Forecasts from the US Energy Information Administration put global demand for energy increasing by 54% over the next 20 years.Another long-term forecast from the EIA puts world electricity demand in 2025 at nearly twice what it is now.
Most of the world's energy is produced from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.When these are burnt, their energy is released but at the same time, carbon dioxide is also released into the air. These conventional energy resources are finite and the emissions harmful to the environment, hence the growing urgency to develop renewable energy sources, such as wind, water, biomass, wood, geothermal, photovoltaic and sunlight.
The amount of energy from sun that reaches the surface of the earth is 6 000 times greater than that which is used on earth.Solar energy has been around since ancient times, but as environmental concerns grow, so too is the popularity of solar power.
Solar power is now a viable alternative to the traditional fossil fuel energy sources such as oil, coal and gas and is mainly used for heating and generating electricity.
From massive skycrapers and gigantic sports stadiums to remote farms and regular homes in the surburbs, solar power is a clean, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. For example, the recently completed 55 000-seater stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is the first stadium in the world to provide power using solar energy technology.The massive building was erected for the World Games held in July 2009, and generates sufficient energy from the 8 844 solar panels covering the roof to power the structure's two enormous TV screens and 3 300 lights.
That is solar power of gigantic proportion.On a far smaller - but no less important - scale, solar energy provides a cost-effective and low maintenance option for domestic households.
Solar energy experts, Perth based Solar My World, say that by installing photovoltaic or solar panels on a domestic property, homeowners will ultimately save on electricity, add value to the house and contribute to creating a greener Australia. There are two options for solar power for Perth property owners, namely grid connect and off-grid solar power systems.
A grid connect system will supply solar power to the household via an inverter, and is generally used in more densely populated areas.When the solar system generates power that is surplus to needs, that surplus may be 'on-sold' to the electricity grid where appropriate. The other system type is a standalone system using a battery bank to store energy.This is used mainly in more remote areas where there is little or no access to conventional power supplies.
A benefit of a solar power system is its versatility as it can be expanded to meet changing needs and can be designed for both AC or DC applications.
There is increasing concern over the impact that energy generation has on greenhouse gas emissions as it is the largest single contributor to emissions, and there is increasing urgency for people to investigate ways of reducing their own CO2 emissions.As discussed earlier in this article, Taiwan's new stadium is anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions by 660 tons a year by producing power from its solar panels.A decision to install solar energy in our homes will give us all the power to help save the world.
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