How Can Solar Energy Help The World?
The real question about solar energy might better be stated as "How could solar energy not help the world?"
Were you aware that one single kerosene lamp, commonly the only piece of lighting equipment in many rural areas and developing countries will emit about one ton of carbon emissions over a seven-year period? I know, that doesn't sound terrible...until you think about the fact that there are approximately 2.5 billion people on the planet who don't have access to any kind of power other than kerosene, other fossil fuels, or animal dung for heat and light. Now we're talking about a pretty big impact, right?
Were you aware that the average U. S. citizen emits 27 tons (54,000 pounds) of greenhouse gases a year from using fossil fuels? Well, that's what it says at Nature's Conservancy. That's what I would call a large carbon footprint.
With solar energy, we can help the world not only to survive, but to thrive. Using solar energy can allow us to reduce environmental pollution. Using solar energy for heat, lights, and production and movement of water, is both feasible and vital for the Earth to survive and grow.
Possessing excellent solar energy potential, many third world countries are simply unaware of its existence as a way to provide electrical power. Or, they consider it too expensive, or too hard to get. With their lack of conventional power, they are also the biggest potential market for solar and other renewable energy systems.
The sun provides an unlimited supply of renewable clean energy. Whatever we do to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, while increasing our reliance on solar energy, makes a difference for our world. Every watt of power generated from fossil fuel increases the world's pollution. Every watt of power generated from the sun is pollution-free.
Using solar energy is cost free...after paying for the initial cost of components and installation. There's no maintenance, and solar energy is silent, thereby reducing noise pollution as well.
The average home currently emits about 18 tons of greenhouse gas into the environment in a year with fossil fuel...no such pollution exists with solar energy.
A big advantage on the global scale is the creation of self-sufficient home solar energy in many rural areas where conventional (normal) power distribution just isn't viable economically.
One of the most prominent organizations in bringing solar energy to the developing world is an organization called SELF, Solar Energy Light Fund, which describes itself as a "cutting edge, independent, not-for-profit organization that designs and implements sustainable energy solutions for enhancements in health, education, agriculture and economic growth in the developing world."
Partnered with government and non-governmental organizations, SELF has helped to bring electrification to villages and homes that had no existing resources, in more than 15 developing countries. Their work on numerous projects has helped provide solar energy powered electricity for irrigation and water systems, as well as health clinics and schools. In addition, this has produced income-generating work in poverty-stricken areas.
Today's solar panels are predicted to have an average life of about 25 years, with a 10-year payback period. The costs are expected to decrease significantly with thin film technologies, which will also increase innovative use and flexibility of solar panels. This is particularly true for thin film batteries, where the market is exploding.
Solar energy is gaining momentum worldwide. It's a technology that works. Investment in solar energy is growing, and as it becomes more and more widely adopted, economies of scale, and funding for new technological efficiencies will make it even more economical. As the price of gasoline and other fossil fuels continue to climb, there is no question more and more individuals, companies, and countries will move to solar energy as their source of power for home, vehicle and other energy needs.
We now know that solar energy works...and it is here to stay. Without a doubt, the faster we replace fossil fuel with solar energy as our primary energy source, the better off we...and our environment...will be.
by: Timothy Peters.
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