Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy – Solar Energy

 

Solar panels on the roof. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto. Copyright: Justin Horrocks

Alternative Energy Definition:

Alternative energy is an energy source produced from natural sources and considered an alternative to fossil fuels. Alternative energy has the potential for long-term sustainability and has a lower impact on the environment, combating climate change and promoting energy independence. 

Arguments for Alternative Energy in General:

Alternative energy can also be referred to as "clean energy" because it does not cause any environmental pollution to produce it. It also comes from natural sources that are unlimited, which ensures that the processes to produce this type of energy are continuously renewed.  Unlike fossil fuels, alternative energy sources emit minimal greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), making them a cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy option.

Alternative energy is produced from sunlight, wind, rain, waves, etc. I chose to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy because the sun is the ultimate source of energy that sustains all living beings.

Advantages of Solar Energy: 

• Unlimited Production: Solar energy is renewable and abundant, providing more than enough energy to meet global needs.
• Environmental Impact: Solar energy has minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels since it does not emit any greenhouse gas emissions during the process.
•  Sustainability:  While fossil fuels can run out over time, solar energy is potentially sustainable as "the sun is likely to be around in billion years". 
• Diverse Applications: Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, heating, and passive cooling "making it versatile."

Disadvantages of Solar Energy and Limitations:

• Intermittent Nature: Solar energy is "intermittent", as it can be generated when the sun is shining, making energy storage a challenge. 
• Land Use and Ecosystem Impact: To produce solar energy, solar panels need to be installed and it requires a vast amount of land. Large-scale solar installations, such as solar farms have the potential to impact ecosystems and it also requires proper handling of potentially hazardous fluids and water use. 
• Environmental Impact of Manufacturing: The manufacturing of solar panels can generate hazardous waste and use conventional fuel sources neutralizing the environmental sources.

Reference:

Johnston, Matthew (2022). "Solar Energy: Benefits and Drawbacks". Investopedia. Accessed 7 June 2024 https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/053015/pros-and-cons-solar-energy.asp

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia.

Solar panels on the roof. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto. Copyright: Justin Horrocks Accessed through https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/considering-getting-solar-panels-here-are-the-right-questions-to-ask/2018/03/09/3190c71a-20c0-11e8-94da-ebf9d112159c_story.html