In the constant search for more efficient sources of energy, solar power surely shows much promise. The sun will last longer than any humans will, therefore this is one of the only renewable natural resources of energy that has been found. Solar cells, or photovoltaics, convert light energy into electrical energy. Although most of the energy is not converted to electricity, they run at a low enough cost that there mechanical efficiency basically becomes irrelevant. Photovoltaics offer some of the best opportunities currently available in the energy production field, at least weather-permitting.
The remarkably high reliability of photovoltaic cells helps to keep them a viable option for alternative energy sources, if not the most viable. These cells originally were created for outer space, where repair of equipment is extremely costly, if even possible at all. Photovoltaics can operate though for years at a time with little or no maintenance whatsoever. In fact, solar cells remain the most often used power source in satellites for that very reason.
Of course, the best part about sunlight is something every American, and
Most likely, the answer lies in the hybridization of energy resources, much like the hybridization of automobiles. If solar power is widely accepted and can be backed up by a reliable source of power, electricity costs will plummet while still allowing people to have faith that cloudy weather does not mean all the files on their computers will be deleted and darkness will cover the land.
However, these is one glaring problem with the usefulness and applicability of large scale solar power. When the weather is bad, or in areas where daylight hours are far fewer than nighttime hours, clearly the energy obtained is variable. Some days, power plants could create conceivably low enough energy to be negligible. With the ever-growing demands of the modern world, it is unlikely that people will be willing to trade security in knowing power will always be there for just environmental and efficiency reasons.
Another advantage of photovoltaic cells is their inexpensive building costs. The amount of energy received from the cell is directly proportional to the size of the cell. By adding and removing panels, the cells can always be customized to t
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