Solar energy has been a promising alternative energy source for many years now. With the increasing costs of non-renewable fossil fuels, the need for alternative energy sources has become more pressing. In this article, we will discuss the various arguments against solar energy and how they can be addressed.
The High Costs of Solar Energy
One of the primary arguments against solar energy is the high costs of its utilization. The production of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are used to convert solar energy into electricity, is indeed expensive compared to traditional oil and gas equipment. However, this argument fails to take into account other ways of harnessing solar energy that may be more cost-effective.
The Limitations of Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells have some limitations in terms of their ability to harness solar energy. They can only generate electricity during the daytime, and even then, the efficiency of the panels can be reduced by cloud covers, rain, fog, and smog. To overcome these limitations, we need equipment that can maximize the amount of solar power that can be harnessed, as well as ways to store that energy for use during interruptions.
The Advancements in Solar Thermal Technology
One alternative to photovoltaic cells is solar thermal technology. In this process, various solar collectors are used to generate heat, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including heating homes, generating electricity, and powering ventilation systems. The use of mirrors or lenses to reflect sunlight onto towers equipped with liquids that heat up and produce steam is also a promising approach. The steam then turns turbines, which in turn generates the electricity needed. Although this process adds another step compared to photovoltaics, it is generally considered to be more cost-effective for large-scale power production.
The Future of Solar Energy
Despite the high costs of production, the future of solar energy is bright. The gap between the costs of solar energy and traditional fuels has been closing in recent years, and it is likely that future developments in the field of science and technology will lead to even more cost-effective products. Additionally, there are other techniques of harnessing solar energy that may be more cost-efficient than photovoltaics.
In conclusion, solar energy could provide a large amount of clean, renewable energy. Even though there are good reasons why it shouldn’t be used, these can be dealt with by using other methods and waiting for science and technology to improve. Solar energy does have a bright future, and we should continue to learn more about it and put money into it.
