Solar Energy – The Way of The Future

Large manufacturing businesses use a lot of fossil fuels to power generators and machines. As fossil fuels will only last another 100 years [bionomicfuel.com:2009: Internet]. This source of non-renewable energy is becoming limited, it is vital that the world finds an alternative source of energy. There are debates as to which form of renewable energy is both cost effective and efficient. There are many uses of solar energy in today’s society with appliances and solar heating systems being fitted with solar cells. The most noticeable use of solar energy in the advancement of technology is in solar heating systems. It is a field which scientists want to not only master but perfect. Solar energy is the most cost effective, efficient and reliable than hydro, tidal, wind and nuclear energy.

Solar Energy

Solar energy has one major advantage over other types of renewable energy. It is cost effective. A system that can generate enough energy to run a house off the grid will cost from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on the outlet. While this may seem overpriced for electricity, the average electricity bill of a household ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 per year, rising at a rate of 4 percent per annum. The solar panels are easy to install, require little maintenance and give to free energy. After 20 or more years, the sum of all the electricity bills paid would equal the cost of the solar system.

Wind Energy

Wind energy has many disadvantages that affect its use as a renewable source. The first disadvantage is cost. Wind turbines are expensive, with a household turbine costing $15,000 to $25,000 installed and commercial turbines costing $1 million installed. In addition, the size of the turbines is large. Turbines are normally only placed on hillsides or countryside’s because there is no space elsewhere. The turbines can range from 20 metre blades to 60 metre blades that require a space of 200 square metres. Wind turbines are not ineffective but rather impractical. It would be best for companies to build commercial turbines and supply the electricity to customers. Another issue with wind turbines is the noise they make. Being of such size the turning of the turbines produces loud, repetitive, swooshing noises. Because they are mainly situated in countryside’s, their effect is noticed by fewer houses and communities. Turbines cannot possibly be built in an average household’s backyard. Finally, turbines block out and prevent much sightseeing in their respective areas. There is no use having a paradise in the background when there are five massive turbines in the foreground. In brief, wind energy has many disadvantages stopping it from being an alternative source of renewable energy.