Solar remains something of a buzzword floating around in todays headlines. Although we hear so much about solar energy, we don’t see much of it being utilized in our energy economy. This lack of application is not because solar is a new concept to us. In fact, solar was used by the ancient Pharaohs to heat their palaces, and here we are, sitting in the 21st century and we still haven’t been able to fully utilize solar technology. In truth, the difficulty lies in moving away from the lesser technologies which our current economy relies on, and configuring solar systems that can store sufficient levels of energy.In recent years, it has become more and more apparent that harnessing solar energy is important to the global economy, as well as the health of our environment. Oil is a dwindling provision, and nuclear energy is potentially catastrophic, but solar energy is available in abundance and its application does not create a bigger problem than it solves:
Advantages
•The initial installation cost for solar systems is high.
•Solar energy is only able to generate electricity during daylight hours. Therefore solar energy needs to be stored when produced for consumption later or an alternative source of energy is required for night use.
•During very cloudy days, production of electricity is reduced.
•Solar panels require a lot of roof space. Some find this unattractive and do not want to put the panel on their land. This issues is being tackled with a new generation of solar panels that blend in with roof tiles.
•People living in apartments, in general, cannot install solar panels due to lack of roof space.
Disadvantages
• Produces no pollution.
• Does no contribute to global warming acid rain or smog.
Is a renewable resource, it will never run out.
Can be generated without direct sunlight.
• Saves you money on your electric bills.
• Can actually make you money by selling it back to the electric utility companies when you’re not using what you produce.
• Can be stored for use later when you’re not producing using more electricity than you produce.
•Solar Energy systems are virtually maintenance free and will last for decades.
• Can be used where it’s not practical or too expensive to install high voltage cables.
•The only cost is the initial installation cost.
•You can receive up to 50% off the installation cost from the government in the form of a grant.
•Solar panels are typically easy to install.
•Solar panels can be installed on flat roof or pitched roofs.
It is clear that the advantages of solar energy outweigh the disadvantages both qualitatively and quantitatively. As a company working in the generator business, we remain critically engaged in solar as a green alternative energy resource. Unfortunately, the fact remains that we are in a period of transition in which solar technology remains unavailable to our niche market. There are portable solar generators available to power small events, but they are not strong enough to fuel the large scale events we service.
In the meantime, diesel generators are our best option. However, the appointed California Air Resources Board has created C02 emissions regulations that are not possible to meet given the kind of technology available to our industry. Even with our use of Bio-diesel, it is still impossible to meet the new emissions requirements. If these regulations are passed, they could potentially drive companies like ours out of California. With the recent bankruptcy of one of three major U.S. solar companies (Solyndra L.L.C.), we believe small business owners such as ourselves play a vital role in what Energy Department spokesperson, Dan Leistikow, calls “game changing technology that is key to America’s leadership in the global economy”. We want to help our planet earth breath a little easier, but we also want to continue to provide jobs and needed services to our clients. We are confident that solar energy will play a major role in our economy if small businesses are supported by local mandates and given the opportunity to invest in cleaner technology.
Resources:
www.alternate-energy-sources.com/history-of-solar-energy.html
www.alternativeenergysource.org
www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/solar_timeline.pdf
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