Homemade Solar Cell

Perhaps that question should be turned around to impart solar energy’s true significance by stating this question as “How could solar energy not help the world?”

Did you know that one kerosene lamp, a common piece of lighting equipment in rural areas and developing countries, creates about one ton of carbon emissions in a period of about seven years? That may not sound too bad… until you consider there are approximately 2.5 billion people globally who have no access to any power source of any kind, therefore relying on kerosene and other fossil fuels or animal dung, for light and heat. Now, does the carbon emission impact begin to make sense?

And…did you know the average US citizen produces 27 tons (54,000 pounds) of CO2 or equivalent a year from the use of fossil fuels? (statistics from Nature Conservancy). Wow…how’s that for a big footprint?

Using solar energy, the world can not only survive, but thrive, by providing access to basic needs and reducing environmental pollution. Not only is solar energy feasible for light, heat, and water, it’s vital for global survival and growth.

Many third world countries have excellent solar energy potential, but most of the people who live there are unaware of its power-providing potential. Or…it has either been unavailable or too expensive for them to consider. And… they are also the biggest market for renewable energy products, like solar systems.

Considering the sun provides an unlimited supply of renewable clean energy, anything and everything we can do to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and increase our reliance on solar energy will help the world. Every watt of power generated from the sun is pollution-free, while every watt of power generated from fossil fuel adds to the world’s pollution.

Solar energy has no cost once you’ve paid for your components and installation. It’s also silent, which reduces noise pollution, and it doesn’t require maintenance.

Currently, the average home emits somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 tons of greenhouse gases into the environment a year, using fossil fuel. Solar energy emits no pollution in a year, a decade, or a lifetime.

And…one of the biggest advantages on a world scale…is the ability to create self-sufficient home systems in rural areas where normal (conventional) power distribution is not economically feasible.

There is an organization called SELF, which stands for Solar Energy Light Fund, that has been prominent in bringing solar energy to the developing world. This organization describes itself as a “cutting edge, independent, not-for-profit organization that designs and implements sustainable energy solutions for enhancements in health, education, agriculture and economic growth in the developing world.”

Partnering with government and non-governmental organizations in more than 15 developing countries, SELF has helped bring solar electrification to many villages and homes that had no existing resources. Their partnership projects have helped to initiate income-generating work in poverty-stricken areas, and to bring solar electrical systems to health clinics, schools, and to provide irrigation and water systems.

Today’s solar panels are predicted to have an average life of about 25 years, with a 10-year payback period. The costs are expected to decrease significantly with thin film technologies, which will also increase innovative use and flexibility of solar panels. This is particularly true for thin film batteries, where the market is exploding.

Solar energy is gaining ground worldwide. The technology works. More investment is being made in solar energy, and as it is more widely adopted, the economies of scale, together with more funding to create new technological efficiencies, will make solar energy more and more affordable. There is no question more and more individuals, companies and countries will move to solar energy as a power source for all their energy needs as fossil fuel prices continue to escalate.

Solar energy is here to stay…it works. And let’s be clear, the faster we start using solar energy to replace fossil fuels as our primary energy source, the better off our world will be.

Timothy Peters is a solar energy enthusiast and author. To find out more about solar power benefits, check out his site at: www.HomeSolarPowerExplained.com/