The Solar Sector is taking over the world!

It is no unfamiliar topic that the global warming crisis and our climate emergency has brought about many initiatives in renewable energy, one major player in the sector being Solar Power. Many countries from all around the world have been investing in this sun filled solution.

When you think about it, it all makes sense, where are you when you imagine a relaxing vacation? On a tropical island sipping coconuts and sun bathing without a care in the world. Exactly, and do you know what is the main idea of that vacation? The bright, sunny and warm weather. Completely related to the energy sector today, wanting to take a vacation from the mundane and stressful non-renewables like oil, gas and coal. On what kind of vacation? A sunny vacation, and what is sunny? That's right- Solar Power!

Solar Power is taking over the world! Here's some food for thought:
1. The Slovakian 'renewables' auctions- solar photovoltaics is expected to claim a whopping 44% of clean energy to generate 2.4 terawatts per hour of electricity in the coming years. In this clean energy and co-generation support scheme, solar energy has the biggest claim. Slovakia had approximately 531 megawatts of installed solar power generation capacity at the end of last year. Majority of this solar power coming from solar parks constructed in 2010-2011.

Picture showing Solar mini-grids in Kenya

https://www.lemorioenergy.com/minigridkenya.html

2. Solar mini-grids in Kenya- Local authorities of Kisumu County has been seeking proposals to build mini-grids of solar photovoltaics to generate a surplus of 5 kilowatts to power hospitals, water pumping, markets and street lighting. Models have been developed for the construction and operation for this project. Energy authorities have published a list of bidders for the tender for the development of solar generation by 2020. In Swaziland, the Kingdom of Eswantini issued its first utility scale solar tender in June with a goal to bring up renewables into their energy mix by 2030. This launched a call for 40 megawatts of solar energy.

3. Solar power plants in Mozambique- A French Development agency has issued a tender to aid Mozambique in the construction of 2 photovoltaic plants to generate up to 80 megawatts of energy. Environmental consultancy to determine the feasibility of this project has been launched as well as loans from the European Union to the Mozambican Government of $4.46 million for the program. 

4. Germany is in on Solar- Photovoltaic systems were constructed to generated 2.9 gigawatts of energy. This includes solar roof-top systems and ground built solar systems. Due to the increase in installations of solar systems, the feed-in tariff has fallen.

Image showing roof-top systems in Germany

http://www.zukunft-oberndorf.at/alternatives-bebauungskonzept-fur-oberndorf-mitte/solarsiedlung_dachaufsicht/

Solar systems have been implemented in countries globally. The ones listed above are only to name a few. It has proven to be a major player in the "going green" projects in the energy sectors of these countries. In fact, it is so effective that investments into solar power is increasing as days go by. Rightfully so, every country should follow suit in the solar energy sector. 

Here's to world dominance of this sunny solution as we here approve and fully support the Solar Sector taking over the world!

References:
1. Bellini, E. (2019). Solar to get largest share in Slovakian 'renewables' auctions. Retrieved 9 November 2019, from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/11/04/solar-to-get-largest-share-in-slovakian-renewables-auctions/

2. Bellini, E. (2019). French Development Agency helps Mozambique build 80 MW of solar capacity. Retrieved 9 
November 2019, from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/10/31/french-development-agency-helps-mozambique-build-80-mw-of-solar-capacity/?utm_source=Bibblio&utm_campaign=Internal

3. Hannen, P. (2019). Germany added 2.9 GW of solar in nine months. Retrieved 9 November 2019, from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/11/01/germany-added-2-9-gw-of-solar-in-nine-months/?utm_source=Bibblio&utm_campaign=Internal

China- Solar Sufficient

"China is now the world's largest consumer of energy, the largest producer and consumer of coal and the largest emitter of carbon dioxide", according to think tank China Power.

Coal is a non-renewable source of energy, it is the sole-provider of energy in China and is heavily dependent on that industry.
As light has been shed on the extravagant amount of carbon emissions from that country alone, the government has been driven in the renewable energy sector. They have invested heavily on "going green".

China has a strong manufacturing industry, they have initiated renewables such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaic cells. With its mass production and government driven employment of renewable energy in domestic situations as well as larger operations, for example, hotels and office buildings.

China's government has been trying to decarbonize by putting 30 to 40 gigawatts of renewables out every year- thats a lot of energy! The country has been rapidly constructing solar farms across the country.

Image showing a fishery-solar hybrid photovoltaic power station in China 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/04/china-does-not-need-foreign-help-in-renewable-energy-wood-mackenzie.html

One problem has arisen from their attempt to fully replace coal, which is their inability to have proper battery storage. Once this issue is addressed, energy consultant, Wood Hutchinson said, "it is not a question of if, but when China will replace coal with renewables."

