Solar Energy

Solar Energy

Why Is The Use Of Solar Energy Not Widespread Despite Its Popularity?

The sun provides the earth will a lot of power as it gives 350 million terawatts. Let us put this in simpler terms. When the earth is fully exposed to the sun for just a quarter of an hour, the energy produced will suffice to supply the whole world with required electricity.

Compare this with just 10.8 million terawatts that is generated from both nuclear and fossil fuel and you will see how much energy from the sun goes to waste. And this latter source is not renewable.

In order to produce 1 kilowatt of electrical energy from fossil fuel, power plants will give 1.3 pounds of carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Every household is responsible for producing 22,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year, which just overburdens the atmosphere. On the other hand, there are no such harmful byproducts from the use of solar energy. Although the cost of installing solar panels is relatively high, this will be more economical as time goes since there are no monthly payments.

In spite of these huge benefits, the use of solar energy in the US still accounts for a mere 0.1% of the energy consumed. What could be the problem?

Some studies show that there are campaigns, from groups that have strong political backing, against the use of solar power. Ironically, the construction of transmission lines for solar energy also finds another enemy in the form of environmental activists. There is yet another problem that results from the power grid that is presently used in the United States. This grid, which is more than 100 years old, has been very congested in a number of areas. This means that there is need for the construction of another costly system for delivering solar energy to consumers, and the experts in the field will need to find a cheaper option of doing this.

Another hindrance to the widespread use of solar energy is the related cost of solar panels, which are still relatively costly. The installation of solar panels to individual homes greatly increases their values. However, the cost of installation itself puts many people off simply due to the fact that they can barely afford it. However, there is more attention focused on the production of flexible non-silicon solar panels that are less expensive.

In order to make the use of solar energy more widespread, there is need for more incentives. There should be more federal credits in addition to the 30% reduction in tax levied.

There is an increasing concern about global warming as a result of the use of fossil fuel and there is need for alternative methods. The best method so far is the use of solar panels in individual homes. Fortunately, more advanced technologies make it possible to have better solar panels that are less costly.

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