Although it’s a new technology, solar energy provides benefits to the entire world. First, solar energy eliminates our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. Additionally, solar energy is non-pollutant, which makes it better for everyone. Finally, there is almost no maintenance as solar panels have a long life span without regular maintenance. So, the benefits seem to be overwhelmingly positive and supportive of further production.
The first benefit is the ability for solar energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Many sources of energy are renewable only over millions of years. Unfortunately, humans consume those faster than they are produced. Solar energy could be a replacement for non-renewable sources as a perpetual source of energy. Thus solar energy can become a new energy with no legitimate fear of overproduction.
Another benefit is the non-pollutant aspect of solar energy. Burning fossil fuels is known to produce deadly pollution, while solar energy produces zero harmful byproducts. While current energy sources produce disgusting smells, sounds, and visuals, solar energy produces nothing offensive. Therefore, when considering the health of the planet, the lifelong health benefits of solar energy are unparalleled.
Finally, solar energy has low costs. The cost of solar panels is a one-time purchase. Also, after installation, the lifespan of a solar panel is thirty years. After the initial cost, the solar panel will cost almost nothing. This is a benefit to personal finances, but also peace of mind since there is no worry about rising prices or lack of resources.
In conclusion, these benefits provide support for more people to consider switching to solar power. Both the renewable aspect as well as the non-polluting aspect means that there will be added benefits for individuals, cities, and the planet. The low lifelong cost of installation and maintenance provides a lifetime of benefits. Thus, solar energy looks to be one of the world’s great ideas.
You have twenty minutes to answer the following question. You can refer to the article as you write your essay. You may not listen to the lecture again.
Summarize the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on the solutions presented in the reading passage.
The lecture enhances the points mentioned in the reading passage about the advantages of using solar energy. The professor provides a comprehensive overview of solar energy, extending beyond its commonly acknowledged benefits, such as being a renewable and clean source of energy, to include matters like offset production, various applications, and financial gains. The lecturer addresses the point made in the reading passage about solar energy being a suitable replacement for non-renewable sources by discussing the concept of offset production. He mentions that although solar panels are produced using fossil fuel energy, they generate more energy than what is consumed during their manufacturing in approximately five years. This indicates that the energy produced by solar cells in their long lifespan undoubtedly compensates for the initial production cost, echoing the reading's claim about solar energy's infinite nature. Further, the professor points out the versatility of solar energy production, echoing the passage's mention of its non-polluting nature. He explains how users can regulate their energy output and employ solar energy for various purposes. The prime example mentioned is solar-powered water heaters optimizing energy use, which highlights the efficiency of solar energy and elucidates its contribution to environmental conservation. Lastly, the lecture touches upon the reading passage's point about the low cost associated with solar energy by discussing the financial rewards one could gain from it. After the one-time cost of the solar panels, there are potential profits to be made by selling excess power and making use of tax benefits associated with solar energy. These scenarios underline the lifetime economic benefits of solar energy also mentioned in the reading, which, coupled with its environmental advantages, make it an attractive alternative. In conclusion, the lecture underscores the advantages of solar energy mentioned in the reading by addressing offset production, solar energy's multiple uses, and its financial benefits.
