The Background of an Alternative Source of Energy

Switching from one energy source to another has not been a worldwide event since the introduction of fossil fuels in the early part of the 20th century. At that time, the world relied on horses for transportation and gas lamps for light, but with fossil fuels automobiles and electric light bulbs became commonplace and cities the world over made the transformation. But the dependence we have come to rely on from fossil fuels is proving to be short-lived as prices are soaring uncontrollably.

Currently, many of the energy sources that are in use or have been found, are not considered green due to the damage that they can do to surrounding environments (hydroelectric, thermal, fossil fuels and nuclear). These energy sources are monopolized by only a few companies that are capable of producing them. Due to this factor and the fact that they cannot be replenished at a quick rate has prompted people all over the world to start demanding cheaper fuel. Knowledge can be a huge benefit when it comes to inventing a new energy source that is renewable and able to keep up with the high demand for it in order to keep the cost of it down.

Finding a new energy source that is cheaper to produce, is renewable and is green is what needs to happen quickly. One alternative that is available is Solar Energy. Solar energy is one practical alternative to fossil fuels because it is readily available, easy to harness and is a low-impact resource once it is converted into energy. Not taking advantage of this abundant resource would be a devastation when one considers future generations.

In Ireland, the consumption of oil each year is 2.5 million tons, not counting the oil used in transportation. This is a quarter of the total energy consumption within the country. Burning fossil fuels (peat, coal, oil, and gas) is what provides most of this energy. This results in the release of 11 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions which are the leading contributor to green gas emissions.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is an energy form that comes from the radiant energy that is produced within the sun at extreme temperatures, causing nuclear fusions to occur. The resulting temperature is in excess of 5000˚C. This energy radiates away from the sun, towards the earth as both light and heat and takes about 8 minutes to travel from the sun to the earth. Most of the energy that reaches the earth is in the form of light and a third of this is absorbed by our atmosphere before it ever reaches the surface of earth. Using scientific calculations, it has been estimated that the amount of energy that can be harnessed from solar energy from one square meter of earth’s surface is the equivalent of a single barrel of oil. That is a huge amount of energy and is completely free for our use. Presently, technology has created solar panels to harness solar energy, and these can be placed on rooftops. The energy is then transformed so that it can be used for space heating, water heating and space cooling (i.e. desiccant evaporators and absorption chillers). And there are now several systems available that are extremely efficient such as the Solar Thermal Concentrating Systems, parabolic troughs, parabolic dishes, central receivers and Photovoltaics.

About the Author: John Mahoney is an expert on reviewing renewable energy equipments and technology.

www.techstore.ie