Summary Reader Response (Draft 1)

 In the article, “What are Solar Light Panels and how do they work” from Economic Times, Team ProductLine (2019) discussed that solar light panels are utilised for residential and commercial lighting. Photovoltaic (PV) modules, encompassing high-quality crystalline silicon solar cells, are used to create solar light panels. With these PV cells, light energy from the sun can be transformed into electrical energy to be utilised or stored. In terms of features, solar light panels are extremely durable and will only degrade gradually. According to the article, the adequacy of these panels decreases by just 2% or less after one full year. Moreover, not only do solar panels reduce the dependability on conventional power sources and fossil fuels, but they also do not produce deleterious greenhouse gases. PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can range in length from a few millimetres to several inches. These cells are combined to create PV modules that can be up to a “few feet wide and several feet long” as stated in the article (paragraph 7, 2019). The article states the various applications of solar light panels. They can be fixed into homes to reduce the cost of electricity, decrease the effects of global warming and promotes energy independence. 

These batteries in the solar light panel have the ability to prevent the panels from overcharging the battery bank and can also detect when there is no sun, allowing them to automatically turn on during the night. A study reports that the installation of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roof or even in close proximity to the home is the ideal way to efficiently supply energy for electricity. When the sun is not shining or it is bad outside, the house can draw energy from the grid and send power back into it (K., 2020). Thus, promotes energy independence.

A traditional grid-tied lighting system will typically cost about 20% more upfront than a solar-powered system. (Shickadance, nd). Over the course of your solar light panel system, the typical home can save between $10,000 and $30,000 (Walker, 2022). For example, if you reside in Australia, you will be pleased to learn that the majority of homeowners have the ability to save at least $20,000 on energy costs over the course of their solar panels, which is a sizeable sum of money (Folks, 2022). By doing this, the altered monthly bills will be eliminated (EPR Magazine Editorial, 2021). Thus, could benefit from long-term savings.

The use of solar energy systems and power plants does not result in the production of greenhouse gases or air pollution (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2022). Solar light panels are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute for using fossil fuels like coal or natural gas to generate electricity. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere as a result of the burning of fossil fuels can be reduced by using solar panels (Myers, 2022). Thus, helps to reduce pollution.

However, there are some disadvantages to using solar light panels as they are sunlight-dependent and would cause space constraints for a country. Energy is only produced when the sun is shining, which is one of the biggest issues with solar energy technology (Johnston, 2022). The second key obstacle is space. Singapore doesn't have many roomy areas where large solar arrays could be constructed. Here, a large portion of the land is taken up by structures, roads, and protected green areas (Speed, 2021).

In conclusion, solar light panels not only lessen the harm that burning fossil fuels causes to the environment, but they also provide a steady supply of renewable energy that can be used to run almost any appliance or device.

Reference:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sherikoones/2020/01/26/creating-energy-independence-with-solar-panels--storage-battery-systems-in-the-home/?sh=76f895525ead

Shikadance, S. (n.d). https://www.streetlights-solar.com/solar-light-economics-making-saving-money.html

Folks, R. (2022, October 3). Do Solar Panels Save Money? E-green electrical. https://e-greenelectrical.com.au/do-solar-panels-save-money/

Walker, E. (2022, November 18). Are solar panels worth it in 2023? EnergySage. https://news.energysage.com/are-solar-panels-worth-it/

https://news.energysage.com/much-solar-panels-save/#really-save

U.S Energy Informative Administration. (2022, February 25). Solar energy and the environment. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/solar-energy-and-the-environment.php#:~:text=Solar%20energy%20technologies%20and%20power,larger%20effects%20on%20the%20environment.

Myers, J. (2022, December 9). Solar Panels and Their Effect on the Environment. Environmental Protection. https://eponline.com/articles/2022/12/09/solar-panels-and-their-effect.aspx

EPR Magazine Editorial. (2021, December 7). Switch to solar for energy independence. Electrical Power Review. https://www.eprmagazine.com/guest-column/switch-to-solar-for-energy-independence/

Johnston, M. (2022, August 5). Solar Energy: Benefits and Drawbacks. Investopedia.

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/053015/pros-and-cons-solar-energy.asp#:~:text=The%20cons%20are%20that%20it,solar%20technologies%20require%20rare%20materials.

Speed, P.A. (2021, February 21) Commentary: Why hasn’t solar energy in Singapore taken off in a big way after so long? Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/solar-energy-singapore-panels-cloudy-unpredictable-electricity-1882996