Craig Curren

Petroleum products have dominated as the leader in providing the world with energy However petroleum products are also leading in causes of global warming In attempt to abolish global warming, the U.S. government has began to invest in the development of renewable energy

Includes Wind, Hydroelectric, Nuclear, Natural Gas, and Solar energy

According to dictionary.com, Solar Energy is defined as energy derived from the sun in the form of solar radiation. Solar energy is the only pollutant-free, unlimited resource of clean energy. There are 3 different forms of solar energy Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Concentrating

Photovoltaics involve the use of a solar panel to absorb light energy and convert it into electricity. Photovoltaics were first used in space on satellites according to Jessika Toothman and Scott Aldous, journalists for How Stuff Works.

Solar thermal energy is formed by using an abundance of mirrors aimed at a central tower, the concentrated light powers a heat engine

Gary Gereffi, a solar specialist at the Duke Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness says concentrating solar energy is a large scale, highly effective form of producing power. There are four different ways of producing concentrating solar energy: parabolic troughs, power towers, dish systems, and linear Fresnel reflectors . Light reflects off these troughs or dishes and concentrate on a liquid filled tube; the liquid turns to steam and the steam powers a turbine.

Solar power plants require a lot of land to be effective Power plants are limited to sunny regions Solar panels are expensive Skeptics think they will not have power at night or with overcast weather

Where can we find open land with a lot of sunshine? Deserts The ideal place for a solar power plant In the article, How much do solar panels cost?, UnPlugElectric.com claims that the U.S. government will offer an average tax rebate on solar panel systems of 50%. Thanks to SmartGrid Technology, solar users can store energy they attain during the day to be used in the absence of sunlight.

Solar energy will pay for itself Assuming the average monthly electric bill in the U.S. is $100, and the average minimum lifespan of a solar panel is 30 years, consumers will save approximately $16,000 at the end of the 30 years, including the price of installation. Solar energy is 100% pollutant free Solar energy is convenient Some were worried about space convenience, but solar panels can be installed just about anywhere (e.g. rooftops, sidings of houses, deserts, even offshore).

Ben Hewitt, journalist for Popular Mechanics Magazine, wrote an article featuring his own solar powered house. Hewitts house is powered solely by renewable energy. In addition to his 18 solar panels, Hewitt also installed a 65 ft wind turbine, 12 high power batteries, and a clean energy water heater. His clean house only cost him $33,770 after tax rebates Hewitt generates so much power of his own that he gives his excess electricity to the government in exchange for the guarantee of free electricity for the rest of his life.

Solar Energy vs. Other Renewables

Wind energy involves the use of a wind turbine. Though the turbine is relatively cheaper than solar panels, it is less effective. Wind turbines are powered by wind, and wind is not a constant. Wind Farms (wind turbine plants) are limited to designated parts of the world where there is an abundance of wind. The turbines produce a lot of noise pollution and have even been known to destroy bird habitats.

Although Nuclear energy is the most popular form of renewable energy today, it is also the most dangerous. Nuclear energy is gained by splitting atoms If something were to go wrong, or disturb this process, there could be nuclear fallout, and then there would be a bigger problem than the energy crisis.

Hydroelectric energy is the most cost efficient form of renewable energy. Dollar for dollar, it is about the same as that of coal and gasoline. However, much like wind energy, hydroelectric power is limited to specific areas. To create hydroelectricity, running water pushes a turbine to create power. Hydroelectric energy is limited to areas where there is running water, primarily on rivers. It has been known to destroy marine wildlife.

Natural gas is the most similar to the form of energy we primarily use today, petroleum products. It is highly flammable, and not quite as effective as petroleum products. However the catch is: it produces 0 carbon emissions, which would ultimately reduce greenhouse gases as would use of all other renewable energies. Natural Gas is the most convenient form of renewable energy.

Solar energy offers the cleanest form of renewable energy. No emissions, no noise pollution, nothing. Solar energy is the most convenient form of renewable energy, next to natural gas. It has the widest range of land options, and has not been known to destroy wildlife habitats. It can be conveniently placed in an unpopulated area and still be efficient. Solar energy relies on the sun, a constant in our lives, that will essentially provide an unlimited supply of energy.

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