Switching to solar power can do a world of good
Happy Earth Day 2010! Its the 40th anniversary of the annual event which is intended to raise awareness of environmental and climate issues.
On Earth Day this year, we’re proposing that you consider solar energy as a means to reduce your use of fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Consider these facts about solar power, and you’ll probably agree:
1. More energy hits the earth from the sun in one hour that the whole world uses all year. For those of you that want numbers, approximately 120,000 terrawatts (TW) hits the earth’s surface each day. Over the course of a year, the world uses a mere 15 TW of energy.
2. Solar power can be used to generate electricity and to heat water (or to cook food, as well). The two most common types of solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into energy, and solar thermal panels that absorb heat and through which water is circulated to heat for domestic use, swimming pools, and even brewing processes.
Solar cell tube array
3. PV solar cells were invented in 1954 by Bell Telephone researchers. Over the past 50 years, production of PV panels has increased dramatically – particularly in the past 5 years. In 2004 alone, worldwide production of solar panels increased 60%! From 2008-2009, residential solar panels doubled their solar electricity production, at the same time that the home solar market also doubled in size.
4. Although the PV cell wasn’t created until the mid-20th century, Leonardo Da Vinci conceived of the use of solar power to heat water for industrial use as early as the 15th century!
5. Using solar energy produces no air or water pollution and no greenhouse gas emissions. Although the manufacturing of solar panels may involve some toxic materials and chemicals, proper disposal of solar cells at their life’s end is just as important as recycling your cell phone or computer. Moreover, the potential impact on the environment is minimal compared to the CO2 impacts of gas, oil, and coal.
Solar panels to reduce fossil fuel reliance
6. Solar panels have a current efficiency conversion rate of about 15%. This means that of the sunlight absorbed by a panel, 15% of the energy can be converted to solar electricity. Considering that the amount of sunshine falling on Australia is more than 15,000 times its total energy use, even a 15% conversion rate would produce 2,000 times the demand (if all of the solar energy could be captured).
7. Save the environment by going solar. The energy output of 1 kilowatt (KW) solar energy unit can replace the equivalent of burning of 170 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of carbon dioxide. I think Mother Earth just breathed easier!
8. Germany leads the world in solar panel installations. The country is followed by Italy, Japan, and the U.S.
9. Solar panel prices have fallen 40% over the past few years. Couple the reduced retail cost with increased federal, state and local tax rebates and other incentives, and you could save 30-80% off the price of solar panels.
Now's the time to go solar!
9. The largest solar power plant is located in the Mojave Desert in California. Solar reflectors cover 1000 acres (about 4 square kilometers). The solar plant generates 90% of the world’s commercially produced solar power!
Why not give a gift to your Mother on Earth Day? We hope these facts about solar power will encourage you to go solar.
The planet you save may just be your own!
Tags: cut greenhouse gas emissions, earth day 2010, facts about solar power, go solar, PV solar cells, reduce fossil fuels, solar power facts
You have null and voided any validity you started with after your 1st fact. You obviously do not understand the difference between power and energy.