Energy Crisis
English 201A
May 16, 2016
Energy Crisis
The world relies on fossil fuels such as; coal, oil, and gas for over eighty percent of our current energy needs (Melinda) . A situation that shows little signs of changing without drastic policy changes and with the population growing our energy demand is predicted to increase by over half in the next two decades (Hartkopf). Surprisingly energy production is not the problem or at least until we run out of resources. For the first time in history we face an energy crisis not because we might run out of energy, but because we are using it in the wrong way. If we do not change our ways in generating energy, we will have devastating consequences for the global economy and global quality of life. Research, develop and deploy a broad range of energy sources, both domestic and international, to work with properly functioning global markets to help meet future energy demands. Fortunately we already have many technologies at our disposal: solar, wind, and waves energy can be dependent energy sources that can save us from our energy crisis.
Solar power harvests the energy of the sun through using collector panels to create conditions that can then be turned into a kind of power. With temperatures increasing all over the world solar energy should be our main focus. The potential of solar energy is beyond imagination. The surface of the earth receives 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation (sunlight) which is 20,000 times more power than what is needed to supply the entire world (Daniels F). There are so many positives to using solar energy. For example, unlike conventional power, solar produces no harmful emissions that hurt the environment (Gromicko). Solar energy is compatible to different organizations too. It can benefit a family tremendously by just putting a few solar panels on top of a house it can actually make a family money. Or on the other hand think about all the schools all over the world. The majority of college campus’s are fifty percent parking spaces, the schools that have put shade over the parking spaces and solar panels on top have benefited tremendously (Daudelin). They produce on average more energy then they can even consume and they’re investment pays for itself. In certain states, excess solar energy pushed back onto the grid can be sold. This could provide an extra source of income for families. Solar panels also require little maintenance. After installation and optimization they are very reliable due to the fact that they actively create electricity in just a few millimeters and do not require any type of mechanical parts that can fail. Solar panels are also a silent producer of energy, a necessity if dealing with picky neighbors. The federal government has also introduced generous tax credits for individuals and companies that invest in