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TJ Chambers
EGEE 101 H
6 March 2014
Reflective Essay

Solar Energy: Lighting Up the Tunnel
As an architecture major who is reminded daily to consider sustainable practices and implement
energy conserving strategies in my design projects, I found it peculiar that Vaclav Smil glosses over the
idea of utilizing solar energy to meet our electricity demand. He recognizes the growing potential for
geothermal energy, wind, and photovoltaics, especially on the local level, but decides to focus solely on
hydroelectric and nuclear processes (Smil 136). While I agree these two methods are the most prevalent
at this time, harvesting the suns radiation for electricity has a bright future that deserves to be recognized.
In a world where oil production faces uncertainty and global warming must be combatted, the
actualization of solar energy on a large scale offers a viable solution with encouraging results already
being witnessed today.
Solar energy refers to the harnessing and conversion of sunlight into useable electricity. This
conversion occurs in certain photovoltaic materials as photons from sunlight are absorbed and electrons
are consequently released. When captured, these free electrons create an electrical current (Knier).
Although the amount of electrical energy being produced is much smaller than the amount of solar energy
landing on the surface of the photovoltaic cell, the key factor to consider is the nearly infinite abundance
of solar radiation. In fact, every hour the sun radiates more than enough energy onto the Earth to meet the
global energy demand for an entire year (Solar Energy). Additionally, this energy source is free (after the
initial investment) and is not detrimental to the environment like fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas have
proven to be.
Despite these advantages, and even with the decrease in photovoltaic panel prices as technology
has advanced (Knier), solar energy accounts for only a small fraction of one percent of the total global
energy demand (Solar Energy). As seen in the chart on the following page, renewable energy (of which
solar/PV is only a small part) is only responsible for 12% of the total electric power produced in the
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United States (Energy in Brief). These statistics
seem to suggest a bleak future, yet considering the
circumstances surrounding natural gas, coal, and
nuclear-electric power (the three largest sources in
the electric power sector respectively), it appears
that solar will need to step in as these others falter.
Natural gas is experiencing a boom as
fracking for shale gas has taken off. However, this
method has become heavily criticized for its
destructive environmental impact, and its future
remains uncertain. Coals share of the sector has
steadily been decreasing due to the pollution it
releases. Finally, with recent meltdowns, aging
facilities, and waste storage concerns, nuclear
powers days are numbered. Solar energy is clean
energy and the technology is proven. All that needs to happen is a push in the right direction.
As Smil notes, solar energy has more potential at the local level at the moment (Smil 136), and
that is exactly where this push is currently coming from. The virtue of solar panels is that they can easily
be acquired and utilized on a small scale. Unlike huge natural gas power plants or nuclear reactors,
photovoltaic panels can simply become a component on the roof or facade of a building. 65% of all
electricity in the United States is consumed by buildings (Ching). It only makes sense to start
incorporating photovoltaic technology into building design. Businesses and homeowners are beginning to
realize the advantages of becoming energy self-sufficient and even selling excess electricity back into the
public power grid. In 2013 alone, demand form solar increased by 41%, including a 60% demand
increase in residential (Walsh). By taking matters into their own hands, these individuals are the
beginning of an energy revolution that is on the verge of a tipping point. To borrow from Malcolm
Gladwells terminology in The Tipping Point, these solar visionaries are the connectors, mavens, and
salesmen who will propel this movement forward.
Image 1: Primary Energy Consumption (Energy in Brief)
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This revolution is already beginning to take off in
communities around the world. With a commitment to net-
zero energy use and sustainable living practices, these
municipalities are demonstrating first hand the potential and
attainability of renewable energy resources, especially
photovoltaics. One such community, Vauban, is located on
the outskirts of Freiburg, Germany. Built on the remnants of
French barracks, this district is a social, ecological, economic, and cultural experiment. Among other
requirements, residences must meet specific low energy standards (Our History). Consequently, solar
collectors and photovoltaics have become a key component to the various homes and buildings in the
town. Vauban has seen a steady increase in population and currently ranks as one of the largest solar
districts in Europe (Our History). If a community in the notoriously overcast German climate can sustain
itself through photovoltaics and other sustainable strategies, certainly large populations throughout the
United States and the world can set forth on the road of solar energy being laid out today.
Looking to the future, the influence of these communities sprouting up around the globe will lead
to a shift in energy resources on the larger scale. As the problems with our current methods become more
substantial, companies will have no other option than to invest in solar technology. Competition will lead
to more efficient designs and methods. Personally, being a part of the design community, I welcome the
challenge of developing solar panels and associated components to fit into an emerging aesthetic based on
both technology and functionality. To reach a point where photovoltaics are completely integrated into
architecture and as common as a doorknob or window is fascinating.
Recognizing the powerful capabilities of solar energy is the first step in a long process of
decreasing our reliance on environmentally harmful and non-renewable resources. The technology has
existed for decades, and with recent technological, production, and distribution advancements, solar
panels are more accessible than ever. Communities like Vauban have successfully demonstrated the
complete integration of solar energy into a fully functioning, expanding society. In a time of uncertainty
and doubt, solar energy is glowing brightly at the end of this narrowing tunnel of energy detriment and
denial
Image 2: Vauban Residences (Our History)
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Works Cited
Ching, Francis D.K. Building Construction Illustrated, 4th Edition. Hoboken, New Jersey: Jon Wiley and
Sons, Inc., 2008. Print.
"Energy in Brief: What are the major sources and users of energy in the United States?." US Energy
Information Administration. N.p., 1 Aug 2013. Web. 5 Mar 2014. <http://www.eia.gov/
energy_in_brief/article/major_energy_sources_and_users.cfm>.
Knier, Bill. "How do photovoltaics work?." National Aeronautics and Space Administration. N.p., 2002.
Web. 4 Mar 2014. <http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/solarcells/>.
"Our History." Vauban DE. N.p.. Web. 5 Mar 2014. <http://www.vauban.de/en/topics/history>.
Smil, Vaclav. Energy: A Beginners Guide. Oxford: Oneworld Publications, 2009. Print.
"Solar Energy." National Geographic. N.p., 16 10 2013. Web. 4 Mar 2014. <http://
environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/solar-power-profile/?
rptregcta=reg_free_np&rptregcampaign=20131016_rw_membership_r1p_us_dr_w>.
Walsh, Bryan. "A Bright Year for Solar in the U.S.But There Are Clouds on the Horizon." TIME. N.p.,
5 Mar 2014. Web. 6 Mar 2014. <http://time.com/12952/solar-energy-surges-concern-over-
china/>.