Exploring Both The Importance of Solar Energy and Its Drawbacks

In an era marked by increasing energy demands and growing environmental concerns, the search for sustainable and renewable energy sources has become more pressing than ever before. Among these alternatives, solar energy stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun's radiation to generate electricity and heat, offering a clean, abundant, and inexhaustible resource that can revolutionize the world's energy landscape. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and depleting fossil fuel reserves, the importance of solar energy cannot be overstated. This essay delves into the pivotal role of solar energy in addressing these challenges, exploring its diverse applications, advantages, and potential to reshape the global energy paradigm. From its remarkable growth in recent years to its transformative impact on various sectors, the adoption and utilization of solar energy have the potential to herald a new era of sustainable development.

Solar Energy: Its Definition and Usage

Solar energy is a kind of renewable energy and also the most abundant renewable energy source that is accessible and free to all countries. It is a type of energy that comes from its main source which is the sun’s radiation that passes through the Earth’s surface. This type of energy is very useful and convenient for all. It comes from an infinite source which means continuous and never-ending that will probably fill up the needs of not only the people but also all the other living organisms. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that is a good alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. Unlike other type of energy, solar energy is more recommendable to use since it cause no pollution on the environment for it does not release any harmful gases. Solar energy has many uses that lead to the betterment of people’s lives. An example of the main use of solar energy is that it is nowapplied for heating of buildings, cooling of buildings, heat generation for industries, food refrigeration, heating of water, distillation, drying,cooking, power generation and other various processes. 

There already is a huge development of the usage of solar energy in different appliances and machineries. Each country in the world adapts easily to the usage of solar energy for it is proven that it is very useful. Solar system or solar energy can not just be used in appliances and machineries but it can effectively be used for other broad places or communities such as villages for it is affordable. Solar energy helps in the economic growth of the country of which it is at because people are more likely to avail technologies that are powered by solar energy since its products are known to be low-cost yet very effective and can be really used by all. The role of solar power in the future depends on many factors, mainly related to policies, technology development and cost of competing technologies. But if there are products that is powered by solar energy and proven effective then the cost of competing with other technologies will not be a problem anymore for people will buy things that they found cheap yet very useful.

Solar Panels as Examples of Things That Utilize Solar Energy

Solar panels are example of things that utilize solar energy. Solar panels, consists of photovoltaic cells that changes incoming sunlight into electricity instead heat. These work by absorbing the energy that comes from the sun and converting it into electricity. Solar panels are can be easily seen in markets today for its proven effectiveness. Since its main source is the energy that comes from the sun, performance of solar panels is highly influenced by number of environmental factors especially sunshine intensity,cloudiness and wind speed. If the place where in the solar panel is located is not getting enough energy from the sun, the effectiveness of it will be affected. Solar panels are very useful in terms of converting solar energy into electricity. Also, one of the main reasons for using solar panels is to maintain eco-friendliness since it causes no harmful effects to the environment in which it is placed.

There are two main materials that are being researched for solar panels. The first one is the Phase-Change Materials and the second one is the Biosolar Materials. Phase change materials (PCMs) are currently a common method for storing extra energy to use when the solar panel is not producing electricity. On the otherhand, biosolar materials generate electricity by harnessing the electrons released during the photosynthesis and respiration cycles inside microorganisms. On a research conducted by Vaughan et. al, they have been found out that biosolar material solar panels will be the best choice of solar panel material for communities to use as renewable energy. Biosolar material solar panels will be efficient, eco-friendly, and low cost energy providers. 

Solar Energy Usage in Different Countries

Solar energy often provide least-cost options for economic and community development in rural regions around the globe, while supplying electricity, creating local jobs, and promoting economic development with clean energy resources. This is why there are countries that are really adapting to using of the solar energy. India is ranked number one in terms of solar energy production per watt installed. The biggest solar park is also located in here. With this, it can be proven that their sources are being well-used for they are able to build a park that can provide electricity through the use of solar energy. Another country that is known for the usage of solar energy is Nigeria. Nigeria is also known for having a lot of sources such as biomass and solar energy sources. Solar energy is highly abundant in Nigeria and can be converted to any form of energy using different processes. The development of solar energy is being worked on by the people in Nigeria. There have been establishment of research centers at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, South East Nigeria that focuses mainly on how to develop the usage of solar energy in their country.

Another country that uses solar energy is USA. In USA, they lowered costs of the production of PV cells, plus government subsidies and incentive programs to further reduce the cost of solar panel installations, has led to the growth of the fraction of solar energy. Doing thing that helped in lowering the costs of solar panel installations is a very intelligent move that has been done in USA for this helped their people to have a chance to have a solar panel installed in their homes in a cheaper price. Japan is also a country that uses the power of solar energy. Japan is known for having a high level of technology among other countries. Solar energy in Japan is commonly used and consumed in buildings. The country also has made innovations of the usage of the solar energy such as solar-powered hot water systems. There are also countries that are adapting to the usage of solar energy but are not really into that level like India and Japan since other countries lack in sources and lack in fundings.

