Without the sun, life could not exist on earth. Plants use the sun’s light to make food, and hundreds of millions of years ago, decaying plants produced the coal, oil and natural gas that we use today. Solar energy uses technology to capture the power from the sun’s rays. At present, the Delaware Nation in Oklahoma is constructing a 37.5 kilowatt solar array on the roof of its complex that is expected to supply 30 percent of power for the buildings. Chevron Corporation is also relying on steam generated by solar panels in its oil field in Coalinga, California, to heat crude oil. Photovoltaic (PVs) cells, concentrating solar power technologies and solar-heated water, are other solar technologies being developed by the Department of Energy. PV cells are used for everything from powering watches to the electric grid.
Solar Pros:
1) Solar energy is secure,
2) Solar energy is normally reliable in certain areas of the country,
3) Solar energy is clean.
Solar Cons:
1) Solar energy can be costly to produce,
2) Solar energy is largely financed by government incentives.
The Solar Energy Industry is at a crossroads as stated in an example in the March 25, 2013 issue of USA Today: “BrightSource Energy is planning to open its $2.2 billion electricity plant, which it is building with partners NRG Energy and Google, near Las Vegas…but, (BrightSource) still scrambles for money.”
The necessary capital necessary to launch solar energy to the mass markets is very challenging. “The solar business is another example where only a few companies have paid off for the investors.”
As consumers of energy, we must drive the process, evaluating how we can best leverage our natural resources here at home to ensure long-term energy independence and security. Continued research and technological advancement will play an important role in the future of solar energy.
U. S. Energy Independence Means Jobs, Security and Economic Development And America Needs America’s Energy!
Please let me know what you think, go to www.peopleseenergyplan.com Facebook: America Needs America’s Energy, with 5000 supporters and counting. — America Needs America’s Energy: Creating Together the People’s Energy Plan!