Solar Energy May Save the Earth

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Recommended: Solution Recomended For Climate Change

Solar Energy May Save the Earth

Abstract: The current energy situation with fossil fuels as the main source of the world’s energy has two main flaws: fossil fuels contribute to global warming via the greenhouse effect and they are limited in the quantity that remains. Solar power solves both of these problems and can be captured by utilizing photovoltaic cells. However, photovoltaic cells have their own drawbacks due to their high costs of installation and maintenance.

The world currently functions through the use of fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels possess two significant disadvantages. Fossil fuels harm the global environment because they enhance the greenhouse effect by releasing carbon dioxide, and they release other harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.1 Also, fossil fuels are limited and will run out in the near future if current rates of consumption are maintained. Photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy to electrical energy solve both of these problems. Although the production of photovoltaic cells causes some pollution, photovoltaic cells do not emit harmful gases nor do they pollute the environment. Solar energy is virtually unlimited since the Sun will continue its fusion reaction and provide light energy to the Earth. Solar energy cannot be absorbed on dark or cloudy days, but if it can be stored, solar energy gathered from luminous periods can be used during those dim days.

Photovoltaic cells have an estimated lifetime of approximately 20 years and if 100-watt photovoltaic cells are used, they will produce an equivalent amount of energy as fossil fuels that will create two tons of carbon dioxide as a byproduct.2 At a superficial glance, solar power seems very promising since the sun p...

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...gy. “Solar Energy Technologies Program.” 22 May 2008.

4.

Union of Concerned Scientists. “Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies.” 19 June 2008.

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“New solar cells could expand sun power.” Copyright 2007 by United Press International. Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40 (accessed July 29,

20

08). 6. Aldous, Scott. “How Solar Cells Work.” 01 April 2000. HowStuf

<

http:

7.

Ibid.

8.

Ibid.

9. I

bid.

10.

Ibid.

Tien 8

der to provide all of the electricity that

11.

“How many solar cells would I need in or

my h

ouse needs?.” 07 July 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. 29 July 2008.

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