The Benefits of Solar Energy Essay Example
The Benefits of Solar Energy Essay Example

The Benefits of Solar Energy Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (597 words)
  • Published: September 2, 2016
  • Type: Case Study
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Solar energy is a representation of a more environmentally friendly planet and the fresh air that future generations will benefit from. At present, we are worried about the pollutants in our atmosphere resulting from harmful chemicals emitted by fossil fuels. It is vital that we take steps to ensure a future with clean energy for our children. (Ayres, 2010)

Solar power has several advantages that could convince people to switch if they had more information. The sun is consistently available throughout the day, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly resource that doesn't emit harmful substances into the air. In contrast, fossil fuels, derived from plant and animal matter, release carcinogens, carbon dioxide, and greenhouse gases. These hydrocarbons currently fulfill our energy needs and have high demand.

The growing demand fo

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r coal, natural gas, and oil will lead to future shortages due to their non-renewable nature. This emphasizes the urgency for action. Sadly, once these fuels are exhausted, there is no means of replenishing them. It is disheartening that despite the substantial investment in these resources, there is no process for renewing them.

There is a diverse range of solar panel systems to choose from, and when the appropriate panel is selected for its intended purpose, it can be cost-effective. Each price range provides options for individuals to participate in the solar market. If solar panels are not viable, other renewable resources like wind turbines, tidal generators, and compost should be considered. Wind is actually a type of solar energy that arises due to the sun's uneven heating of the atmosphere, irregularities in the earth's surface, and the earth's rotation.

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Wind turbines use the motion energy produced by wind flow to generate electricity. There is currently a wind turbine that stands over 20 stories tall and has blades as long as a football field. Wind energy is known for being a clean and environmentally friendly source of power. The U.S. Department of Energy (1990) states that wind power plants in California have effectively prevented the release of more than 2.5 billion pounds of carbon dioxide and 15 million pounds of other pollutants.

Composting is a form of recycling that harnesses solar energy and mimics nature's way of breaking down organic waste. It involves the decomposition of materials like food waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, worms, and coffee grounds into a valuable substance known as humus. This process is aided by micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes in the presence of oxygen. To put it in perspective, achieving the same level of air quality provided by composting would necessitate a forest consisting of 90 to 175 million trees.

The use of composting is becoming popular globally as landfill space becomes limited and expensive, and as people become more environmentally conscious (McGinnis, 2009). Solar energy provides many benefits to our lives. It would be great to receive a payment from the power company instead of having to pay them. Depending on the policies of different power companies, they may buy any excess electricity and apply it as credit towards the bill.

The meter will run backwards and there are tax incentives available if you buy a solar energy system. You can claim the system as a credit on your tax return, receiving

up to $2,500 back. This credit can cover the cost of some whole systems. It's exciting to think about getting that money back at the end of the year, in addition to what you receive from the power company. By doing this, not only do you make a profit from your initial investment, but you also achieve self-sufficiency.

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