Reduce the Harm:
Switch to Solar Panels for Electrical Energy
Problem: Reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources contributes significantly to global warming, creates air pollution, and depletes our resources. Oil is a finite resource, and unless energy substitutes are found quickly, our lifestyles are going to change quickly and dramatically.
Solution: Go with SOLAR ENERGY!! Solar energy is an perpetual resource that does not contribute to global warming or produce air pollution.
Community Exemplar: Interview With Margaret Jameson
When did you make the decision to go solar at your home?
Why did you decide to go solar?
"We have an energy crisis and I think that more people need to go solar. My neighbor has used solar panels for over ten years and has had a good experience, so I decided I should be one of them."
What were your reservations in deciding to go solar?
"It is initially very costly for large houses."
Was the process of installation difficult?
So far have the solar panels been satisfactory and/or cost effective?
"Yes, but the cost has to be considered over a range of ten years. The cost of the electric bill is now the paid as the cost of the loan for solar panels."
Have you had any issues with the solar panels?
"I think it would be better if homeowners with solar power weren’t connected to the grid in a way that the power company still controls our power even if we are producing our own electricity. If the power company has to shut off the electricity in the area to repair an electric line, they still have to shut our power off, even with the solar panels!"
What is the difference going solar has made in your electric bill?
"Before going solar, our electric bill averaged $300 for this time of year. Now it’s about one dollar." note: Margaret's cost averaged $500 per month for the year before going solar. It now averages less than a dollar. If electricity doesn't go up (which it will), she would have free electricity in 10 years. When it goes up, she will recover her costs in a proportionally shorter time.
Would you recommend going solar to the average homeowner? Or do you think that nationally provided solar energy is on its way in?
"Yes! We cannot wait for a national system!"
What kind of impact do you think you are having on the environment and society by switching to solar energy?
"The question is, what resources are we going to use to produce electricity if our population keeps growing at its current rate? This is an experiment to see if solar energy will reduce the amount of energy required by the community!"
Below is a table of the pros and cons of switching to solar energy.
Positives |
Negatives |
+ very little air pollution
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+ no greenhouse gas emissions
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- not as powerful/efficient as some other energy sources
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+ after start-up costs, energy is free
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- large-scale solar farms could disrupt habitats
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+ the sun is a perpetual resource
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+ the technology needed already exists and is usable
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