Energy supply and demand determine global development course in every sphere of human activity. Adequate supplies of clean energy have undeniably observable correlation with global stability, increased life quality and economic prosperity. The search of energy sources that can meet the fast rising energy demand in the planet remains to be one of the foremost challenges facing the society for the next five decades. Over the years, large-scale power plants have been noted to develop at an alarming rate, using large tracts of land across the globe. The ecological issues that are allied to the installation of such plants and the operation phases of the facilities are yet to be adequately addressed. In the operation phases, there are evident impacts that can be categorized in diverse groups, namely, land use intensity, plant and animal life, human health and well-being, climate change and Geo-hydrological resources. The significance of this invasive challenge, along with the baffling difficulty of solving it will require rigorous national and international efforts that marshal the most advanced technological and scientific potentials. One of these efforts can be considered as the application of substitutes to the use of non-renewable as well as polluting fossil fuels, solar energy being one of these main alternatives in this case, as will be explored in this paper. Solar energy is one of the renewable energy resources that have become an increasingly valuable method of diversifying energy options in the world because it does not generate pollution. Driven by increasing technological advancements, rising energy prices along with falling costs, projects of solar energy are increasingly being developed in numerous nations across the globe. Therefore, solar energy remains to be a compelling solution to human demand for clean and abundant energy source in the future, though it may contain some challenges too.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Historical Background of Solar Energy
4. Revolution Need on Existing Technology Path
5. Revolution Need to Create New Technologies
6. The Controversial Issues Surrounding Solar Energy
7. Complex Relationships between Science, Technology and the Society in Solar Energy
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper explores the role of solar energy as a critical, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, examining the technological advancements, economic viability, and the complex challenges inherent in its implementation for meeting future global energy demands.
- The historical development and evolution of photovoltaic (PV) technology.
- The necessity for revolutionary advancements in solar energy conversion efficiencies.
- Overcoming technical hurdles regarding intermittency and grid integration.
- The socio-technological shift required for infrastructure and storage solutions.
- Economic implications of large-scale solar project implementation.
Excerpt from the Book
Historical Background of Solar Energy
The technology of solar power is not a recent advent; in actual fact, this technology dates back to the industrial revolution era (mid 1800s) where solar power plants were established with the aim of heating water for steam generation to drive machinery. The photovoltaic effect that explains the manner by which electricity may be generated from sunlight was discovered by Alexander Edmond Becquerel, in 1839 (Nault, 2005). Becquerel confirmed that shining light on an electrode that has been immersed in a conductive solution; an electric current will be observed. Over a century later, in 1941, the solar cell was invented by Russell Ohl, shortly after the transistor invention (EPA, 2011). Nonetheless, the birth of the present era of PV solar cells occurred in 1954, after D. Chapin, G. Pearson and C. Fuller demonstrated solar cells that were based on p-n junctions in a single-crystal Si, though they had about 5-6% deficiencies; they widely dominate the commercial PV markets today (Nault, 2005). Between the mid 1950s and early 1970s, PV research and development (R&D), extensively turned focus on satellite power and space applications. Afterwards, in 1973, improved R&D level on solar cells was initiated, stimulated by oil embargo in that time, which caused widespread energy supply concern.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the global energy challenge and positions solar power as a vital, non-polluting alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Introduction: Defines solar energy as a renewable resource and discusses its foundational role in meeting rising electricity demands while reducing environmental pollution.
Historical Background of Solar Energy: Traces the evolution of solar technology from 19th-century steam generation to the development of modern photovoltaic cells in the mid-20th century.
Revolution Need on Existing Technology Path: Analyzes the learning curves of PV production and argues for basic research to significantly improve cost-to-efficiency ratios.
Revolution Need to Create New Technologies: Calls for high-risk research into advanced conversion methods such as multiple-junction tandem cells to accelerate economic feasibility.
The Controversial Issues Surrounding Solar Energy: Addresses the critiques of solar energy, specifically concerning capital costs, grid integration, and the intermittency of supply.
Complex Relationships between Science, Technology and the Society in Solar Energy: Examines the technological difficulties in storage and distribution, emphasizing the need for infrastructure compatible with chemical fuel conversion.
Conclusion: Reaffirms that despite existing technical and economic hurdles, solar energy remains the most promising solution for the world's long-term energy future.
Keywords
Solar Energy, Photovoltaic, Renewable Resource, Fossil Fuels, Energy Demand, Sustainability, PV Cells, Technology Path, Research and Development, Intermittency, Grid Integration, Energy Conversion, Economic Efficiency, Infrastructure, Global Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the potential of solar energy as a safe, clean, and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels to meet the rapidly increasing global energy demand.
What are the central themes discussed?
The core themes include the historical evolution of PV technology, the need for revolutionary research to reduce costs, and the practical challenges of integrating intermittent solar power into existing infrastructure.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to explore how solar energy can be optimized through technological advancements to overcome limitations in cost and efficiency, thereby serving as a reliable future energy source.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a literature review and synthesis approach, evaluating historical data, production learning curves, and existing scientific reports to assess the future of solar utilization.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the history of solar power, current trends in manufacturing efficiency, the need for new technological breakthroughs, and the societal and scientific challenges regarding energy storage.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include solar energy, photovoltaics, sustainability, grid integration, and renewable resource development.
How does the intermittent nature of sunlight impact the viability of solar energy?
Intermittency poses a challenge for utility-scale facilities that require consistent supply, often forcing plants to rely on supplementary fossil fuel generators, which remains a key area for further technological development.
What is the relationship between the learning curve and PV costs?
The paper notes that while costs have historically decreased by about 20% along the learning curve, further significant cost reductions require a revolutionary shift in technology rather than relying solely on incremental improvements.
- Quote paper
- Caroline Mutuku (Author), 2018, Solar Energy as the World’s Safest Future Clean Energy Source, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/430702
