Solar energy is sunlight that we gather using different methods. It’s talked about a lot in renewable energy because it’s a strong and limitless power source from the sun.
This makes it a great way to get electricity. It is good for the environment and also saves money.
This article discusses solar energy and its effects on society.
Due to higher demand, solar technology has improved significantly in the last ten years. Now, it’s an effective way to obtain clean energy for homes, businesses, and industries. In the future, we’ll all benefit from solar power somehow.
Solar Energy: An Overview
As concerns about climate change increase due to too much carbon emissions, countries are exploring cleaner energy options to replace fossil fuels.
Among these clean energy choices, solar energy has historically been expensive, but costs are dropping. Considering the advantages and disadvantages, along with expected price decreases, the future of solar energy appears promising.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the power we get from the sun. It’s crucial for life on Earth and can be used by humans to make electricity. Solar energy is created through nuclear fusion that happens inside the sun.
This fusion occurs when hydrogen atoms’ protons crash together in the sun’s core, creating helium. This process, known as a PP (proton-proton) chain reaction, releases much energy. The sun combines around 620 million metric tons of hydrogen every second.
This makes the sun act like a nuclear reactor, sending out tiny packets of energy called photons. These photons travel 150 million kilometers to Earth’s surface in just over eight minutes.
Harnessing Solar Energy
Different technologies can capture solar energy and turn it into electrical power for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and anywhere else we need electricity. Solar technologies include photovoltaic cells and panels, concentrated solar energy, and solar architecture.
They can use either active solar energy (using mechanical or electrical devices to convert solar energy into heat or electricity) or passive solar energy (using the local climate to heat or cool structures).
How do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels have cells that capture sunlight. When sunlight hits these cells, electrons in the atoms move around. Each cell contains a semiconductor (often silicon) that absorbs sunlight and releases electrons.
An electric field then guides these electrons into an electric current. The current flows in one direction, and metal contacts on the top and bottom of each cell direct this current to where we require electricity.
Solar panels comprise many solar cells, and when they are wired together, they form a solar array. This current can be used for small things like solar-powered calculators or significant things like power stations. The more panels you have, the more energy you can produce.
How Solar Energy Will Change the Future?
Solar power has the potential to change our future by providing much of the electricity we require without using fossil fuels. Even though solar tech is still developing, it’s becoming more affordable, and more people are seeing its benefits.
Because of concerns about global warming, solar energy is a big deal worldwide. Many scientists think that by 2030, solar will be the top source of renewable energy globally.
The Renewable Energy Target (RET) is an Australian Government scheme that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector and increase renewable electricity generation.
The RET targets delivering an extra 33,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity from renewable sources every year from 2020 to 2030.
We’re seeing more electric vehicles that use solar power for electricity instead of fuel, which can help reduce noise pollution. Solar energy can also help protect aquatic life by replacing hydroelectricity turbines.
Solar energy will play a significant role in the future of electricity in Australia and worldwide. It will power homes, businesses, manufacturing, streetlights, and more.
Solar Energy And Its Impact On Society
Creating Jobs
Building and running solar energy facilities often creates many jobs. Workers are needed to plan, develop, build, manage, and operate these projects. Using solar energy to generate electricity can create new jobs and help lower unemployment in the areas where these facilities are located.Economic Impact
Solar energy can boost the economy in different ways. More jobs mean more people earning money to spend, which helps the national economy. Also, using solar power is cheaper than burning fossil fuels for electricity. So, if homes or businesses use solar power, they can save a lot on electricity bills over time. This extra money can then be spent in the economy, benefiting families and businesses.Health
Using solar panels to generate energy produces less air pollution than burning fossil fuels, making solar energy much cleaner. Cities or areas that use solar power for buildings will have cleaner air, which can improve the health of people living and working there. Burning fossil fuels also contributes to global warming, but solar panels don’t release harmful pollutants that damage the atmosphere or worsen global warming. Switching to solar energy can help reduce the effects of global warming, like rising sea levels and stronger storms.Solar Energy Reduces Pollution.
Unlike other energy sources, solar power plants do not pollute air, water, or greenhouse gases. Solar energy systems can indirectly benefit the community and the environment by replacing non-renewable energy sources that harm the environment. Conventional sources like natural gas, oil, and coal involve mining and burning fossil fuels. Solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, which reduces air pollution.Conservation of Resources
Traditional energy sources involve mining and burning fossil fuels, but solar panels use sunlight, which is unlimited. Installing solar panels dramatically reduces air pollution compared to coal and nuclear power plants that require large amounts of water for cooling and pose risks to local water bodies.Reduce the Strain on Non-renewable Fuels
The world’s population continues to grow, but natural resources are limited and can run out over time. Adopting solar power reduces dependence on non-renewable resources.
The sun provides abundant energy—173,000 terawatts per second—making it a sustainable alternative to costly and finite fossil fuels.
Prevents Environmental Damage from Mining
Mining for fossil fuels harms the environment, causing soil pollution and disrupting habitats. Solar energy eliminates the need for deep mining, reducing environmental devastation and risks to miners’ health.
Reduces Dependency on Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear power plants produce no greenhouse gases but pose environmental risks due to radioactive waste. Solar panels offer a cleaner alternative, reducing the need for costly waste treatment and promoting a healthier society.
Energy Independence
Relying on other countries for energy can be costly due to import duties. Using renewable energy like solar reduces a nation’s dependence on foreign sources. Solar panels are durable and can withstand natural disasters, enhancing energy security and independence.
Socio-Economic Impacts of Solar Energy
High Return on Investment
Solar panels may need an initial investment, but they quickly save money. By using solar energy, people can lower their monthly utility bills and avoid relying solely on traditional electricity sources like lighting and cooking. This saves money compared to expensive utility connections.
Energy Security
Using solar power means you’re not solely dependent on your city’s power grid, which can sometimes be unreliable or insufficient. Solar panels, along with battery storage, can provide energy even during power outages, ensuring a steady source of electricity.
Regional Development
Solar energy can be used in areas with limited access to electricity, promoting development projects like schools and clinics. This improves living standards and welfare in remote regions without a utility grid.
Lower Energy Costs
Solar energy can provide cheaper and more reliable power than other energy sources, especially in developing or under-developed countries. This affordability allows communities to create and improve their living conditions.
Empowerment of the Masses
As solar energy becomes more affordable, communities can become self-sufficient and reduce reliance on traditional energy providers. This shift empowers communities and reduces economic inequality by giving them more control over energy production and distribution.
