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How Solar Energy Works Research Paper

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With all this talk about fossil fuels polluting our earth, I have failed to demonstrate why solar energy is the superior "clean" alternative. Solar energy is a "clean" energy source because it takes the suns energy and converts it to usable energy without any pollution. The article "How Solar Power Works" explains this process. Solar panels contain cells made of silicon under a layer of glass for protection. These cells, when hit by sunlight, generate what they call electron activity. This electron activity is what creates the energy and that energy can then be stored in a battery or immediately used (Morris). Solar panels are not as "high tech" as I originally thought going into my research. This simple design eliminates the need for pollution. …show more content…
This high price is the main reason I believe people shy away from solar power. I always believed that solar energy was astoundingly expensive as well, but through research I am finding that it does not have as high of price as I thought. "97% of Americans Overestimate the Cost of Installing Solar Panels" ("Solar Energy too Expensive for most Americans"). This statement surprised me even more. The idea that people can not afford solar power is partially a myth, and a myth created by people not knowing the true price of this alternative energy source. The article "The Price is Right for Solar Age to Dawn" says that the estimated cost to install a solar powered system efficient to power a home would be around $20,000 minus a thirty percent federal tax income credit. This price isn't as high as I expected and I am right in there with the majority of Americans who have overestimated the price of solar power. This misconception is a major factor in people being hesitant in investing in solar energy. It is hard to change from what you know to something new that could cost you a ton of money. Dewitt also states in that same article" The price of the average solar panel has fallen by 60 percent since 2011, according to the Solar Industry Association." This is good news for the solar power industry. As solar gets more affordable the word will eventually get out to end the …show more content…
According to a recent article "Ultilities Push for Solar Energy Fees" power companies aren't being funded for their costs to link their power grid to people's personal solar panels. Because of this, industries are planning on adding more fees to compensate for this money they are loosing(Larson). These fees, if put into action, make owning and selling your own power a little less appealing, and a little harder to swallow along with the price of investing in your own solar panels. Despite these costs, owning your own solar panels is becoming more practical and is still on the

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