Activity 3.2.3 – Alternative Energy

     

Renewable energy is often referred to as alternative energy because generally most countries do not rely on it as their main source of energy (Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D., Pg.3). Some arguments for the use of alternative energy are things such as conventional energy sources are dwindling or because renewable or that alternative resources are practically “unlimited” (Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D., Pg.7)

 One good source of alternative energy would be solar energy. Solar energy can be described as “The ultimate energy source “because without thinking about it we use it in our daily lives (Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D., Pg.7). Solar energy has been used for generations to heat homes and to water. It is a completely renewable resource that has the ability to cut down on toxins such as greenhouse gas emissions. Solar also has the advantage that it does not produce any water, air, or noise pollution.

 While it does have its pluses it also comes with the difficulty of trying to capture that energy. Some locations are not suitable for solar energy (Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D., Pg.7) Think about Seattle and how well it is known for its rainy cloudy days versus somewhere like here in Texas that gets a great amount of sun year-round. Seattle would not be a particularly good place for solar, but Texas would be a prime spot for it.  It also cannot be stored and used whenever we may please (Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. Pg.7). This puts us at a disadvantage for those locations that may get sun on some days and not on others also. Solar is also impacted by the weather that comes with the various seasons. Without the ability to store that energy in order for solar to be effective, it would need to be in a location where bright sunlight is a constant year-round. They also run at a high cost. Environmentalscience.org prices for the average system it will run you approximately twenty thousand dollars (David Neland, n.d.).

 

 

Works Cited:

Mutiti, S., Mutiti, C., Manoylov, K., VandeVoort, A., & Bennett, D. (2018). Introduction to environmental science (3rd ed.). Biological Science Open Textbooks. University System of Georgia. Pgs.1-37

 

David NewlandA frequent writer for National Geographic and Smithsonian. “David Newland.” EnvironmentalScience.org, https://www.environmentalscience.org/solar-power-101.