The Utilization of Solar Power (Blog 1)

 The Utilization of Solar Power by Ava Lairmore

The world is at a divide right now between people who want more power lines, and people who want “a more decentralized energy system.” The country needs cleaner energy, which is an issue that “has split the renewable energy industry and the environmental movement.” This winter, Texans froze and faced a very dangerous situation because the state electricity failed. President Joe Biden wants to utilize solar farms, which requires power lines because they’d have to be far from the city, all across the country. Biden wants to move towards a more central system that includes everyone nationally, because our electricity is regionally based right now. 

Ultimately, the solution will depend on Congress and the country as a whole. A lot of scientists and environmentalists are pushing for more use of solar energy and batteries, mainly because of climate change, and I think this solution is most optimal for our survival.

“A 2019 report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a research arm of the Energy Department, found that greater use of rooftop solar can reduce the need for new transmission lines, displace expensive power plants and save the energy that is lost when electricity is moved long distances. The study also found that rooftop systems can put pressure on utilities to improve or expand neighborhood wires and equipment.”

While large solar farms aren’t inherently bad, the process of creating them is also an issue. In western Maine, a transmission line is trying to be created, but would be detrimental to the surrounding environment: 

“‘This transmission line would have grave impacts on Maine’s environment and wildlife habitat,’ said Sandra Howard, a leader of the campaign against the line.” 

Article: https://goodtimes.sc/santa-cruz-news/power-lines-solar-panels/  by Ivan Penn and Clifford Krauss