Technology has given us several clean energy source alternatives for fossil fuels such as wind, hydro, geothermal, solar, and more. The tech world has been leaning toward solar energy for quite some time, it has taken a step forward as open waters are put to use like never before.
Floating Solar Panels
Around 71% of the Earth is comprised of water. That's a lot of surface area that holds potential, and experts are tapping into it. Solar panels are floating on calm waters near the Equator which is a whole new energy landscape that can be explored further.
These power sources could be beneficial for densely populated areas in West Africa and Southeast Asia, as mentioned in Interesting Engineering. Research states that the solar farm is able to generate about 35,000 terawatt-hours of energy per year in just Indonesia.
This is a massive amount of energy for just one country, especially since the current global electricity production is at 30,000 terawatt-hours per year. If this was adopted by a lot of nations, there will be a drastic decrease in the need for fossil fuels.
Naturally, it might sound too good to be true. There are various issues that may arise including the fact that bodies of water are not as calm as lands. However, there are water areas along the Equator that are tranquil enough to avoid damaging the panels.
There's also the issue with the bodies of saltwater affecting the metals. Aside from salt corrosion, there is also marine fouling among other concerns that involve the environment. Of course, professionals are already working on a solution for that.
Reports say that the engineering structures that could shield solar panels from mild disturbances are relatively inexpensive. They can also be placed in calmer and cleaner waters like lakes and reservoirs.
This could be a great way to make use of the vast ocean surface, especially since finding available space in densely populated countries could prove to be a problem. It could also lower the cost of electricity since it is now generated from clean and renewable sources.
Read Also: Energy Department Invests $20M in Solar Panel Recycling
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar panels are a great source of energy for many reasons. For one, they are renewable energy sources, meaning that there won't be an issue of running out of resources to dig up as sublight will always be available to us.
It is also a cleaner form of energy source, especially when it comes to the environment. It can generate power without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases and carbon. To add to that, it has a lower maintenance cost than other alternative power sources.
It doesn't matter what the climate is since the cold doesn't affect its function, according to Constellation. Solar panels don't necessarily need direct sunlight in order to absorb energy, but they will affect the amount of electricity produced.
Solar panels can even be installed in one's own home. It will reduce the cost of traditional electricity sources like the grid, and excess power could be sold. Users can get their money back through Solar Renewable Energy Credits.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy - Is It Worth It?
