Solar Energy
Solar (sun) energy can be captured and used to heat water or produce electricity.
Sunlight is by far the Earth’s most available energy source, easily
capable of providing many times the total current global energy demand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power
). To heat water, solar thermal
collectors employ pipes filled with solutions similar to antifreeze. The pipes
run from solar panels on the roof to a tank where, submerged like coils, they
warm the water. To collect solar energy and convert it to electricity, a
photovoltaic (PV) panel first absorbs sunlight into a semiconductor material
and then transmits the electron activity through wires at the back of the
panel. Unused power can be stored in batteries (for “off-the-grid” living) or
transmitted via the grid to other electricity customers elsewhere. Solar
roofing shingles are available, but have been reported to be less efficient
than thicker PV panels. Solar power is scalable: it is suitable for both home and
utilities-scale applications. One way to start small with solar is to invest in
DC solar-powered appliances (e.g. attic fan/ attic vent, sump pump, laptops and
other small communication devices).
Solar is the quietest way to generate energy, involves no moving parts, and releases no GHGs at the source (production of PVs and other components utilize energy and emits GHGs, however). Photovoltaics are potentially 85 times as efficient as growing corn for ethanol (Comarow 2008). It has been estimated that the deserts of the southwestern US could produce sufficient electricity to meet US needs (Comarow 2008). Solar power is on the rise but hasn’t yet moved into the mainstream or reached its full potential, in part due to high up-front costs, which are prohibitive to many consumers. California, like many other states, offers financial incentives for installing solar (see “Energy Efficiency Programs”). In the North Coast, The Solar Living Institute, in Mendocino County, is an excellent source of information on solar and other renewable energies (http://www.solarliving.org/).
Citations:
Comarow, D. 2008. Here Comes the Sun. Kyoto Planet Sustainable Enterprise Report. http://www.awarenessintoaction.com/article.php?url=Solar%20Energy
