Energy is a basic necessity for modern life. From running household appliances to powering industries, energy plays a vital role. However, most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, and coal, which have a negative impact on the environment.
Carbon emissions produced by fossil fuels cause climate change and air pollution. Therefore, there is a need for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. One energy source that is now increasingly popular is solar energy.
This article will discuss how solar energy technology plays a role in sustainable development, as well as its benefits for the environment and the economy.
What is Solar Energy Technology?
Solar energy is energy obtained from sunlight and can be converted into electricity or heat. Solar energy technology has developed rapidly and is a potential solution to support sustainable development. Solar energy technology includes various methods for converting sunlight into usable energy. These technologies are divided into two main categories: photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems.
Photovoltaic (PV): This system uses solar panels to convert sunlight directly into electricity. Each panel is made of solar cells made of semiconductor materials, such as silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, the energy from the sunlight is converted into electrical current that can be used for various purposes.
Solar Thermal Systems: This technology uses heat from the sun to generate energy. An example is a solar water heater that uses solar energy to heat water in households or industries. Both types of technologies play an important role in generating clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Benefits of Solar Energy Technology in Our Life
There are many benefits that can be obtained from the use of solar energy technology, both for the environment, society, and the economy. The use of solar energy can reduce the impact of climate change, because it does not produce greenhouse gases that are harmful to the atmosphere. In addition, solar energy does not require the use of large amounts of water, making it more friendly to water resources compared to hydroelectric or nuclear power plants.
Sunlight is an energy source that will not run out, unlike fossil fuels that are increasingly depleted. Solar energy can continue to be used as long as the sun shines, making it a long-term solution for human energy needs.
Although the installation of solar panels requires a fairly large initial investment, in the long term solar energy can reduce electricity costs. Once the solar system is installed, the energy produced is practically free.
The development and installation of solar energy technology can create new jobs in various fields, such as manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar panels. This helps support local economic growth and improve community welfare..
The Role of Solar Energy Technology in Sustainable Development
Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of today’s society without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Solar energy technology plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
Solar energy helps reduce carbon emissions and pollution, which are major issues in sustainable development. By utilizing clean and renewable energy, we can preserve the environment.
The application of solar energy encourages the creation of a green economy, an economy that focuses on reducing carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. With solar energy, the industrial and household sectors can switch from using dirty energy to cleaner energy.
Solar energy technology can be used in remote areas that are not covered by conventional electricity networks. This allows people in remote areas to gain access to electricity, which can improve their quality of life, such as lighting at night and access to modern technology.
By using solar energy as one of the main energy sources, we can create a more stable and diverse energy system. This is important to avoid dependence on a single energy source, which can be disrupted by economic or political factors.
Solar energy technology has great potential in supporting sustainable development. In addition to being environmentally friendly, solar energy is also renewable and reliable in the long term. With the many benefits it offers, solar energy could be a solution to current and future global energy challenges. Further support and investment in this technology is needed so that its benefits can be felt by more people around the world.
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Author: Dherika
References:
Maka, A.O.M., & Alabid, J.M. (2022). Solar Energy Technology and Its Roles in Sustainable Development. Clean Energy, 6: 476-483. https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkac023.
Resch, R. (2007). The Promise of Solar Energy: A Low-Carbon Energy Strategy for the 21st Century. Green Our World, 44(2).
Satish. (2024). Living Sustainably: How Solar Panels Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. Retrieved from https://pmce.sg/living-sustainably-how-solar-panels-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/ (Accessed: October 13th, 2024).
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