Home Solar Panels Crystalline Silicon Might Result To Nuclear Power Dependency
The increased energy demands and the continuous rise in fossil fuel prices have prompted many country governments to look for alternative sources of energy. Many are eyeing the use of solar energy, especially home solar panels crystalline silicon systems.
The reason lies in the fact that this renewable resource proves to be quite efficient as compared to other systems. Based on reports, solar energy systems can help typical household users save up to 50% on their monthly electric bills. These systems are also relatively cheaper than wind energy converters and other renewable energy sources.
Solar energy systems are also much easier to manufacture for commercial use. Currently, silicon, the main component used for home solar panels crystalline silicon systems, is the second most abundant element in the planet’s crust. When used for constructing solar cells, silicon can be refined to 100% purity. Crystalline cells which can efficiently convert sunlight are made from huge slices of crystal ingots. The most effective electricity generators are the single crystalline silicon panels. However, these are also more expensive than the widely distributed poly-crystalline silicon panels.
In general, the effectiveness of an element as a solar energy converter lies on the orderly arrangement of the atoms. The single crystalline silicon is more efficient than polycrystalline silicon because the atomic order of the latter is disrupted at crystal interfaces. However, not many household owners use single crystalline silicon panels because of the costs involved. As such, many home solar panels that are currently in use are not that efficient in converting solar power for household use.
Considering nuclear sources…
Scientists note that nuclear power plants are very expensive to build. Environmentalists are also wary of the adverse effects that such energy sources might have on the environment. That is why many researchers point out that it would be better if the money would be spent on building and propagating other renewable energy resources such as home solar panels crystalline silicon systems.
However, many state governments note that these renewable supplies rarely meet their expected capacity. As of now, there is still a low public acceptance rate for home solar panels crystalline silicon systems. Thus, reliance on nuclear energy continuously increases. According to reports of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in France, nuclear power plants are expected to provide an eight (about 12.5%) of the world’s energy needs in 2050 – an estimate of 1400 GW.
However, environment conservation advocates are not convinced of the reports. Fabien Roques, an energy expert at Cambridge Energy Research Associates in France believes that “the 1400-GW scenario is unrealistic”. Neil Crumpton, an advocate of the Friends of Earth in UK remains unconvinced, “Government plans to replace the current generation of nuclear plants are unlikely to deliver more than 10% of our energy needs.” GP
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