Linking Assignment- Solar Panels

Environmental sustainability has become an unavoidable conversation. From food sourcing, waste, and pollution, to renewable sources of energy. As fossil fuels continue to deplete, there is an urgency to switch from traditional sources of energy to clean and renewable energy. There are many forms of renewable energy but today we will be exploring the pros and cons of solar energy. Is solar energy really a viable alternate energy source?

As the name suggests, solar power converts the energy from the sun into useable energy. This energy can be used for electricity, heat, or heating water.

There are many benefits to this type of energy. Solar energy can reduce electricity bills by producing your own energy rather than paying a company for all the energy for your home, this also allows for energy independence. There may also be federal and state tax benefits to those who install solar energy to their home. One of the most frequently discussed benefits of solar energy is that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy does not emit any greenhouse gases and therefore reduces overall greenhouse gases as more people invest in the technology.

While there are many advantages to using solar energy, there are also many disadvantages. One of the largest concerns that surrounds solar energy is that it relies on the sun. This means that nighttime and overcast days effect the efficiency of solar energy. Solar panels are also hard for many individuals and businesses to afford because the initial payment is expensive. Solar energy is also not as efficient as traditional forms of energy and thus may not be as effective with many electronic devices running on it.

While both sides have valid arguments, solar energy is still the most promising form of renewable energy. We must continue to work towards renewable forms of energy and reducing pollutions and greenhouse gas emissions in future years for our posterity. To learn more about renewable forms of energy, check out "Top Renewable Energy Resources."