Solar Energy and the Energy Crisis Essays -- Energy Power Global Warmi

Solar Energy and the Energy CrisisAbstractThe energy crisis is a major problem in the United States. Solar energy can help alleviatethis problem. Enough solar panels to fulfill the energy needs of the entire United Stateswould take up 27,347 km2 and cost almost 17 trillion dollars. Therefore, although there isenough space for all those solar panels, the economic cost is far too great. However,solar exponent can be phased in gradually.Solar Energy 3Solar Energy Can It Solve the Energy Crisis?The worlds supply of fossil fuels is dwindling. The amount of place generated fromrenewable energy sources needs to be increased, as there is little chance of power consumptiondecreasing. Solar power is a relatively untapped power source which could contribute to solving theenergy crisis. Solar power plants can operate as long as the sun continues to give pip light and heat,and it will continue to do so for billions of years. However, solar power plants cannot be the onlypower source, for they do not operate at anthesis efficiency at night or when the sun is obscured by densecloud cover.Solar power accounted for only 0.064%of US energy consumption in 2003, whilefossil fuels accounted for 85.973%. Also, solarpower production in the United States has beendecreasing since 1996 (see Figure 1) (AnnualEnergy Review, 2003).The most common way to convert solar radiation into electricity is the use of photovoltaic cells,also called solar cells. These cells are grouped together in solar panels. Solar cells are made of editwafers of silicon (Si) with a few other elements added. The efficiency of these cells is around 12%, sothat a panel with an area of one square meter set(p) in direct sunlight will generate ... ... new plants are required or to replace old, barely-workingpower plants. Also, more investigation should be through into alternative ways of gathering solar energy(such as satellites and power towers).Solar Energy 5ReferencesParfit, M. (2005). Future power. National Geo graphic, 208(2), 2-31.Annual Energy Review. (2003). Retrieved elevated 01, 2005, fromhttp//www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/.Solarbuzz. (n.d.). Retrieved August 02, 2005, from http//www.solarbuzz.com/.Solar Cell. (July 20, 2005). Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 01, 2005,from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Cell.Solar Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved August 01, 2005, fromhttp//www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter15.html.United States. (July 28, 2005). CIA - The World Factbook. Retrieved August 02, 2005, fromhttp//www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html.