Saving the Sun’s Energy

                I fear the day where we would ran out of resources. I fear the day that we would have to pay an imaginable price for something like electricity. I fear the day that I can no longer switch on the television, the air condition or the computer anytime I want. I fear the day that we would have to live in the dark. I fear the day where we would look back in our past and regret that we did not do what we could have done.

                There are numerous ways we can do to save our energy resources. Simple examples are turning off lights when not in use or use energy efficient light bulbs. We ought to do these things to prolong our use of the resources we have. We patronize non-renewable resource, which is why if we do not use them, the future generations will not be able to enjoy and experience the things we tend to overlook at present.

                But some of the great discoveries of Alexandre Edmond Becquerel and Russell Ohl lead to the invention of “solar panel.” Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, which are responsible for converting photons, or particles of light, into flow of electricity. To be specific, “Light (photons) striking certain compounds, in particular metals, causes the surface of the material to emit electrons. Light striking other compounds causes the material to accept electrons. It is the combination of these two compounds that can be made use of to cause electrons to flow through a conductor, and thereby create electricity. This phenomenon is called the photo-electric effect. Photovoltaic means sunlight converted into a flow of electrons (electricity).” (Energy Matters)

                There are different types of solar panels for different household and establishments. Their efficiency differ from one another and how the panels are to be used. First type would be the monocrystalline silicon or single silicon. According to How Solar Works, these are the most efficient type of solar panels at present. They have high silicon content making them more expensive, but less of it would be needed. The panels turns into electricity most of the sunlight that hits them. These panels becomes more efficient if the sun directly shines on them at the correct angle. They have diamond like shape blocks. Second type, polycrystalline silicon or multi-silicon. These panels have less silicon level making them not only less expensive but also a bit less efficient. The overall construction design makes up for the efficiency loss. They have rectangular blocks. Next one are the solar hot water (thermal) panels. This has nothing to do with electricity. These panels produce hot water for households or big pools and can also offer heat and air conditioning.

                There are several benefits that we can get from using solar panels. We all know that the energy coming from the sun is endless and free and this would save us a lot of money on our electric bills. It also provides clean energy and does not produce harmful greenhouse-gas emissions. As there is always two sides of a coin, there are also disadvantages to take in to consideration in planning to use solar panels. You would spend relatively high depending on the home, the location, the size and purpose of the system and what not. The location of the home is also a factor if it is located in a shade area or the sun does not directly hit the place. The fact that the sun doesn’t shine brightly for 24 hours a day also affects the efficiency of the system. Also, the maintenance of the system and its repair because of natural calamities should also be take in to consideration.

                I think it is time to take the risk and do definite actions to help in reducing and protecting our remaining resources. It is in our hands to make a move and start being a change for the better. Why not start save the sun’s energy to save the whole planet?

Works Cited

Dhar, By Michael. "How Do Solar Panels Work?" LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 16 Dec. 2013. Web. 07 Mar. 2014. <http://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html>.

"Different Types of Solar Panels." Home Solar 101 A Homeowners Guide to Solar Different Types of Solar Panels Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <https://howsolarworks.1bog.org/different-types-of-solar-panels/>.

"Different Types of Solar Panels." Home Solar 101 A Homeowners Guide to Solar Different Types of Solar Panels Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <https://howsolarworks.1bog.org/different-types-of-solar-panels/>.

"Pros and Cons of Solar Power for Home Use." About.com Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://energy.about.com/od/Solar/a/Pros-And-Cons-Of-Solar-Power-For-Home-Use.htm>.

"Solar Panel Brief History and Overview." - Energy Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <http://www.energymatters.com.au/renewable-energy/solar-power/solar-panels.php>.

De Jesus, Carmela Gabrielle D.

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