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Solar Energy

Benefits of Solar Energy

  • Environmental

    • Solar energy generation does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution, unlike fossil fuels.(9) This helps mitigate climate change and reduce harmful pollutants.

    • Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source, as it harnesses the abundant and inexhaustible power of the sun(10)

    • Solar power reduces water consumption and withdrawal compared to other energy sources like thermoelectric power plants(9)

  • Economic

    • Solar energy can significantly reduce or even eliminate monthly electricity bills for homeowners, saving $20,000 to $80,000 over 25 years on average(10)

    • Installing solar panels can increase the value of a home by about 4% on average(10)

    • Solar energy provides opportunities to earn money through incentives like solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) in some states, including New Jersey(11)

    • The upfront costs of solar have decreased dramatically, making it an increasingly cost-competitive energy source(10)

  • Other

    • Solar energy systems require very little maintenance once installed(11)

    • Solar can provide power during grid outages when paired with battery storage(12)

    • Solar energy can work effectively in a variety of climates, including cold and cloudy regions(9)

    • Solar is a versatile technology that can be installed on rooftops, integrated into buildings, or deployed in large-scale solar farms(10)

EcoWatch

Limitations and Shortcomings

  1. High Upfront Costs

    1. The initial investment required to install a solar energy system can be substantial, including the costs of the solar panels, inverters, batteries, wiring, and installation.(20) This high upfront cost can be a barrier for some homeowners and businesses.

  2. Intermittent Energy Source

    1. Solar energy is an intermittent energy source, as it is dependent on the availability of sunlight. Solar panels produce less energy on cloudy days and do not generate any power at night.(20) This intermittency can be a challenge for reliable and consistent electricity supply.

  3. Specific Conditions Required

    1. Solar panels require specific conditions to work at their best, such as a roof that faces the right direction and receives adequate sunlight exposure. Shaded roofs or roofs that do not face south may not be suitable for optimal solar energy generation.(20)

  4. Difficulty Selling Homes with Solar

    1. Homes with solar panels, especially those with leased systems or power purchase agreements, can be more difficult to sell. Potential buyers may be hesitant to take on the long-term solar contracts.(20)

  5. Dependence on Local Policies

    1. The value and savings from solar energy can vary greatly depending on local policies, incentives, and regulations. Homeowners in areas with less solar-friendly policies may see lower returns on their solar investment.(20)

  6. Environmental Impacts of Manufacturing

    1. While solar energy generation itself is clean, the manufacturing and transportation of solar panels can have some environmental impacts, such as contributing to pollution.(21)

  7. Space Requirements

             1. Solar panel installations require significant physical space, which can be a limitation for some properties with limited roof or land                    area.(21)

Interactive Map

Key(33)

W/P = Per Capita Solar(Watts per Person)

MW = Total Solar Capacity

Rank = Per Capita Rank

Description (Second Line) = Degrees of Latitude and Longitude

Chemical Reactions and Key Conditions 

Water Splitting Reaction:

  • 2H2O + light → 2H2 + O2

    • This is a fuel-forming reaction that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy as the input. It is a crucial process for enabling solar energy storage.(22)

Photodimerization:

  • 2 Anthracene → Dianthracene

    • Photodimerization is the light-induced formation of dimers, where two smaller molecules combine to form a larger molecule. This can be used to store solar energy in new chemical bonds.(23)

Photoisomerization:

  • Cis-Isomer → Trans-Isomer

    • Photoisomerization is the light-induced formation of isomers, where the same molecules are rearranged into a higher energy configuration. The strained bonds in the isomer can store solar energy.(23)

Photovoltaic Effect:

  • Sunlight → Free Electrons

    • In photovoltaic (PV) cells, the interaction of sunlight with semiconductor materials like silicon generates free electrons, which can then be harnessed to produce electricity.(24)

Key Conditions:

  • Presence of light/solar energy as the energy input

  • Use of specialized materials like semiconductors, transition metal complexes, and organic molecules

  • Careful control of reaction pathways and intermediates to enable efficient energy storage or conversion

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