Alternative energy:
is the use of alternative energy sources like renewable energy versus relying on conventional non renewable energy sources as in nuclear power or fossil fuels. Alternative energy includes solar energy, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass.
Arguments: Non renewable energy sources are becoming scarce and can have harsh effects on the environment. Many argue alternative energy is our only viable option to reverse environmental damage done by from using non renewable sources. Because alternative energy is renewable, we would likely not experience an energy crisis.
Solar Energy:
Is a renewable energy source when it is used and converted for heat or electricity. All renewable and non renewable energy sources use solar energy. It is considered the 'ultimate energy source that drives life on earth and almost all human activities' (Freedman, Bill). The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth is one billionth of the energy that leaves the sun. This is actually more than the world needs to suffice all energy needs.
There are two types of solar energy; passive and active solar power. Passive solar power does not use any type of technology or machines to harness solar energy. This type of solar energy is used to heat or cool down a home or building by natural ventilation. This will include windows to access sun power and heat absorbing floors and walls. Active solar energy will use technology and or machines to access solar power. An example of active solar energy is the use of solar panels.
Advantages: The greatest advantage of solar energy is that in most cases it is renewable. Utilizing this energy also has very minimal negative impacts on the environment. This is a huge advantage compared to other energy sources. Fossil fuels will emit greenhouse gases during production while solar energy will not. Solar energy is a clean energy that could help offset previous greenhouse gases that come from non renewable resources. According to the textbook Environmental Science, solar panel energy could be used to meet the worlds need for electricity. They state - "Many multi-megawatt power plants have also been built. Covering 4% of the world's desert areas with photovoltaics could supply the equivalent of all of the world's electricity. The Gobi Desert alone, if it were completely covered in PV panels, could supply almost all of the world's total electricity demand" (Freedman, Bill).
Disadvantages: While solar energy is a great energy source, it's not possible to evenly obtain this energy throughout the world. Some areas of the world don't get a lot of sunshine and if there's too many clouds very little solar energy can be retrieved and because solar energy can't be stored away it makes it very hard for certain areas to successfully access energy. There are a few safety concerns with solar energy; some solar thermal systems need special handling and disposal because hazardous fluids are used. While solar energy in most cases does not directly impact the environment, solar farms can negatively impact the environment. Because these types of farms require ample amount of land, they are widely built in deserts that have delicate ecosystems that inventively can be damaged by the solar panels.
Limitations: Limitations occur with the cost of harnessing solar energy. Majority of people don't obtain the funds to use solar energy in their life, they can not afford to purchase solar panels for their house. Not only is it initially expensive for the average person to have solar panels, its also very expensive to create solar farms. The turn around rate of profit is to slow for a majority of people to want to use this type of energy source. Another limitation is the disadvantage of parts of the world not being viable area to access solar energy is a huge limitation for this energy source.
References
Freedman, Bill. Environmental Science: a Canadian Perspective. W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library, 2012
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