/how-do-solar-systems-produce-energy/
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-solar-power.html#.WJ3pDIgrLnA
http://energyinformative.org/solar-panels-cost/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/solar_energy/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170207092823.htm
http://gulfnews.com/
https://www.solarpowerauthority.com/25-facts-about-solar-power/
Header Image: http://processindustryforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/solar-power1.jpg
Image 1: https://grist.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/solar-panel-sunset.jpg?w=970&h=545&crop=1
Image 2: http://solartribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/credited_Copper_Mtn_First_Solar.jpg
Image 3: http://energyinformative.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/thin-film-solar-panels-e1372104973762.jpg
Image 4: http://www.logicom.net/EN/WaterPowerGas/PublishingImages/Pages/Desalination/Desalination%20Plant2.jpg