By Elijah
Ever since humans have begun to burn fossil fuels for energy, the earth’s atmosphere has been trapping more carbon dioxide than ever before. This is called the greenhouse effect, and when gases get trapped in the atmosphere, they don’t allow heat to escape back into space. As a result, this eventually causes the earth’s temperature to rise, which can lead to devastating consequences around the globe. In fact, over the past one hundred years it was estimated that the global temperature had risen by 0.8°C — this meant extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, more ice melting results in the rise of sea levels, therefore increasing the risk of flood in vulnerable regions, and more. Furthermore, as our society grows larger in population, we become increasingly dependent on the use of fossil fuels (i.e. coal, natural gas, crude oil), a finite resource which we burn in order to produce electricity. When we burn a fuel source such as coal for example, the heat produced is used to turn water into steam. As warmer air rises due to it being less dense, the steam can be funneled to move a turbine which is connected to a generator which then creates the electricity.
Given the many issues that stem from fossil fuel usage, there are still solutions to global warming. A solution to the problem, would be to utilize an alternate energy source that doesn’t impact the environment, these are known as renewable energy sources — also referred to as clean energy sources. It means that the energy being produced comes from a source that is naturally replenishable. Examples of renewable energy are wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and one of the most well-known, solar energy. Solar energy utilizes ‘solar panels’ — a form of sustainable technology that captures sunlight in order to produce electricity, hence making them photovoltaic (PV). Alternatively, another less-known form of solar energy technology is known as concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP). Such CSP systems use mirrors to reflect sunlight onto a focal point, this is where a receiver is placed, and they can convert solar energy into heat which can be used for electricity production, or stored for later usage.
Solar panels function through using photovoltaic materials which, when exposed to light, produce electricity. The photovoltaic materials used in solar panels are known as solar cells. Essentially, solar panels are many solar cells put together, which are then covered between layers of clear adhesive film, glass and a frame. They also have a layer of aluminum called a “backsheet”, which conducts electricity. Once a solar panel generates electricity, it is able to leave the panel through a junction box, located next to the backsheet. A solar cell is made of silicon because it has the properties of a semiconductor, being able to be used as both an insulator and a conductor. Each solar cell contains 2 layers of silicon, one is called the P-Type, and the other, an N-Type. The N-Type layer faces the light, and loses electrons easily, while the P-Type is located below, and can easily gain electrons, with the spaces for these electrons being called ‘holes’. When energy from the sun is received in the form of photons, they knock the silicon atoms, resulting in some electrons falling from the N-Type layer, and making holes on the corresponding P-Type layer. The electrons are then captured by the aluminum layer where they begin to flow and create an electrical current — completing the energy transformation from light energy into electrical potential energy. As a result, this makes solar panels a reliable way to use the ever-present energy of the sun to provide a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels.
Countries with the resources to facilitate the construction of large solar power plants (for example the power plant being built in the Mojave desert) are further investing into this technology — making it cheaper and more efficient. Additionally, this opens up job opportunities in the local area, in the form of positions in installing, manufacturing, marketing and innovating. In fact, inside of 2018 alone, the solar industry employed over 240,000 workers. Moreover, solar panels are much more justifiable as a long term investment, as they have the potential to save thousands of dollars over the duration of the panel’s lifetime, which are generally designed to last between 20-30 years. Various other economical advantages include a more foreseeable electricity bill and the ability to counteract the surge in electricity prices — this usually happens during the evening when most people are home. Everything considered, solar panels can become a great long-term investment that is generally low-risk, with great potential to save money despite the large initial investment. They come with multiple economic benefits, on a smaller scale this ranges from saving money on electricity during peak hours, to increasing property resale value.
Link to sources:
Comments