Solar Energy is not a Solution to the American Energy Crisis

Solar Energy is not a Solution to America’s Energy Crisis With the growing cost of fuel for cars and the rolling blackouts of last summer, the need for an alternative, cost-effective, environment friendly energy source is escalating. Many possible solutions have been presented, such as nuclear power, wind power, and hydrogen fuel cells; prevalent among these is solar power. Solar cells directly convert photons from the sun into electricity (Wikipedia). Solar cells that convert both solar and non-solar light are called photovoltaic cells (Wikipedia 2006). They are made of semi conducting materials, most often silicon (Aldous 2006). The simplest photovoltaic cells power watches and calculators while larger, more complex systems can add†¦show more content†¦Boron only has three electrons in the outer tier, so instead of having extra electrons it has holes. These holes are just the absence of electrons so they have a positive charge and can move about similarly to electrons. (Aldous 2006) An electric field forms when N-type and P-type silicon are put in contact. The free electrons on the N side see the holes in the P side and try to fill them in. All the free electrons of the N-type silicon do not how ever fill up all the free holes in the P-type silicon. At the junction between the two sides the electrons and holes mix and form an electric field as a barrier. This causes the electrons to be able to flow from the P side to the N side but not in the other. (Aldous 2006) When light hits the solar cell, the energy frees the electron/hole pairs. Each photon will free one electron and create one hole. When this happens close to the electron field or if a hole and an electron wander into the field’s range of Solar Energy 4 influence, the field sends the electron to the N side and the hole to the P side. (Aldous 2006) If an external current path is provided then electrons flow to their original side (P) doing work on the way. The electron flow provides current and the electrical field creates voltage, and with voltage and current there is power. (Aldous 2006) Is Solar Power EfficientShow MoreRelatedThe Rise Of Solar Stadiums1292 Words   |  6 PagesThe Rise of Solar Stadiums: Assessing the Motives and Environmental Impact Super Bowl XLVIII. February 2nd, 2014. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As time expires, Mason Crosby kicks a field goal that soars through the uprights and hits . . . a wind turbine? Suddenly, this scenario does not sound so far-fetched: the Philadelphia Eagles have announced their intention to convert Lincoln Financial Field into the â€Å"world’s greenest stadium† (Bauers). As part of the initiative, the Eagles plan to takeRead MoreSolar Power: Energy’s Bright Future? Essay examples573 Words   |  3 PagesLast week, the world’s largest solar power facility opened in California, to the tune of $2.2 billion (Blood Skoloff). The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System is the latest in the Obama Administration’s SunShot initiative, a drive towards cleaner American energy. The goal of the initiative is solar energy that costs $0.06 per kilowatt hour (KWh), a yield more efficient than traditional fossil fuels. Critics of solar technology argue the s teep costs as a barrier to entry as well as low-efficiencyRead More Solar Energy Essay1618 Words   |  7 PagesSolar Energy ~Some history, types, and facts~ In this modern fast paced world that we live in, there are many issues that are looked over, energy is one of these. As a world, we are dependant on dwindling fossil fuel supplies and take for granted electricity, oil, and gas. There are four completely renewable sources of energy around us that should be used and developed, they are: wind, growing plants, flowing water, and the sun. These sources of energy are the ones we should be tappingRead MoreAlternative Energy is the Solution to the Fossil Fuel Dilemma1366 Words   |  6 PagesAlternative Energy is the Solution to the Fossil Fuel Dilemma If the United States continues to employ fossil fuels for energy, the nation will ultimately become more dependent upon fuel imports from the troublesome nations of the Middle East, and we will continue to damage our precious environment. Since the United States relies so heavily on fuel from the Middle East, the U.S. is subject to the will of those quarrelsome nations in order to maintain our fuel reserve. A shortage of oil canRead MoreRenewable Energy Is Important For Our Environment1610 Words   |  7 Pagescoal to renewable sources of energy like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biofuels in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions, which in turn pollute the environment and contribute to adverse climate change. Even though renewable energy is able to regenerate, does not mean that it has no ecological footprint or that renewable energy is completely sustainable for our environment (Week 14 Energy Use Transportation/Renewable Energy Sources). A renewable source of energy is usual ly one that does requireRead MoreFossil Fuels : The World s Primary Energy Source1185 Words   |  5 Pages Fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, are currently the world s primary energy source. Formed from organic material over the course of millions of years, fossil fuels have fueled U.S. and global economic development over the past century. Yet fossil fuels are finite resources and they can also irreparably harm the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels was responsible for 79 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. TheseRead MoreOur Energy Future1055 Words   |  5 PagesKyle Smyre June 6 2011 Period 2 Mr. Watts Our Energy Future Currently, its clear that there is an immense problem with the prospect of societys energy needs for the future. Such a large dependency on limited fossil fuels are already dampening the worlds economy, and following this path will simply ensure a destitute future. However, changes could be made in todays time to prevent such an event from occurring, but it will require many separate state entities to work together and no longerRead MoreThe Real Estate Crisis Essay1268 Words   |  6 Pagescurrent real estate crisis that America finds itself in is one of the greatest challenges America has ever faced. America’s troubles are further compounded by increasing unemployment of American citizens and environmental problems like global warming. Solving any one of these problems would be a Herculean task, yet they must each be addressed in order to protect American families from disaster. However, it is possible to find a solution to the problems of the real estate crisis that can also be usedRead MoreFossil Fuels And Its Effects On The Environment1175 Words   |  5 Pages Fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, are currently the world s primary energy source. Fossil fuels have powered economic growth worldwide since the industrial revolution, but they are nonrenewable resources and can severely damage the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels was responsible for 79 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. Although efficiency can help reduce emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuelsRead More Solar Energy Essay1384 Words   |  6 PagesSolar energy is better for the environment than energy derived from other sources. Even though it is the most difficult source of energy to channel, solar energy can provide great amounts of resources for the environment as well as market venture, if proven effective. The fact that solar energy comes from the sun, makes it the most desired sourc e of energy. Without solar energy, oxygen and food would be rare to find; mostly from the fact that the sun brings forth all life on planet Earth. The idea