■ The supply of solar energy is limitless.
■ The only form of pollution is the manufacturing and disposal of
collectors. No air, water, nuclear, or thermal pollution is produced during
the generation of electricity.
■ Very little impact on wildlife or local habitats as collectors are usually
mounted on rooftops.
■ When connected to the grid, home solar photovoltaic systems can be
smaller and thus less expensive, no back-up system is required, and excess
energy can be sold back to the energy companies.CONS
■ Inefficient where sunlight is limited or seasonal, thus requiring backup
systems.
■ Systems deteriorate and must be replaced.
■ Current efficiency is between 10% and 25% and is not expected to
increase anytime soon.
■ Commercial facilities require large amounts of land, resulting in changes
to native habitats.
■ Toxic materials are required in the manufacturing of solar collectors and
photovoltaic systems, including battery backup systems, and safe disposal
procedures and practices are required.WORLDWIDE GROWTH IN SOLAR POWER
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are gaining momentum on a worldwide scale. Asia is
the fastest-growing region in the world for the installation of PV systems, with
more than 60% of the global installations in China and Japan alone, which
accounts for half of worldwide installations. Cumulative photovoltaic capacity is
currently sufficient to supply about 1% of global electricity demands. By 2050,
solar power is anticipated to become the world’s largest source of electricity.
Wind
Wind turns giant turbine blades that then power generators. Turbines can be
ground in clusters called wind farms.