Almost all our energy that we use comes from fossil fuels. Oil and gas are the main fossil fuels that we use to drive our car, heat our house and cook our meals. But the amount of fossil energy is declining rapidly and there will come a time when there will not be enough of it to supply everyone on this earth. That is why mankind is looking for new alternative energy sources and the most promising one is the use of solar energy.
It is not that solar energy is a total new concept, but until a few years ago we never had the intention to use it as a substitute for oil and gas. There are some countries that are already using solar energy to supply entire cities of energy. However, the only way how to do this is if that particular country has a lot of sun and a place where to put the solar collectors. There are pros and cons of solar energy compared to Fossil fuels.
* A mayor advantage of solar energy is that it is not polluting the earth in any way. Fossil fuels are causing an enormous climate change because of the global warming and this is not the case with solar energy.
* We will never run out of solar energy. The sun is around us 24/7 and it can supply is with energy for quite some hours a day. We never have to worry that the sun will not be around us.
* It is Cheap! Solar energy comes with high initial costs but when you bought your collectors all that you collect is yours and saves you a lot of money.
* You can use it anywhere and on anyplace around the world. Some villages are very far away from the nearest electricity network and getting electricity sometimes becomes a problem. But solar energy does not require a network.
Off course there are not only advantages and also some disadvantages associated with solar energy.
* A big con on solar energy is that you are dependent on the sun. If the sun is not shining than you can not collect any energy.
* Another disadvantage is that you need to be able to place solar panels on your roof or land. If you life in a big city than there is not enough place to use solar panels.
* The initial costs for buying solar panels is quite high and many people don’t like to make an investment that they will earn back after a few years.
Although solar energy is a great alternative to the use of fossil fuels, it will probably take some time before it becomes a worthy substitute.
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