SOLAR SYSTEM 2 Background Life on earth is only possible ✓ Solved

Life on earth is only possible because of the sun. The use of solar energy is, in fact, not as recent as many people think: the development of solar cell technology, specifically photovoltaic (PV) technology, started in the 19th century. During the first Industrial Revolution, French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the conversion from sunlight to electricity using PV cells. A couple of decades later, Charles Fritts, an American inventor, developed the first rooftop solar array using solar panels coated with selenium. The array only generated a feeble current because the relationship between sunlight and electricity generation was not fully comprehended.

Fortunately, Albert Einstein published a paper in 1905, which not only explains the photoelectric effect but also won him the Nobel Prize. These scientists pioneered solar technology and built a solid foundation for further development.

Solar Energy Systems

Hundreds of PV cells make up a solar array, which is then used to convert sunlight into electric power. Nowadays, electricity systems powered by solar energy have become a popular choice for both residential and commercial users. There are different kinds of solar cells developed to satisfy the various needs of consumers. The most common types of solar cells are made of crystalline silicon and thin-film technology.

Types of Solar Cells

  • Crystalline Silicon:

    • Monocrystalline

    • Polycrystalline

  • Thin-Film Technology:

    • Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)

    • Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS)

    • Amorphous Thin-Film Silicon

Advantages of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages, including a reduction in electricity bills, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and a minimal environmental footprint. It is a renewable resource that contributes to energy independence and enhances the sustainability of energy systems.

Challenges of Solar Energy

Despite its benefits, solar energy faces several challenges. The initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can be high, and the efficiency of solar energy conversion can vary based on geographical location and climatic conditions. Additionally, the disposal of old solar panels poses environmental challenges.

Current Downsides of Solar Panel Energy

While solar panels present a sustainable energy solution, there are significant downsides that must be addressed. First and foremost, the production of solar panels involves energy-intensive processes and materials like silicon and rare earth elements. Ethical dilemmas arise concerning the mining of these materials and the environmental degradation associated with it.

Furthermore, there is the issue of what to do with old or damaged solar cells once they reach the end of their lifecycle. Recycling methods are still developing, and improper disposal can lead to hazardous waste issues. Additionally, as more individuals and businesses utilize solar energy, there is a concern about the economic ramifications for those who remain on traditional power systems.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance the efficiency and sustainability of solar energy, research should continue into alternative solar technologies like quantum dot photovoltaic, organic photovoltaic, dye-sensitized solar cells, and perovskite solar cells, which may offer higher efficiencies and lower costs.

Policies should be implemented to address the social and economic implications of transitioning away from traditional power sources. This includes ensuring that the benefits of solar power are accessible to all socioeconomic groups, thereby avoiding an energy divide where only affluent individuals can afford solar installations. Initiatives to subsidize solar energy for low-income households could play a significant role in equitable energy distribution.

Conclusion

Solar energy technology has a rich history, filled with innovations that have led to significant advancements over the years. While the current methodologies in solar panel technology present challenges regarding efficiency and ethical production, ongoing research and development have the potential to overcome these hurdles. The discussions about the sustainability of solar energy, ethical dilemmas in production, and future directions highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach towards adopting this energy source. Ultimately, balancing the benefits of solar energy with its challenges is crucial for the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

References

  • Becquerel, A. E. (1839). "Memoir on the Effects of Rays." Annales de Chimie et de Physique.

  • Fritts, C. (1883). "On the Use of Selenium in Photovoltaic Cells." Journal of Electrical Engineering.

  • Einstein, A. (1905). "On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light." Annalen der Physik.

  • Fraunhofer, J. (1825). "On the Absorption of Light." Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie.

  • Cheng, X., & Fong, A. (2020). "An Overview of Thin Film Solar Cell Technologies." Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.

  • Ho, C., & Goh, K. (2018). "Environmental Impact of Solar Energy Production." Environmental Science & Technology.

  • Kalogirou, S. A. (2014). "Solar Energy Engineering: Processes and Systems." Academic Press.

  • International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). "Renewable Energy Market Update: 2021." IEA Publications.

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2022). "Photovoltaic Research." NREL Reports.

  • World Economic Forum. (2021). "The Future of Solar Energy: Pathways to a Sustainable Future." WEF Reports.