Evidences of Beneficial Effects of Using Solar Energy

With the continuous and huge increase in human population, our sources of energy also deplete through time. Utilization of renewable sources of energy must be implemented across the globe to solve this problem. Research papers and journals have been published to create public awareness about the many benefits of using solar power and to encourage the use of it. Compared to the widely used sources of energy that we have today, solar energy is mostly available in many parts of the world and will never be drained. The energy from the sun can be converted to electricity through photovoltaic solar cells or solar panels. As long as sunlight is available, solar energy will be efficient in supplying the energy needed by mankind. Therefore, the use of solar panels must be maximized in tropical countries such as the Philippines. This source of energy will not just help people but also save the environment from being polluted. Aside from the rapid depletion of our current non-renewable sources of energy, our environment is also at risk because of the harmful carbon dioxide emissions from these sources. This makes renewable sources more promising as the use of these can help in fighting pollution. Evidences about its benefit in the environment can be seen in studies conducted in Shanghai, and other researches dedicated to showing the environmental effect of solar energy use.

Although the installation of this technology requires an enormous amount of money, it is proven to be cost-effective once utilized. Again, the reason behind this is because of sunlight’s wide availability which is free. As individuals, we must advocate the use of renewable sources not just for our own benefit, but also for the environment. Among the renewable sources available, solar energy can be considered as this is more known to public and because of the benefits it provides.

Hidden Side of Utilization of Solar Energy

Technology always comes with advantages and disadvantages. Utilization of solar power is no exception to this. It is still inevitable for these types of technology to have specific risks and barriers. The first barrier is the cost of installing a device to convert sunlight to useful energy. Without solar panels or other materials needed to convert sunlight, it would still be useless especially to countries who can’t afford installation of those. An example is the Philippines. Philippines is a tropical country which is perfect for solar power. However, the country lacks fund in installation of this technology so we remain dependent on non-renewable sources of energy. Another thing is installation of this technology requires a huge space. The equipment to be used in converting energy requires a huge area. This continues to be a problem especially now that population increases rapidly. The spaces available for installation becomes more limited through time. Another prevalent problem in solar power is the public’s lack of enough knowledge about it.

Awareness about solar energy must be given enough attention because people’s perception and acceptance about this renewable energy is widely affected by the amount of knowledge they possess about the matter. In connection to that, the government plays a crucial role in disseminating information about renewable sources. If the government will not prioritize this, the solar energy of the country will not grow. For example, since the fund of the Philippine Government dedicated to science and research development is low, there are only few developments in the use of solar panels. Other risks include very minimal environmental risks associated with the creation of solar panels or other related technologies.

The great number of risks and barriers emphasized in most articles mirrors the careful analyzation of solar energy. Since this still new to most countries, these risks are being feared by the government and the people. However, solar power is among the sources of renewable energy that gives us hope for a better future and environment which is why we can’t give up on it. There are researches dedicated to giving suggestions on how to utilize and improve solar energy. Among those is a study conducted in the Philippines which enumerated some suggestions in using solar energy such as financial support from government, social awareness and preparation and using local materials for easier maintenance. It is very important for countries like the Philippines to know about these information as sunlight and solar power is widely available in these areas.

The government and its people must work together in utilizing this type of technology. Other suggestions focused more on educating the public about these energy. It is better to educate the public especially the young ones. It is for the reason that the future of the world and the energy relies on their decisions. Still, the perception of the adult about solar energy must be given attention too because their decisions on using renewable energy matter in saving the world.

Utilization of renewable energy such as solar power is one of the most important contributions of science and technology in our world. The negative environmental effects of energy use is very evident around us. The world is not ours so we must take actions in saving it so that the future generation can fully enjoy life on earth. The world is full of wonders. If we look around, we can see that the solutions to our problems are available around us. We are also gifted with intellect. All we have to do is make use of our knowledge and wisdom in maximizing the use of the solutions around us. Solar energy is equipped with many benefits. However, there are still disadvantages associated with it. Nevertheless, it is a safer choice. We just need to be innovative and critical in utilizing such technology.

Conclusion

The journey through the world of solar energy has illuminated the incredible potential this renewable source holds for shaping a more sustainable future. As we stand at the crossroads of environmental preservation and energy security, solar energy emerges as a guiding light. Its importance lies not only in its ability to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also in its capacity to catalyze economic growth, enhance energy independence, and empower communities worldwide.

In closing, the significance of solar energy is not confined to the energy sector alone. It resonates with a larger vision of harmony between human progress and environmental preservation. By harnessing the boundless power of the sun, we have the opportunity to reshape our relationship with the planet and secure a cleaner, more prosperous future for generations to come. The journey towards a solar-powered world may be complex, but it is one paved with hope, innovation, and the shared commitment to a better tomorrow.

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