Soak up some sun!
As summer rolls around, and temperatures soar, we often look for ways to beat the heat, and avoid contact with the sun at all costs. But instead of running away from what could arguably be the most important resource in our lives, we can learn to use it for the greater good. One way to harness this energy is through solar panels. When I went to my grandparents house as a kid, I noticed that their neighbor's yard had a funny looking side roof. After explaining to me that it wasn't some crazy roof decor, they told me how they have solar panels, and how it is benefitting not only them but everyone around them. It thought that this idea was so innovative and interesting, and from that point on, I have always wanted to put solar panels when I purchase my own house.
Almost everyone has heard of solar panels, but how many people actually understand how they work? Solar panels use photovoltaic cells that convert light into solar electricity. When the sun's light comes into contact with the panels, the photovoltaic cells convert it into DC, or direct electricity. The DC electricity is then converted by an inverter into AC electricity, or alternating current electricity, which is used to power your home. The leftover electricity that you don't use is sent into the grid. Usually, people with solar panels have an agreement with their utility company that lowers their electricity costs due to their contribution to the grid. So not only are you making your own energy from these solar panels, but you can also save money on electricity bills!
Although solar energy has many benefits and helps with our issues regarding nonrenewable energy, there are some downsides. Solar panels are kind of biased when it comes to putting them up on your house. Not all places around the world are equipped for solar energy, and it is favorable depending on where you are. Countries such as Russia and Canada have a tougher time when it comes to successfully generating solar electricity because they do not get as much annual sunlight as places like Texas. It is also hard to rely on solar energy because it is dependent on the sun, which is not out as much in the winter and is not out at all at night. Big companies who want to harness a lot of solar energy require a lot of space, and their solar fields are taking up land that can be used for agriculture. Also, mining is required in order to obtain the materials needed for photovoltaic cells. While solar energy saves you money, it is very expensive to install, costing up to $47,300 just to power a four bedroom house.
Around the globe, we have been trying to find solutions to our rapidly declining supply of nonrenewable resources. While solar energy provides a solution by using the sun to generate electricity, which will be a source that is around for longer than other sources such as coal, it has costly negatives. For most people, solar energy sounds like a good plan and a good investment (being environmentally friendly and lowering your electricity does sound pretty sweet, doesn't it?). But in the long run, people don't see it as cost beneficial and efficient for all of the electricity that they use on a daily basis. So before you turn on your light, TV, or XBOX, think about how solar energy can be used to power our necessities around us.
Questions:
1. Have you ever considered looking into solar panels or installing them in the future?
2. Do you believe that solar energy is more beneficial or harmful in the long term?
3. What other sources of renewable energy would you be interested in investing in?
Sources:
https://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/solar-energy-disadvantages/
https://www.vivintsolar.com/learning-center/how-does-solar-power-work
https://www.solar-nation.org/can-i-earn-money-with-my-solar-power-system
2 comments:
I have definitely looked into using solar panels whenever I get my own house. Like you said in the blog, they are such an innovative and environmentally friendly way to get electricity using just the sun. I think that in the long term solar energy is more beneficial. Even though it costs a lot to get installed, you will get your money's worth in the future and you will be saving the environment if you use solar panels. My grandparents neighbors have solar panels and even though they cost so much money to install, they are now making more money off of it and are able to save it for the future. Another renewable source of energy that I would possibly use is wind powered energy. I have seen so many windmills around Texas so I think that it would be an easy and efficient way to get energy and save the environment.
I would like to see large parking lots covered in solar panels! Then you could charge your car while you work and it would keep the cars covered so they wouldn't be so hot in the summer when you get in your car! Plus they are just large heat islands as it is and this would help. Win. Win. Win!
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