Solar Energy: The Ultimate Renewable Energy Resource Essays -- Argumen

The current use of fossil fuels as our main energy source has two drawbacks their inevitable depletion and the pollution associated with combustion. These two drawbacks in addition to the growing concern of global warming has pushed for the development of more sustainable sources of energy, namely solar energy and its derivatives (i.e. wind power). Solar energy is ch bothenge for its potential to meet all our demands, while proving to be a pollution free resource.(Bohn, 2009) Solar energy originates from the thermonuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sunbathe. Leaving all the byproducts of the reactions behind in the sun, the energy that reaches the Earth is pure radiant energy. This energy represents the entire electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from x-rays to radio waves. Most of the suns energy, forty-three percent, is in the form of visible light, which can be harnessed for electrical production. The amount of energy hitting the Earth is incredibly large by one calcu lation, a month of sunshine has the equivalent energy of all the planets used and unused fossil fuels.(Huang, 2007) However, the nature of solar energy has two disadvantages. The sun does not shine consistently throughout the day due to clouds and other atmospheric factors, which can be problem for constant electricity and heat production. Moreover, solar energy cannot be used for nighttime production. The other shortcoming is that the energy from the sun is a diffuse source, that is, it falls over a wide area. In order to utilize this energy, it must be concentrated into a form and amount we can use, such as heat and electricity. These problems are addressed in the three steps used to harness the suns energy collection, conversion, and stor... ...Need for Wind Power. International Journal of Heritage Studies 15.2/3 (2009)Academic reckon Premier. EBSCO. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.5 Huang, Y.F., et al. Mitigating Environmental Pollution and Impacts from Fossil Fuels The Role of Altern ative Fuels. Energy Sources Part A Recovery, Utilization & Environmental Effects 29.12 (2007) 1069-1080. Academic lookup Premier. EBSCO. Web. 14 Mar. 2015.6 Kolbert, Elizabeth. The Acid Sea. National Geographic April. 2011 100-121. Print.7 Thomas, Chacko, Philip Jennings, and Dilawar Singh. New Markets for Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems. AIP Conference Proceedings 941.1 (2007) 142-153. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.8 Luckerson, Victor. Glaciers Are Crumbling in Southern Antarctica Faster Than Previously Thought Time.com May 22, 2015 Web. 25 Mar. 2015.http//time.com/tag/climate-change/