The Chinese have their own homegrown technology in wind and solar, therefore suffocating out the chances for foreign investment. They do not need any "extra" financing or technology. In essence of China's foregoing play in the renewable energy sector, they will be self sufficient in terms of renewable (solar) energy production and supply of solar photovoltaics as well as economically speaking, as the energy sector will be highly profitable.

References:
1. Shao, G. (2019). China does not need foreign tech or money to decarbonize, energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie says. Retrieved 9 November 2019, from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/04/china-does-not-need-foreign-help-in-renewable-energy-wood-mackenzie.html

Solar Power around the World

Solar Power is a sustainable form of energy that is being integrated into countries' lifestyles today. In this age, as environmental issues are being raised, environmental consciousness is being liberated. People are opting for more energy efficient lifestyles that contribute to a greener, cleaner and safer environment.  One of the many ways of doing so is by switching from fossil fuels to a renewable source of energy-solar energy. 

Some countries that have already joined the 'solar movement' are:

1. China- the world's largest operating solar power project. It is the largest manufacturer of solar panels.

2. United States- home to some of the world's biggest solar power plants, also in the works of relaying tax incentives and policies for distributed solar panels. 

3. Japan- goals to increase the use of renewable energies from 15% to 22-24% by 2030 (GO Japan!)

4. Germany- key leader in the production of photovoltaic power and is the highest ranking country for photovoltaic power per capita. 

5. India- 28.18 GW of solar installed power by March 2019, the lowest cost producer of solar power.

6. Italy- accounted 7.9% of electricity demand by solar photovoltaic power. 

7. United Kingdom- government encouragement for the introduction of solar panels into homes and business places, 3.4% of total electricity generation was solar by 2017 and goals for 4 million homes to be solar powered by 2020. 

8. Australia- up to 59 solar projects, 5.2% of the electricity was generated by photovoltaic solar power. This country has the potential to be one of the highest ranking solar powered nations because of all the sun it receives. 

9. France- overall solar power generated was an astounding 8.5 GW with 479 MW being newly installed photovoltaics. Major solar installations made this country one of the leaders in solar energy.


References: 
Boyle, M. (2019). Which country uses the most solar power? | finder UK. Retrieved 25 October 2019, from https://www.finder.com/uk/nation-most-solar-power

WHY SOLAR? 5 Facts about Solar Energy!

• Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy on our planet.🌞

http://clipartmag.com/solar-panel-drawing#solar-panel-drawing-6.png

• Solar energy is virtually cheaper today than fossil fuels (saving $$).

https://news.energysage.com/solar-energy-vs-fossil-fuels/

• Solar energy does not directly produce any form of pollution.

https://sloganshub.org/slogans-on-environment/slogans-on-environment-no-pollution-is-the-only-solution/

• Solar energy is a form of renewable energy. 

https://www.civicsolar.com/sites/default/files/support_article/images/module_recycling.png

• Solar energy can provide power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

https://www.cleanfuture.co.in/2018/06/02/solar-amplifier-24-7-power-with-only-one-200w-solar-panel/

THE MAGIC OF SOLAR POWER!

Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world.

Review: Renewable energy sources are energy sources that do not deplete when consumed or naturally replenishes itself within a human lifetime

Solar energy systems refer to technologies that convert the sun's heat or light to another form of energy for use.

Solar energy includes:
•Solar Photovoltaics
•Solar Thermal

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) uses semiconductors to convert sunlight into direct current electricity. Cool right?

Solar Thermal technology uses the heat energy from the sun as heating or for the production if electricity.
                                 

Video explaining solar power and how it works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDZzAIcCQLQ

Although in some areas of the world harnessing solar energy can be tricky, this is not necessarily an issue in the Caribbean. Due to our geographic location, which is in close proximity to the equator, the sun's Ray's travel shorter distances to get to the region's nations (Caribbean countries). That is, solar energy is available to us more frequently and abundantly than most places in the world.

Solar energy is dependent on sunshine, so when there are cloudy days or rainy days, how will we utilize solar energy? Great question! Solar energy can be stored in batteries for later use when these conditions prohibit solar energy conversion into electricity or other forms of energy.

Thank you science for finding solutions to arising problems. Thank you solar energy for being so nice to mother Earth. Thank you Mr. Sun for giving us your energy! You all work together to provide the Magic of Solar Power.

