solar+energy+(Sean+Curtin)

__**Solar Energy**__

Solar Energy is the energy received by the earth from the sun. We as humans harness it and use it for energy. This energy is used in our ever changing technologies. Solar energy, along with secondary resources such as wind, wave power, and hydroelectricity are the most accountable sources of renewable energy on earth. __**The Problem**__

One of the ways that solar energy is addressing problems in the environment is by using its energy to replace the energy we get from limited energy resources such as coal. There are two ways that solar energy can be created, solar thermal and photovolatic. Solar thermal is used to create sources of heat. "The heat from the sun is collected by the solar panels, and transferred to water and heating systems inside buildings." ([]) The second way that solar energy is created to help our environment is the photovolatic method. The photovolatic method converts the sun's energy into electricity so it can be used in our homes. This method uses solar cells that are usually part of a solar panel. The energy from the sun heats up the solar cells creating electricity. The power is then changed to an inverter to an alternate current because the energy produced was a direct current and cannot be used. When the energy is changed to an alternate current, it is ready to be changed into an alternating current.

Solar energy is also trying to address the problem of pollution from burning fossil-fuels. Solar energy prevents the burning of fossil fuels and therefore, no carbon dioxide into the air. The exhaust from coal releases deadly pollutants into the atmosphere disrupting the carbon cycle causing global warming. Natural gas is used for about 15% of electricity in the United States.

__**When is it useful?**__

Solar energy is useful when we are trying to save energy. The energy that is converted by the solar cells, is stored and ready to be used when there is no sun. The energy that is stored is also available and can be used for electricity in our house. Also, to save heat, we use the solar thermal energy to heat up water.

__**Relating to Cycles**__

Of all the cycles we have learned about in class, I have found that solar energy does not relate to any cycles because the energy is stored from the sun, thus there is no relation.

__**Is it a Solution?**__

"I have been studying our energy options for more than 30 years, and I am absolutely convinced that our best and easiest option is solar energy, which is virtually inexhaustible." (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/2007-12-01/Solar-is-the-Solution.aspx ) The solar energy solution, is well within our reach. We have already been using solar energy as viable terms of electricity therefore giving us an already working alternate solution. All we need to do is to apply this solution to all aspects of our economy to make solar energy a bright future. It will in turn protect the biosphere by keeping the burning of fossil-fuels, natural gas, and oil to a minimum preserving the environment and the atmosphere.

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/multi-media-productions/1128-solar-energy-systems-video.htm

__**Consequences**__

The one major concern with solar power is the concern of cost. The panels used to gather the solar energy are not cheap. Also, the solar panels are made of very fagile materials. Taxes would increase to preserve these panels so that they can be used in the future. "This money will also be used for research in order to utilize solar energy into the economy today." (http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/solar.htm ) Solar energy also works with the science of nuclear fusion. We have no assurance that the solar solution will have a long-term impact. It could have the ability to fail in the near future with our disrupted economy the way it is right now. This is the same science and laws in making nuclear bombs!

__**References**__

(2009). //How Does Solar Energy Work?//. Retrieved from http://earth4forenergy.com/how-does-solar-energy-work/

Heckeroth, S. (2007, December). //Solar is the Solution//. Retrieved from http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/2007-12-01/Solar-is-the-Solution.aspx

Simanek, D. (1994). //The Hazards of Solar Energy//. Retrieved from http://www.lhup.edu/~dsimanek/solar.htm

Wikipedia, Initials. (2009, October). //Solar Energy//. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy