Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Going Green with Solar Energy

We use fossil fuels for our energy needs more than any other type of energy source. Indeed, oil, natural gas and coal account for more than 80% of the world’s energy consumption. What’s wrong with that? For a start, fossil fuel reserves are not finite and are in fact rapidly diminishing. If we continue to consume oil at the current rate, our known deposits will be gone by 2052, an increase in gas to fill that gap will result in gas reserves being fully depleted by 2060, and coal deposits could have vanished by 2088. In other words, we could have run out of fossil fuels in under 80 years and in that time prices will rocket to astronomical figures.

It is not only the depleting reserves of fossil fuels and rising prices that should lead us to look at alternative energy sources but the damaging environmental impact they have. In order to generate electricity, fossil fuels are burnt in power plants, releasing noxious gases such as carbon dioxide and monoxide, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons - all of which hang in the air as smog, polluting our planet and damaging the health of all living things. Carbon dioxide also heavily contributes heavily towards global warming, altering the Earth’s climates and causing a range of catastrophes thanks to extreme weather conditions. For a cleaner, greener, energy-sufficient planet both now and in centuries to come, we need to turn away from fossil fuels and look towards the energy superstars of the future - renewable.

Renewable energies are not only infinite but do not pollute the planet. They utilize the planet’s natural resources, harnessing the power of the natural world. One such renewable energy that is readily available for both domestic and industrial use is solar power, the fastest growing renewable in the world. If we could utilize the full potential of the energy emanating from the sun’s powerful rays, they would provide us with more energy in one hour than the entire world needs in a year. Of course, we haven’t as yet developed a method to fully harness the sun’s massive power but solar panels are constantly being updated and improved and efficiency is increasing at a rate which reveals our imminent need for a clean, green and renewable energy source.
Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, most often manufactured from silicon, which convert the photons in the sun’s rays into an electrical current. It is a noise- and pollution-free method and utilizes a source which will never run out. No harmful gases are created, meaning cleaner air and absolutely no contribution to climate change.
Although solar panels are initially expensive, the power generated from the sun is completely free and this, combined with government rebates and incentives, should end up saving you money in the long term. With the promise of saving money and helping to save the planet who wouldn't want to go green with solar energy?

Renewable energies are close to journalist and copywriter Emily Buckley’s heart and none more so than solar power, surely the future of energy for the planet.

19 Smart Readers SAID::

Destination Davao said...

I'd have to agree that solar panels are really expensive. You need to have enough money to purchase. But since it's an investment, the cost will no longer be an issue because these solar panels will really give you big savings in the long run.

betchai said...

solar panels indeed are very good alternative renewable source of energy, though it is expensive, but in the long run, it could save you too, and in some cities and States, they could buy your energy too if you are generating more than you consume, which is great since you can sell too.

Cherry said...

solar panels are indeed expensive but worth saving up for.

Rovie said...

Having solar panels can be initially expensive but eventually worth the investment aside from that, you can also help the environment.

MikiHope said...

I really hope that someday we all will be able to take advantage of renewable energy. We have to know how in the US to make it--but the big oil companies do not want us to.

Nova said...

this is a good way to save energy. we can recommend this to the philippines since they have plenty of sunny days there, however, the cost sometimes is the problem. it is way too expensive and only businesses can afford to get one..wonderful post.

Teresa Martinez said...

We should all be looking into alternative energy resources starting now before it is too late.

Melinda Dunne said...

I also agree that solar panels can be very effective however the cost makes it less likely for the average person to purchase. I am sure as they become more popular the prices will eventually decrease making them affordable for all.

Trendy Cyndie said...

I wish I could get off the grid!!

Unknown said...

Great post! I wish they could find a way to make it more affordable, it is such a great idea, but just not efficient!

Anonymous said...

I am hoping solar panels are our next step for going green, hopefully like the hybrid cars, the price will come down a bit for all of us to be able to use them

MC Calunsod said...

I wish this wouldn't be too pricey for average household can afford to have because this will defintely save a lot of money.

Lainy said...

I have always believed that quality comes with a price. If the pros overrides the cons,then it must be something worth the investment.

Zenserly said...

Going green with solar panels....awesome! Anything that will keep the world we live in safe and a place we could pass on to generations to come should be instituted...yesterday we viewed one of those sci-fi movies where Earth would have been destroyed and it worries me how much we have abused the environment...Hoping solar panels won't be that expensive soon! :)

lencilicious said...

I agree that solar panels are very good not but a bit expensive. If there are cheaper but still effective units available, I will definitely try them.

Cheerful said...

i am hearing so many good reviews and feedbacks about solar panel. i am sure this is really great, :) i wish it is not that expensive so most of us can afford to have it...:) thanks for sharing more about it.

papaleng said...

In 60 years fossils energy be gone..That's so alarming. Tapping solar energy as substitute is indeed a great move and Eco-friendly one.

Marms @ Mhar's Display said...

It is a good alternative energy. Some homes has solar panels used to get electrical energy.

Marie said...

Solar panels can be really effective. Sabit lang tayo sa cost nito! Tsk!

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