Page 16 - A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems

8 A CoMPREHENSIVE GUIdE To SoLAR ENERGy SySTEMS

1.4 Why We Need to Develop Solar Energy

Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to climate change and global warming and the only
hope of cutting greenhouse gas emissions is to find cleaner methods of generating elec-
tricity and powering our vehicles [25]. This is perhaps the most important reason for de-
veloping renewable forms of energy, such as solar energy [26]. The agreement to hold the
increase in the global average temperature to less than 2°C compared to preindustrial lev-
els, and to pursue efforts to remain within a 1.5°C rise, which was made at the Paris Confer-
ence of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in december 2015,
was a major triumph in the quest to manage global warming and climate change. Unfor-
tunately, emissions continue to rise, with the average concentration of Co 2 in the Earth’s
atmosphere now at 410 ppm. It has been estimated that the 2°C limit roughly corresponds
to a concentration of 450 ppm. To avert a temperature rise of above 2°C will require the
almost total decarbonization of energy supply over the coming decades. In spite of these
warnings, the world continues to burn ever-greater amounts of fossil fuel annually, espe-
cially for electricity production. Much of this is due to the massive exports of coal from
Australia and the United States to Japan and China [26]. Another reason for reducing our
dependence on imported fossil fuel is that it improves our energy security. After the oil
supply disruptions of the early 1970s, many nations have increased their dependence on
foreign oil supplies instead of decreasing it. This increased dependence affects more than
just national energy policies; it leads to instability in world politics and many recent wars
have been fought over oil [27].
Job creation is an important issue and instead of spending money on costly fuel imports,
money can be spent on local development, materials, workmanship, and investment into
solar energy and other renewable technologies. Furthermore, new developments and
research into solar energy and other renewable energy technologies can provide a boost
to international trade.
The development of solar energy technology with its infrastructure leads to a more
stable and permanent industry than the present oil industry, which will someday end. The
development of a solar energy industry can be considered as a positive legacy for our chil-
dren’s children as it will never run out.
With almost one-third of the world’s population (2 billion people, mainly in Asia,
Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa) living without access to grid electricity, solar energy of-
fers great promise to improve living standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions [28].
Solar PV is particularly suitable for remote regions in warm climates where there is usually
a suitable surface for the installation of panels. With the recent development of low-cost
PV panels and efficient LEd lighting, the technology can now displace traditional kerosene
lamps as a cost-effective and safer alternative. There is no need to supply fuel to produce
the electricity; and moreover, PV panels generate electricity that can be used on-site and
there is no need for expensive transmission lines.