Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels
In this article we examine the pros and cons of two types of energy: solar and fossil fuels. We consider energy production, consumption, and storage for both types of energy and use these considerations to conclude that the use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source is unnecessarily harming our society.
Solar Energy Pros
- Inexhaustible energy supply for billions of years
- Little to no infrastructure required
- Energy generation produces no sound or smell
- Consumer independence from energy markets and power grids
Solar Energy Cons
- More expensive while technology develops
- Less convenient while technology develops
Fossil Fuel Pros
- Technology is already developed
- Infrastructure for technology is already built
- The general viability of the technology has been proven
Fossil Fuel Cons
- Dependence on power grid, pipeline infrastructure, etc
- Influence on foreign policy
- Finite amount of fossil fuels on earth
- Air pollution which leads to shorter life expectancy, asthma, etc
- Acidic oceans leading to bleaching of barrier reefs
- Destruction of countless species habitats
- Global warming resulting in arctic ice melting
- Rising sea levels resulting in flooded cities
- Harsher and less predictable weather patterns
- Not yet known costs of climate change
Other Pros and Cons
There are some pros and cons we left off this list. For example, let’s consider how solar energy would influence transportation. Electric engines are superior in many ways to combustion engines: they accelerate faster, last longer, and take up less space. On the other hand, storing energy with batteries is less convenient than storing liquid fuel in a gas tank: you can’t fill up the tank in just five minutes. As the technology develops these dynamics might change, but as of right now it seems many of the other pros and cons between the two technologies about balance out.
Summary
Despite the tradeoffs involved in the two technologies, the conclusion here is clear: the cons of using fossil fuels out-weight all other considerations. There is an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting the claim that human emissions are harming our planet and the life on it. If you would like to learn more about climate change, check out my comprehensive breakdown here.
Tesla, an electric company that manufactures solar panels, electric vehicles, and electric storage solutions, powers the island of Ta’u using solar energy. Check out the video below for more information.
Did I miss something? Feel free to comment below. I will research your entry and add it to the list if it is supported by the vast body of peer-reviewed science.
