Sherwan's+Essay

Sherwan Saraf 12/10/09 Energy Essay

Out of all of the different types of alternative energy available, solar energy is the best to choose. Different resources of energy are needed to power our planet, but Solar energy is definitely more progressive in lessening our dependence on foreign oil sources. The sheer potential of solar energy is yet to be unfulfilled, like the fact that "By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions " (A Solar Grand Plan 1). With this fact in mind, it is definitely possible to consider Solar Energy as our main electricity provider at the last by this time. The compression of solar energy could help maximize power output and storage, which can make longer lasting batteries and energy storage units. Also, with the new development of solar panels, it is possible that a more flexible solar panel can be produced to fit on different surfaces as well as maximize energy output. Another idea for solar energy is to harvest the solar rays where they are most concentrated at, preferably in the Southwest United States. Not only would this action create more Eco-friendly energy, but it would also create a whole new job market as well as boost local economies.

Nuclear energy is another viable solution to our energy crisis. Nuclaer energy is also productive, for example "In the U.S., 103 nuclear power plants provide about 20 percent of the country’s electrical production" (Next Generation Nuclear Power 76). This supports the use of nuclear energy, but the productivity of solar energy has much more potential. Also, to create nuclear energy, pressurized water heated by harmful radioactive substances is used to produce steam to power steam turbines. This still leaves the issue of harmful radioactive residue which stays stored in underground facilities. Often, the issue of radioactive leaks arises which can cause catastrophy, one of the worries that solar energy doesn't have to deal with.

Wind energy is another source of energy with much potential. Wind farms could be used to mass produce electricity produced by wind turbines. "The worldwide generating capacity of wind turbines has increased more than 25 percent a year, on average, for the past decade, reaching nearly 60,000 MW in 2005." (The Rise of Renewable Energy 89) With this much production potential, who wouldn't want to use wind energy? Utility companies around the U.S. who feel threatened by the invasion of wind turbines on landscape waiting for development suffer dearly when multiple wind turbines are set up to produce electricity (Which is only when wind turbines are effective). Solar energy can easily camouflage themselves on surfaces, and they are also able to be set up in arid, dry deserts where development potential is substantially lowered and where most land isn't privately owned.

Hydro-power is another tough competitor with Solar Energy in the battle for the most preferable alternative energy solution. The capabilities of Hydro-Power are endless "it can cut deep canyons, chisel majestic mountains, quench parched lands, and transport tons — and it can generate enough electricity to light up millions of homes and businesses around the world." (Hydropower Today 4). Hydro-power has the ability to produce large amounts of electricity in harsh environments that are found in such areas as Alaska. The most common method of Hydro-Power technology is Impoundment, which utilizes a turbine at the bottom of a dam to harvest an incoming flow of water to turn the turbine and power generators above. The outgoing water can either be stored back into the reservoir or can flow out the other end of the dam. Hydroelectric dams can also be used for recreation and transportation, as well as creating scenic views and attractions. But the construction costs of hydroelectric dams are expensive, and flooding valleys to create reservoirs causes serious environmental concerns, as well as the fact that many marine life species can get caught in the turbines themselves and killed. Nearly all of these concerns can be avoided when using solar energy.

Biofuels are another competing alternative energy resource that rivals solar energy. Using plants such as corn and switch-grass, "Biofuels can be made from anything that is, or ever was, a plant." (Grassoline at the pump 52) A liquid alternative to gasoline can be easily created using biofuels. While they emit little to no carbon emissions, they require special engines to use them or diesel engines, which would cause a major change in consumers, as well as a financial burden. Also, to unlock the cellulose scaffolding to get to the glucose reserves inside the plant itself is a long process. Methods to effectively to this in a short amount of time while yielding high production levels have not been developed yet, but to develop them would be an expensive process. Once again, solar energy faces little to none of these challenges.

In conclusion, solar energy is the easiest and best way out of our energy process. Solar cars, solar panels, and other solar technologies can help create a new, environmentally friendly society.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 * 1) Huber, George V., and Bruce E. Dale. "Grassoline at the Pump." //Scientific American// July 2009: 52. Print.
 * 2) Kammen, Daniel M. "The Rise of Renewable Energy." //Scientific American// Sept. 2006: 89. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. .
 * 3) Lake, James A., Ralph B. Bennet, and John F. Kotek. "Next Generation Nuclear Power." //Scientific American// Jan. 2002: 76. Print.
 * 4) U.S. Department of Energy. "Hydropower Today." //Hydropwer//. 2003. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. .
 * 5) Zweibel, Ken, James Mason, and Vasilis Fthenakis. "A Solar Grand Plan." //A Solar Grand Plan//. Web. 10 Dec. 2009. .