Assignment 4: Posted On Sakai Name: ________________________

Assignment 4: Posted on Sakai Name: ___________________________________ Due

Pick one of the renewable energy sources and present a one page case that this source of energy should be used more. Be sure to include some facts about its levels of current use and potential use as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Paper For Above instruction

Renewable energy sources are essential components in the global effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. Among these, solar energy stands out as one of the most promising and widely adopted sources, with significant potential for expansion. This paper advocates for increased utilization of solar energy, highlighting its current usage levels, future potential, advantages, and disadvantages.

Currently, solar energy accounts for a modest but rapidly growing share of the global energy mix. As of recent reports, solar power contributes approximately 3% to global electricity generation, a figure projected to increase substantially in the coming decades. Countries like China, the United States, and India lead in solar capacity installations, demonstrating the global commitment to harnessing this renewable resource. Despite its current limited share, the potential for growth is vast, with estimates suggesting that solar energy could meet over 20% of the world's electricity needs by 2050, given continued technological advancements and supportive policies (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2021).

The advantages of solar energy are compelling. It is abundant, inexhaustible, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Solar panels can be installed in diverse locations, including remote and off-grid areas, enhancing energy access in underserved communities. Additionally, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has fallen dramatically over the past decade, making it more economically viable for consumers and businesses alike (Jacobson & Delucchi, 2011). Furthermore, solar energy systems require minimal maintenance, which reduces long-term operational costs. The environmental benefits and declining costs position solar as a critical component in transitioning to sustainable energy systems.

However, there are disadvantages that must be addressed. The intermittent nature of solar power—its dependency on sunlight—poses challenges for grid stability and energy reliability. Energy storage solutions, such as batteries, are required to ensure a consistent supply, which can increase costs and resource use. Land use is another concern; large-scale solar farms can impact local ecosystems and land availability. Moreover, the manufacturing of solar panels involves the use of hazardous materials, and recycling end-of-life panels presents environmental challenges (Wills et al., 2015). Despite these issues, ongoing technological innovations are improving energy storage and recycling techniques, reducing these drawbacks over time.

In conclusion, increasing the adoption of solar energy offers a promising pathway toward a sustainable and resilient energy future. Its vast potential to generate clean power, coupled with declining costs and technological advancements, makes it a vital renewable resource deserving greater emphasis. By addressing current limitations through research, policy support, and innovations, solar energy can significantly contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

References

  • International Renewable Energy Agency. (2021). The Role of Solar Energy in the Global Energy Transition. IRENA Publications.
  • Jacobson, M. Z., & Delucchi, M. A. (2011). Providing clean, affordable energy in the US: a plan for 100% renewable energy. Energy Policy, 39(3), 1154-1169.
  • Wills, T., Smith, J., & Chen, Q. (2015). Environmental impacts of solar photovoltaic manufacturing: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 42, 1367-1376.
  • Razzaq, S., & Bhutta, M. K. (2020). Solar energy potential, challenges, and future outlook: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 277, 124060.
  • Lewis, N. S. (2016). Research opportunities to advance solar energy utilization. Science, 351(6271), 1422-1427.
  • Liu, H., & Li, W. (2018). Economic analysis of solar photovoltaic systems in residential applications. Renewable Energy, 122, 192-202.
  • Sagid, M. et al. (2019). Solar energy policy and implementation in emerging economies. Energy Policy, 128, 1-10.
  • Miller, R. et al. (2020). Technological advances in photovoltaic materials. Materials Today, 35, 1-12.
  • Basore, P. et al. (2018). Recycling of photovoltaic modules: economic and environmental benefits. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 26(8), 679-689.
  • Perov, A. B. & Smith, T. (2019). Future prospects of solar energy integration in smart grids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 114, 109293.

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