Solar Energy (Alternative Source of Energy)
Introduction
Solar energy is the type of energy that the sun radiates, as either heat or light through a process known as nuclear fusion. It forms part of the renewable power available on earth. Humanity is heavily dependent on solar energy in the sense that, plants it to photosynthesize. Animals and human beings also use solar energy for the synthesis of vitamin D. When harnessed by human beings through modern technology, solar energy can be used in various applications in the contemporary life.
Thesis statement; solar energy being freely and readily available should be considered strongly as alternative source of energy.
Discussion
Different views have been put forward on how to make full use of the free gift of nature in the form of solar energy to help improve lives in the contemporary world. The economic factor has been the overriding issue in the debate. In their article titled Solar Power for the poor: facts and figures, David J. Grimshaw and Sian Lewis, demonstrate on reasons why solar energy should be considered as an alternative source of energy. In this article, the authors clearly note that for any socio-economic development to take place, electricity is vital (Grimshaw & Lewis). They put in a valuable argument that since the poor does not always have access to electricity due to failed grid extension to those regions, why not try solar energy? The article illustrates that the earth has the capacity to produce more energy in an hour than the amount of energy world population consume in a year. The article gives relevant examples on how solar energy could be utilized such as solar cookers, solar radio, solar fencing and solar lightings. Solar energy performs similar activities to electricity at a cheaper rate.
In another article titled Solar Energy Projects, by Anita van Wyk, there is a straightforward indication on the need for solar energy. In this article, Anita explains how suns energy can sustain scientific projects as well as generate electric energy for home usage. Swimming pools and hot water storage can be operated cheaply and efficiently through harnessing of solar energy through solar panels, which reduces the dependency on electricity (Wyk). This article is authoritative in the sense that it is backed with examples and readily available for question since it is easily accessible.
In the third article by Lauren Thompson entitled Solar panel myth: Experts slash for how much panels will save you, the need for solar energy comes out clearly. Supported with facts and numbers, Lauren expresses the view of experts to help cut down the cost for citizens by the use of solar panels (Thompson.). The article is very effective since it is from the experts and supported with numbers that are known not to lie.
Conclusion
Based on critical evaluation of the articles in this document, it comes out clearly on why it is necessary to consider and embrace solar energy as an alternative source. Solar is free and the sun has a greater capacity of producing this energy within a year for certain regions going as far as 300 days, why not cut down our expenses and improve living standards in such areas with the use of solar energy? Statistics support that solar energy is effective, therefore as an alternative power source its awareness should increase.
Works Cited
Lauren Thompson. Solar panel myth: Experts slash estimates for how much panels will save you. Retrieved from:
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/article-2011540/Energy-experts-slash-estimates-household-savings-using-solar-panels.html
On 5th July, 2011
Anita Van Wyk. Solar Energy Projects, Retrieved From:
http://facts-about-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-projects.html
David J. Grimshaw and Sian Lewis Solar Power for the poor: facts and figures, Retrieved from:
http://www.scidev.net/en/features/solar-power-for-the-poor-facts-and-figures-1.html
