How Solar Energy Is The Solution To Our Energy Needs                 Imagine an energy source that doesn't run out, and does not pollute the environment. The United States, a country which is well known for the amount of energy it consumes, would be able to get 500 times more energy than it needs. What is this energy source? It is none other than solar energy. Many scientists tout the benefits of building a fusion reactor without taking the time to realize that our Sun is a natural fusion reactor. When you look at it from this perspective, it is easy to see how solar energy is a much better alternative than nuclear fusion. While wind power is also useful, it doesn't have the efficiency of solar energy. While producing electricity from the sunlight is not the standard, this can be changed. Photovoltaic cells are made from small pieces of silicon along with gallium and cadmium. When it is placed in sunlight, it will begin to produce electricity. It is one of the cleanest forms of energy available. With all these benefits, many people have probably wandered why solar energy has not replaced fossil fuels already. There are a number of reasons for this. Solar energy is currently more expensive than fossile fuels, even though it is dropping in price. It is also important to concentrate the light from the Sun before it can be effectively utilized. Another reason why solar energy hasn't replaced fossil fuels is because the general population has not been educated about it. Many people accept paying higher energy costs as a part of life. They don't take the time to educate themselves about the benefits of this excellent energy source. In addition to this, the distribution of sunlight over the surface of the Earth is not uniform. While the sunlight is strongest along the equator, it gets weaker as you go further north or south. This problem could be easily solve by finding ways to transport electricity from places which get good amounts of sunlight. Another thing which hinders solar energy from replacing fossil fuels is the mindset of both power companies and their customers. Many people have been conditioned to rely on the system to suit their energy needs. They pay money to the power companies, and the company supplies them with power. It should be simple, but it isn't. Power outages occur, or prices are raised to the point where it is difficult for families to pay their bills. If the power bill isn't paid, the power company will simply pull the plug, and people will be in the dark. Solar energy, specifically photovoltaic cells, are forms of technology that will solve this problem. Intead of placing your energy needs into the hands of an institution that may or may not be corrupt, you place the responsibility of your energy needs into your own hands. Just as you hear experts on finance talking about the importance of being financially independent, it is just as important for people to be energy independent.   Bookmark and share: