Summary Reader Response (Draft 3)

In the article, “What are solar light panels” 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 (Team ProductLine, 2019, p. 1). 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 (Team ProductLine, 2019, p. 1). The article states there are various applications of solar light panels which can be fixed into homes (Team ProductLine, 2019, p. 2). Hence, using solar light panels helps reduce the cost of electricity, decreases the effects of global warming, and promotes energy independence.

The key factor of solar light panels is that it reduces the cost of electricity. A traditional grid-tied lighting system will typically cost about 20% more upfront than a solar-powered system (Shickadance, n.d.). 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 (“Switch to solar”, 2021). Thus, could benefit users for long-term savings.

Solar light panels decrease the effects of global warming. The use of solar energy systems and power plants does not result in the production of greenhouse gases or air pollution (“Solar energy and the environment”, 2022, para. 1). 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). Since solar street lighting does not need a lot of power, it can run off much smaller panels. Additionally, since solar panels can be incorporated into the lighting system, they offer a higher level of functionality and flexibility (Zafar, 2022). On an individual level, solar is a much more practical solution. Thus, helps reduced pollution and decrease the effects of global warming.

Another benefit of the use of solar light panel is it promotes energy independence. Solar panels' power output varies daily and throughout the seasons because they depend on sunlight to produce electricity. Due to the fact that rainy days would result in less electricity being available, historically it had been difficult to break one's connection to the grid using only solar panels. By allowing homeowners to store solar energy for later use, batteries make energy independence possible (Downing, n.d.). Hence, you can only truly achieve energy independence for your home by producing and storing your own energy (Zagame, 2022).

In contrast to the advantages of the use of solar light panels, there are some disadvantages to using solar light panels as they are sunlight-dependent, and would cause space constraints for a country. The performance of solar technologies can be impacted by variations in the amount of sunlight available as a result of weather factors like cloudy or wet days. Energy is only produced when the sun is shining, which is one of the biggest issues with solar energy technology (Johnston, 2022). Solar panels can have an impact on the environment during production and disposal, despite the fact that they are typically viewed as less harmful than energy sources based on fossil fuels (“Solar energy and the environment”, 2022). Another key obstacle is space. Singapore does not have many rooms for new 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 also provide a steady supply of renewable energy that can run almost any appliance or device. Future solar light models will also be less expensive to manufacture than current concepts in order to outperform current solar cells. Solar energy is also very much a part of the present and will play a big role in the future. Solar lighting will continue to be used until the last sunbeam. As technology develops, new applications may be created.

Reference:

Downing, L. (n.d.). Can Batteries Make My Home Energy Independent? Panasonic. https://na.panasonic.com/us/green-living/can-batteries-make-my-home-energy-independent

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/

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

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

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

Shikadance, S. (n.d.). Solar Light Economics: Making Money from the Sun. Greenshine. https://www.streetlights-solar.com/solar-light-economics-making-saving-money.html

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-18829

Team ProductLine. (2019, May 7). What are solar light panels and how do they work. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms?from=mdr

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.

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

Zafar, S. (2022, August 10). The Bright Future of Solar Lighting. BioEnergy Consult. https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/future-of-solar-lights/

Zagame, K. (2022, April 13). Can You Achieve Energy Independence With Solar? Here’s What To Know. EcoWatch. https://www.ecowatch.com/energy-independence-solar.html