SUN LIGHTS THE WAY FORWARD

Global demand for all forms of energy is expected to increase by 54 per cent over the next twenty years, according to forecasts from the US Energy Information Administration.   The EIA long-term energy forecast also predicts that world electricity demand will nearly double by 2025. 
Most of the world’s energy is produced from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas.When these are burnt, their energy is released but at the same time, carbon dioxide is also released into the air.Not only are these conventional sources finite, they also result in harmful emissions when being burnt, so we need to develop more environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, water and geothermal.   
The amount of energy from sun that reaches the surface of the earth is 6 000 times greater than that which is used on earth.  Solar energy has been used by humans to meet some of their energy needs since ancient times, but with growing global concern over environmental issues, it is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Solar power is increasingly becoming a viable alternative to fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas and is predominarly used for heating water and generating electricity.  
From futuristic office buildings and gigantic sports stadiums, to regular homes around the world, solar power is becoming an increasingly popular clean, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable energy source.   For example, the recently completed 55 000-seater stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is the first stadium in the world to provide power using solar energy technology.The enormous nineteen-hectare structure was built for the 2009 World Games, and will produce enough power for its 3 300 lights and two huge television screens from nearly nine thousand solar panels on the stadium roof.  
That is solar power on a massive level.  For ordinary households however, solar power is a real alternative to conventional sources and can meet domestic energy needs cost-effectively and with very little maintenance.
According to Perth solar power specialists, Solar My World, homeowners will add value to their properties, make a positive contribution to the environment and reduce their power bills by installing solar panels on their properties.For Perth property owners, there are two solar power options available – grid connect and off-grid solar power.
Grid connect systems are generally installed in build-up areas, and supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the household.When the solar system generates power that is surplus to needs, that surplus may be ‘on-sold’ to the electricity grid where appropriate.The other type is a standalone system which uses a battery bank for energy storage.This is usually installed in more far-flung areas where conventional power sources aren’t available or are not very reliable.  
Solar power systems are versatile and can be designed for both AC and DC and can always be expanded to meet changing needs.
Energy is the largest single contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and there is a growing call for people to reduce their C02 emissions and protect the environment.As discussed earlier in this article, Taiwan’s new stadium is anticipated to reduce CO2 emissions by 660 tons a year by producing power from its solar panels.We have the power to save the world if we switch to solar power in our homes.

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