solar+power-Z.+Shea-Hill

__Solar Power__: //The Gift from The Sun//

For a long time we have burned fossil fuels to run our cars, power our homes, and generate electricity. This method of producing energy has worked for us so far, but not for long. There are two major problems with fossil fuels: they will not be around forever and they are contributing to the drowning of Earth. Because of these issues, it is our resposibility to switch to a new method of producing energy. We need energy that is natural, powerful, and is coming from a reliable source and the funny thing is the answer has been over our heads the entire time (well, during the day anyhow). Our Sun, is the answer to our energy crisis. It is natural, very powerful, and it has been working well for over four billion years. The Sun's energy, known as solar power, has already become a popular form of energy, however, we continue to burn fossil fuels.



One of the cons of fossil fuels is that burning them releases carbon dioxide, which is bad for the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. In the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide traps heat from the sun in the earth's atmosphere and heats the planet, just like heat becomes trapped in a class greenhouse. Switching to a more efficient sorce of energy will mean not releasing as much CO2, thus protecting the planet from global warming. We have also been burning fossil fuels for years now and in a few decades we should run out. When that time comes we will have to switch to a different sorce of energy.



So we know we have to find a new, powerful, more efficint sorce of energy. Waterfalls are in limited supply, wind power only last as long as the wind blows, so why not solar energy? Each year, Earth recieves over 3,850 zettajoules(10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 joules of power!) of solar energy a year. Solar energy does not release carbon dioxide and the sun should be around for approximatly 10 billion years.



The process of converting sun light into electricity is called photovoltaics (photo = light; voltaic = electricity) and starts with the solar cell or photovoltaic cell. Solar cells are commonly seen powering simple calculators but assemblies of cells are used to make solar modules, which can be used to power much larger machines. Solar modules can also be used to power buildings and houses. But how does photovoltaics work? When sunlight strikes silicon semiconductors in the solar modual, the electrons in the silicon begin to move freely and create an electric current. That's the basic process and it can be used to power anything from calculators to skyscrapers. With over 3,850 zettajoules of power avalible to us, why doesn't //every// vehical, building, and home have a solar module of their own? The only problem with solar energy is the cost. Every vehical will need only one solar module, but every home would need a few to function properly. The price of //one// solar modual is $15,907 according to www.partsonsale.com and they claim they have "the lowest prices in the world". Let this give you idea how much it will cost to power the whole planet. Because of these prices solar photovoltaics provided only 0.04% of the world's total energy supply in 2004 and it is estimated to reach 0.40% by 2010. In other words, solar energy may be our final hope for power but it isn't going anywhere fast.

Solar moduals may be hard to get but their components aren't. Silicon, the main ingredient in solar moduals, is the second most abundant element on Earth. The Earth's crust is made up of 25.7% silicon and it is definetly not wasted. Silicon represents about 55% of the world's consumption and it's used in making alloys to produce cast parts in the automotive industry. Silicon wafers are used in transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors, semiconductor detectors, as well as solar cells. Silicon is also used to make silicones which make up about 40% of world consumption. Silicones are flexible, water-proof, chemical resistant polymers which have many uses. We have the component so why aren't we making the product? As stated in the earlier paragraph, silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth. It's also 55% of the world's consumption so it's safe to say silicon is in high demand. As we all know, when anything is in high demand it becomes expencive. Getting the silicon to build these moduals is so expencive and to make a profit, they must be sold at a high price of at least $15,900 a panel. Not only is silicon expencive, it only makes up about 25.7% of the Earth's crust. Yes, the Earth is very large but 25.7% is 25.7%. In other words, silicon is in high demand and limited supply. Too much to be given to a single cause.



So that is our problem, now let's think of a solution. Silicon, the main component in the solar modual, which is the main tool in collecting solar energy, is hard to aquire as it's already being used in other products. These other products ARE NOT as important as the energy which will allow the whole planet to live another million years or so! I mean, computer chips and other electronic parts are important but others like silicones are used for some of the most useless purposes. Cell phone covers, gloves, even breast implants are made of silicones; silicon that we need to build these solar moduals. America is one of the biggest consumers in the world so we're not exactly helping matters. We need to organize our priorities; fake breast or renewable energy! Unfortunitly many will go with the first choice. The point is we have a choice, and if we stop demanding for such wastes we can lower the high demand on silicon thus reducing the high cost of solar modual production. With more solar moduals in the world, we can harness the energy that will reduce carbon emission and keep the planet running until the end of the Earth. We have a limited amount of resourses in the world, so it's our job to conserve and recycle them to our benefit.

All of these product are made from silicone

In conclusion, solar power is the answer to our future energy crises. Not only is solar energy powerful, it doesn't give of carbon so it's safe for the environment. Solar moduals, with photovoltaics, can convert sunlight into the electricity that we need to power our homes, businesses, and vehicals. We must use elements such as silicon wisely to aid in the production of solar moduals. We have over 3,850 zettajoules of power a year open to us so we need to conserve our resources in order to get it.

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