Globally, people are trying to make an effort on improving the use of solar energy. This means that instead of using different forms of energy, such as coal or oil, the sun is the direct supplier of the energy. The radiation from the sun makes contact with solar panels, which in turn will create heat/electricity that generates power. Without relying on fossil fuels, the environment will become greener and cleaner (DNR).
The most solar energy efficient country is Germany. They mainly use solar panels for power in the country, and plan to use nothing but solar energy by 2050 (Planetsave). This will have a great impact on the environment for the fact that there will be slim to none greenhouse gas emissions coming from Germany. As a matter of fact, they installed eight times the amount of solar panels in Germany than America has.
One solar energy project that I found interesting is the project they are working on at the Vatican. The amount of power that the Vatican will produce will be enough to give energy to the entire country of Rome (Inhabitat). It also has the largest solar power plant in Europe, even though it is a small country.
I think it is great that more and more people are turning to solar energy. To me, the main benefit would be not having to worry about running out of energy/power, for the fact that the sun will always be emitting radiation (unless something drastic and dramatic happens, which is probably only possible in a sci-fi movie).
References:
http://inhabitat.com/the-worlds-6-coolest-solar-powered-projects/
http://planetsave.com/2012/03/06/top-6-countries-using-solar-energy/
It’s really great to see the expansion of renewable energies worldwide. Specifically in this case, solar provides a means for us to diversify our energy sources.
As implied by the class text and your blog entry, it’s not a cure-all. However, Germany provides a world example of moving froward in a positive way to employ cleaner energies while also protecting future economic development.