Can The World Be Helped With Solar Energy?

Perhaps that question should be turned around to impart solar energy’s true significance by stating this question as “How could solar energy not help the world?”

Were you aware that one single kerosene lamp, commonly the only piece of lighting equipment in many rural areas and developing countries will emit about one ton of carbon emissions over a seven-year period? I know, that doesn’t sound terrible…until you think about the fact that there are approximately 2.5 billion people on the planet who don’t have access to any kind of power other than kerosene, other fossil fuels, or animal dung for heat and light. Now we’re talking about a pretty big impact, right?

And…did you know the average US citizen produces 27 tons (54,000 pounds) of CO2 or equivalent a year from the use of fossil fuels? (statistics from Nature Conservancy). Wow…how’s that for a big footprint?

Solar energy can help the world…not only survive…but thrive…by serving basic needs while reducing environmental pollution. Solar energy for light, heat, and water is not only feasible, but vital for global survival and growth.

Possessing excellent solar energy potential, many third world countries are simply unaware of its existence as a way to provide electrical power. Or, they consider it too expensive, or too hard to get. With their lack of conventional power, they are also the biggest potential market for solar and other renewable energy systems.

Considering the sun provides an unlimited supply of renewable clean energy, anything and everything we can do to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and increase our reliance on solar energy will help the world. Every watt of power generated from the sun is pollution-free, while every watt of power generated from fossil fuel adds to the world’s pollution.

Using solar energy is cost free…after paying for the initial cost of components and installation. There’s no maintenance, and solar energy is silent, thereby reducing noise pollution as well.

Currently, the average home emits somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 tons of greenhouse gases into the environment a year, using fossil fuel. Solar energy emits no pollution in a year, a decade, or a lifetime.

Plus, one of the biggest advantages from a global perspective is the ability of solar energy to create self-sufficient home systems in those rural areas where conventional power distribution isn’t economically feasible.

An organization called SELF, or Solar Energy Light Fund, has been prominent in bringing solar energy to the developing world. It describes itself as a “cutting edge, independent, not-for-profit organization that designs and implements sustainable energy solutions for enhancements in health, education, agriculture and economic growth in the developing world.”

SELF has partnered with government and non-governmental organizations in more than 15 developing countries to bring solar electrification to villages and homes without existing resources. Their projects have helped create solar electrical systems for schools, water systems, irrigation, health clinics…and income-generating work in poverty-stricken areas.

Today’s solar panels are predicted to have an average life of about 25 years, with a 10-year payback period. The costs are expected to decrease significantly with thin film technologies, which will also increase innovative use and flexibility of solar panels. This is particularly true for thin film batteries, where the market is exploding.

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular throughout the world. This is a technology that works. As momentum builds, more investments are being made in solar energy. As it is adopted more widely, mass production, and more funding that will allow the creation of new technological efficiencies, will make solar energy more economical. The price of gasoline and other fossil fuels, constantly escalating, will drive more individuals, companies and countries, to make solar energy their power source for homes, vehicles, and other energy needs.

Solar energy works…and it’s here to stay. Let’s face it, the faster solar energy replaces fossil fuel as a primary source of energy, the better off the world will be.

Timothy Peters is a solar energy enthusiast and author. To find out more about solar power benefits, check out his site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com/