References:

1. US. Department of Energy. “Solar Energy Technology Basics”. August 16, 2013. http://energy.gov/eere/energybasics/articles/solar-energy-technology-basics
2. National Renewable Energy Lab. “Solar Energy Basics”. July 25, 2014. http://www.nrel.gov/learning/re_solar.html 
3. US. Department of Energy. "Photovoltaic Technology Basics". August 16, 2013.  http://energy.gov/eere/energybasics/articles/photovoltaic-technology-basics
4. US. Department of Energy. “Concentrating Solar Power Basics”. August 16, 2013. http://energy.gov/eere/energybasics/articles/concentrating-solar-power-basics

Solar Powered Chargers!

Check out this extremely cool new invention- Solar Powered Chargers! Imagine never having to worry about finding an outlet to charge your phone/ tablets/ laptops. Charge your devices using only sun rays.

Photo showing a solar charger charging electronic devices https://addtoptech.com/products/solar-charger-24000mah-addtop-waterproof-power-bank-portable-battery-pack-2-usb-compatible-smartphones-tablets-outdoor-camping-travelling?variant=18364830253115

WAKE UP PEOPLE WE’RE IN A CLIMATE EMERGENCY!

If you are a person alive in the 21^st century I’m absolutely positive that you’ve heard of something we term ‘Climate Change’.  If you’ve been living under a rock or just never gave it a second thought then let me enlighten you. Mother Earth is dying. Sounds a bit harsh and melodramatic right? It isn’t and it is important that we understand what is happening, why it is happening and what we can do in an effort to make it better.

Climate change is really hard to ignore now as you can literally see what is happening to our environment, honestly, you really cannot miss it. I’m sure you’ve been hearing the effects but you probably don’t care to lend an ear or make a change simply because it doesn’t affect you directly, but hear me out. I’m going to paint you a picture, while you read let your imagination run wild.

Picture yourself in the next 10/15 years or so, you’re married and you have kids. You just got the promotion you’ve been working so hard for and you want to celebrate with your family. You decide to surprise your family with a vacation, you’re going to Hawaii to take in the sun, sea and sand and spend some deserved quality time with your loved ones. You get there and the water is a beautiful turquoise, the sun kisses your skin softly leaving warmth on your cheeks and the sand feels cool between your toes. Except, in the next 10/15 years, the Hawaiian islands may have sunken, you can’t go outside to enjoy the sun because you might get skin cancer and there is no more beautiful turquoise blue waters to swim in because sea levels rose, the sandy shores were flooded and the “beaches” are 25% water and 75% trash. Now you can’t enjoy your family vacation and well, it kind of is your entire fault in the first place and I’ll tell you exactly why.

 

https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/conservation/issues/point-no-return-for-climate-action-is-2035.htm

WAKE UP PEOPLE WE’RE IN A CLIMATE EMERGENCY!

Climate Change is a state of emergency event currently occurring on our planet Earth. Global temperatures have risen, our ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, health issues have identifiably been a side effect and the list goes on.

One of the major causes of global warming is extensive use of fossil fuels. We use fossil fuels compellingly like our lives depend on it. It may be socially normal as it is the single most common energy source. We get electricity from it, we get gas for our cars from it, we need it to cook our food and even have enticing long, hot showers sponsored by it. That dependence is the root of all our problems. It has become so detrimental that famous singers have written songs about it, pop culture artists like Billie Eilish, Lil Dicky, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and many more have been using their platforms to bring light to the endearing situation.

Video on the Climate Emergency https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvIiZc6uAXA

Contrary to popular belief, we can make a change, we can make a difference, we can do it and we can start now. How can we make a difference you may be wondering? CUT OUT FOSSIL FUELS! We can use more renewable and environmentally friendly energies. One of which is Solar Energy. Scientists have done their research; engineers have made its implementation simpler than ever and all facts point to it being a viable solution to the overuse and abuse of fossil fuels.

 

Comparison of Solar Energy vs Fossil Fuels https://www.westcoastsolar.com/solar-power-vs-fossil-fuels/

While conducting research on solar energy I came across an article that highlighted some major benefits of implementing solar energy. It goes on to say that solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power from the sun that is a great alternative of fossil fuels, benefits include a decrease of green house gas emissions,  reduction of respiratory and cardio health issues and is an economically self-maintaining source of energy (Matasci, 2019).  Many countries around the world have slowly been ‘Going Solar’. It starts domestically, using solar panels in your homes, for example, solar water heaters and installation of photovoltaic cells for electricity. Why stop there? Petition for governments to increase subsidies for solar panel installation, invest in the creation of solar power stations, give environmental grants to largely solar powered cites and towns and so many more things to encourage this movement. 

Solar energy can be the new wave energy power source. “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. – Thomas Edison” Our brilliant minds have recognized it, now its time to make the solar energy dream a reality.

References:

Matasci, Sarah. “Health and Environmental benefits of solar energy” Environment and Clean Technology (2019). https://news.energysage.com/health-environmental-benefits-of-solar-energy/