Advantages of Solar Technology

Joshua Paetkau

In the article, “Solar Technology Advantages They Change The Planet,” the author, Christina Greene makes several claims. Throughout her piece Greene works to express her opinions surrounding the use of solar technology and its advantages. Solar power is simply the conversion of the sunlight into either thermal or electrical energy through a process that utilizes photovoltaics or concentrated solar power plants. Solar power is undoubtedly a positive form of energy, which relies on a zero cost resource (sunshine) that will always be there. Along with the use of this technology come many benefits, which Christina Greene clearly outlines in her article. The author strongly encourages and promotes a switch to the most promising alternative energy sources, however in doing so offers no proof. Throughout my blog I will display how Greene is unsuccessful at presenting and backing up her various points surrounding solar technology.

Christina Greene outlines in her title her intentions of her paper and in the following paragraph I will discuss what these advantages are and how she went about presenting them. One particular strong claim Greene makes is that it is important to develop the solar industry, as it will offer itself as a small solution to a struggling economy. “Once you check out the weak condition of the economic climate now, you can easily notice that work opportunities are required everywhere across the planet and as a usage of solar power expands, so will the volume of positions which are associated with this specific area” (Greene 2010). From her argument Greene shows hoe she believes that by developing the solar power industry not only will we benefit by making a switch to clean energy source but it could also provide many occupations. She is an enthusiast for solar energy and the many benefits it provides; more specifically with this claim the economic advantages. Moreover, I believer there is certainly an issue with this particular claim and the intended argument. It is evident Greene has no problem presenting the benefits associated with the use of solar technology however it is noticeable she fails to include important disadvantages which exist. One specific economic drawback coupled with solar technology is that the initial cost of equipment necessary to gather the suns energy. Solar energy technology is a costly alternative in comparison to present fossil fuel technologies. This is a major setback for employing the use of solar technology. Greene falls short of mentioning the financial disadvantages of solar technology and makes it appear that it is the end all be all of energy sources.

Secondly, Greene moves on to further express the positive aspects related to operating solar technology. “Needless to say one of many reasons solar panel technology strengths as well as one which has an effect on the planet is one that’s in relation to precisely how beneficial to our environment it truly is” (Greene 2010). Greene claims exercising solar technology will reduce our carbon footprint n promote a greener planet. Fortunately this is true, however this eco-friendly system is not so reliable. A popular form of solar energy are solar panels, these systems have a 40% efficiency rate, meaning 60% of sunlight goes unused. The inconsistency of this power source illustrates how for a greater part of the time your expensive equipment is useless and out of commission. Lastly, throughout her paper Greene paints a positive image of solar energy and does so with the absence of proof and evidence. Greene should have made a statement and referred to a justifiable study or quote. Christina Greene excelled at promoting the benefits of incorporating solar energy into our world; nevertheless she did so by neglecting to mention any disadvantages witch exist.

There are many different approaches to how energy can be stored and converted into useful forms. There is three main categories energy sources can be split into: fossil fuels, renewable sources and nuclear sources. Greene focuses her efforts on solar technology, which obviously falls under the category of renewable sources. She believes “Solar power has several positive aspects to provide, not only will you be taking care of the earth simply by counting on solar power as an alternative but in the process you’ll have additional revenue still left in your wallet every month that is a little something anyone is surely going to take pleasure in” (Greene 2010). Greene advertises solar energy to be the finest method of energy because along with its use you receive financial savings as well as better the earth’s health with respect to pollution. The author consistently makes solar energy appear to be the most effective form of energy. The one problem with this claim is how she doesn’t present or provide any comparisons to illustrate how solar power and its benefits outweigh other similar systems, which are commonly used across the globe. The author leaves the reader in a position where all they know are the advantages of solar energy and therefore can only trust the author that solar is number one in terms of energy source. Contrast between solar and various other forms of energy are absent and never clearly demonstrates how solar is the best alternative over other techniques. Greene could have offered a study, which confirms all her claims and illustrates that solar energy is truly the number one option.

Lastly, Within Greens paper there are a couple of problems however one, which is consistent with her every claim or statement she makes is, that after any of her claims Greene fails to back up and provide her readers with valid forms of proof. It is a consistent issue throughout her paper and there are no forms of evidence or intention to justify her claims.

Greene’s argument is based on the value of solar technology due to the number of benefits it provides. The author proves to be an advocate of solar energy as she presents her claims in her paper only to promote and display all the positives that come along with it. The major problem, which is visible in the paper, “Solar Technology Advantages They Change The Planet”, Christina Greene makes various claims and time after time is unsuccessful at presenting proof.

Works Cited

Greene, C. (2010) Solar Technology Advantages they Change the Planet. Eco-Friendly Green Solar Energy, 08 Oct 2010. http://dynamicrevelation.cz.cc/ecofriendlysolarenergy/eco-friendly-green-solar-energy/solar-technology-advantages-they-change-the-planet-by-christina-greene/. Accessed 06 Nov 2010.

Donald, E. (2010) Energy Sources. Nuclear Technology Exploring Possibilities, 12 Sept 2010.http://www.cna.ca/curriculum/cna_world_energy_res/energy_sources-eng.asp?bc=Energy%20Sources&pid=Energy%20Sources. Accessed 09 Nov 2010.