Introduction
Human beings rely on different sources to generate energy for both industrial and domestic use. Some of the common ones include water, natural gas, coal, solar, and nuclear plants. Many emerging and developed economies are currently considering additional solutions that can promote sustainability and protect the natural environment. This objective is critical since most of these sources have significant drawbacks that make them ineffective or unreliable. The purpose of this essay is to identify and describe various energy sources and their pros and cons. It goes further to explain why solar power is the best option for every country or community that intends to record positive environmental or sustainability results.
Analyzing Different Energy Sources
The concepts of environmental conservation and sustainability have forced many countries and organizations to consider the best strategies or processes for generating electricity. Brown (2008) acknowledges that wind turbines have become common in many parts of the world. It is evident that this source does not produce gases that are capable of polluting the natural environment (Brown, 2008).
Unfortunately, the technology associated with wind power generation is very expensive and unavailable to many communities or organizations. Such turbines are also known to disorient the integrity and image of the surroundings. The noise associated with these sources increases the level of pollution. The visual impact of every enormous turbine is another challenge that designers and producers of wind electricity should be willing to address.
In the United States, coal and nuclear energy remain the leading sources of electricity. These resources are capable of affecting the integrity of the natural environment since they emit poisonous gases. Coal is one of the leading causes of global warming in the world today. It can also be depleted within a short period depending on how people use it (Seltenrich, 2014). Nuclear energy remains costly in terms of production and management. These aspects explain why many countries have been keen to identify and invest in new strategies for generating energy and supporting respective their economies. For instance, the United States currently obtains its energy from diverse sources, such as natural gas, wind, solar, biomass, and petroleum.
Most of the above energy resources have specific shortcomings that make them unreliable or unsustainable. For instance, petroleum has become extremely expensive in terms of production and management. When countries use this natural product to generate electricity, chances are high that the level of pollution will increase significantly. Another common source is that of hydropower. Since rivers are available in many parts or regions, countries can install powerful turbines to generate energy and distribute it to the greatest number of users (Rule, 2014). Unfortunately, this method is expensive and unsustainable due to the fluctuating nature of water levels and changing weather patterns. These issues or gaps explain why stakeholders should be keen to identify and implement the best option.
Solar Energy as the Best Option
The above elements reveal that different energy options or sources have specific benefits and shortcomings. These issues explain why solar energy emerges as one of the best alternatives for producing electricity and ensuring that many people realize their potential. Molla (2014) indicates that solar is the most reliable energy source since around 207 percent of input is retained. For coal, only 25 percent of energy will be conserved in the process of fuel conversion (Molla, 2014). Other unsustainable sources include natural gas, biomass, and crude oil. Although wind is capable of retaining the largest percentage of energy, it is associated with various challenges that make it inappropriate. Some of the identified ones include increased investment costs, noise pollution, and disfiguration of the natural environment.
The assets and resources required when pursuing specific energy sources tend to be high, such as nuclear, geothermal, petroleum, and biomass. This issue explains why companies and domestic users have been focusing on the most sustainable types. Although solar energy might be associated with increased initial costs, it does not require maintenance to ensure that electricity is available to the targeted consumers (Seltenrich, 2014). Those who rely on this energy source will achieve their objectives much faster. They will save money and engage in other economic activities.
The use of solar energy is something associated with cleanliness and environmental integrity. The main activity is installing appropriate panels that are capable of producing the desired amount of power. In countries or regions will adequate sunlight, this energy type will remain sustainable and ensure that the level of pollution remains quite low. Unlike wind turbines, solar panels can be installed on roofs and skyscrapers to generate silent energy. Users will not have to worry about blackouts or expensive connections. Most of the connections from other energy sources require subscription and billing (Seltenrich, 2014).
Although hydropower might be less expensive to produce, the targeted customers have to incur numerous costs. This is true since they have to pay for the electricity consumed depending on the outlined agreements or terms. Since solar energy tackles this problem, it makes it possible for companies and households to enjoy the effectiveness of an uninterrupted power supply.
From this information, it is evident that there are numerous sources of energy that investors and governments should consider when pursuing their aims. Solar remains the most appropriate and sustainable option for many people. This fact explains why researchers should undertake numerous studies in order to present evidence-based ideas for improving existing technologies. This practice will eventually deliver superior panels that can generate enough electricity even when there is no adequate sunlight (Rule, 2014).
This means that such technologies will meet the demands of many people in different parts of the world. Educational campaigns and policies can also be considered to support the power of solar energy and encourage more people to embrace it. This achievement will improve the integrity of the surrounding environment, solve most of the problems affecting humanity today, and reduce the level of pollution. This option will eventually make the world a better place for every global citizen.
Conclusion
The above discussion has outlined several energy sources, their advantages, and challenges many users face. The costs associated with energy production should become powerful guidelines for investors and people who want to pursue the most appropriate alternative. Solar energy has emerged as the best option since it does not pollute the environment. Those who select this alternative will only incur numerous initial costs. This source is also appropriate since it does not generate noise or cause distraction. It can work effectively in different parts of the world and support the economic needs of many people. In conclusion, solar is the most efficient, sustainable, and affordable energy source that investors and governments should take into consideration.
References
Brown, H. (2008). Blowin’ in the wind: Texas ranchers turn to turbines. E: The Environmental Magazine, 19(1), 14-15.
Molla, R. (2014). What is the most efficient source of electricity? Wall Street Journal. Web.
Rule, T. A. (2014). Solar, wind and land: Conflicts in renewable energy development. New York, NY: Routledge.
Seltenrich, N. (2014). Wind turbines: A different breed of noise? Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(1), A20-A25. Web.