Solar Power & Water

Energy generated by the sun and by movement of water is known as alternative energy, renewable energy, or “green” energy. Assuming that water will move and sun will shine as long as the planet exists, there will always be a source for alternative energy, in contrast with energy derived from finite stores of fossil fuels. As the search for renewable energy grows, solar power and hydropower are gaining acceptance.

Sources

Solar energy comes from sunlight hitting the earth. As such, it is practical for areas of the world that have fairly standard levels of sunlight all year round. But for locales such as Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, limited daylight hours during the winter make solar energy impractical. Energy from water, known as hydropower, can come from rivers or tidal currents.

Solar Power Uses

Photovoltaic cells, concentrating solar power technologies and low-temperature solar collectors are among the solar technologies that would be most useful to industry, according to the Department of Energy. Photovoltaic cells made of semiconductors convert sunlight directly into electricity and can be used to power everything from watches to the electric grid. Concentrating solar power technologies concentrate the sun’s heat energy to drive a generator that produces electricity; examples include central power towers and engine systems. Low-temperature solar technologies absorb the sun’s energy for direct use in heating water or air.

Hydropower Uses

The Department of Energy estimates that current hydropower facilities are able to generate enough energy to provide electricity to 28 million households; the U.S. Energy Information Administration states that hydropower is now the leading renewable energy source used to generate electric power.

Challenges

Development of clean energy has clear benefits but also presents drawbacks. The construction of massive dams can displace entire populations, obliterating homes and livelihoods. The construction of Three Gorges Dam in China, for example, led to the displacement of 1.3 million people. In addition, dams can change river flow patterns, damaging ecosystems unless thorough environmental planning is carried out. Solar energy has fewer perils, but generation capacity is limited by the amount of sunlight available.

Benefits

Proponents of hydropower and solar energy use the same language when advocating for allocation of funding to develop energy from the sun and from water. Both forms of alternative energy can be produced domestically in the U.S., and as such can provide electricity for U.S. consumption not subject to the disruptions from overseas suppliers, cost fluctuations and transportation issues associated with other fuel sources, notes the Department of the Interior.