Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the use of solar power could free us from hazardous gases emitted by fossil fuel combustion. It looks at how photovoltaic technology takes the energy of the sun and directly converts it into electricity and how PV's are found in navigational buoys, calculators, yard lights, watches, electric fencing, streetlights, and irrigation pumps. The paper contends that because energy from the sun is free and readily available unlike fossil fuels, we can set up an affordable system that will provide free electricity for our basic needs at an initial cost comparable to alternative forms of energy.

From the Paper:

"A solar-thermal system collects the sun's energy and uses it to heat liquids. The heated liquid can be used to generate steam, which can then be used to turn turbines for electrical power. The steam can also be used for heat. In California, approximately 350 megawatts of power are produced by solar-thermal plants in the Mojave Desert. A well designed solar-thermal system in a home can reduce the cost of energy by as much as 85 percent and pay for itself in approximtely five years. Solar-thermal power releases no pollution and creates no waste, however in order for this system to operate, a lot of sunlight is required. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Photovoltaics. US Department of Energy. Available at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/photovoltaics.html.
• Solar Photovoltaic. Energy Information Administation. Available at http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/solarphotv/solarpv.html.
• Science. The New York Times. Available at: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/solar_energy/index.html?query=TAXATION&field=des&match=exact.

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