Design summary reader response draft 2

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 The webpage “What are solar light panels and how do they work” from The Economic Times (2019) informs the readers of the functions, features, and application of solar light panels in our daily lives. Among its functions, the solar light panel can convert light energy into electrical or stored energy through the use of photovoltaic modules (PV), and the system can be either connected or not connected to the main power grid. In terms of features, the solar light panel system comprises “PV modules, electrical connections, mounting hardware, power conditioning equipment and batteries for storing the generated electricity.” It is tough, with the effectiveness only dropping one-two percent yearly and they also do not produce greenhouse gasses that may harm the environment. Besides that, PV cells come in different shapes and sizes. When they are placed together, they shape into PV modules which can form PV arrays of different power output and sizes depending on the user's needs and the amount of sunlight received. Among its applications, solar light panels can be applied in homes as well as powering traffic signs, street lights, water pumps, and communication satellites. It can also be used in different gadgets such as flashlights, torches, wrist watches, and calculators. All in all, there are many advantages as well as disadvantages to different kinds of solar systems. Regardless of which system we use, we should definitely tap into the power of solar light panels as the resources of solar energy are infinite. With fossil fuels running out and climate change being a global problem, HDBs should work with Energy Market Authority (EMA) to install solar windows with built in PV cells in households due to their capabilities in cost reduction, energy generation, as well as being eco-friendly.

Pertaining to the reduction in costs, installing solar light panels will reduce your utility bills and electricity bills in the long run. On average, the usage of solar light panels is expected to save $1100 every year per household (How to Reduce Solar Panel Installation Costs, n.d.). This would not only be a way of cost reduction by converting infinite solar energy into usable electrical energy but it also acts as a great investment for the future. Research has also shown that the expected recuperation of costs would be 15 to 25 years depending on the size of solar light panels as well (Wait, 2021). Although solar panels have been rather costly in the past, technological advancements have enabled a reduction in the costs of designing and production (Liu, 2018).


Regarding energy generation, solar light panels work optimally near geographical areas that are close to the equator. Due to the high radiation levels near the equator, Singapore is a prime location for the installation of solar light panels as it lies 70 miles from the equator (P Nyir, 2005). Solar energy is a renewable source and is accessible as long we have the sun. According to experts, the sun will provide us with enough energy to last for five billion years before it eventually dies (Vourvoulias, 2022). Hence, we should leverage more on the sustainable energy provided by the sun. With technological developments in quantum physics and nanotechnology, the effectiveness of solar light panels can be increased and double or triple the electrical output of solar power systems. (Vourvoulias, 2022)


Moreover, solar windows are one of the cleanest green energy that could make a huge impact on the environment when used widely. Solar energy is a form of renewable energy as it is an energy source that never runs out as compared to fossil fuels which are an infinite source of energy (Solar Panels - Environmental Effects of Solar Panels, 2022). Having solar panels can also help to reduce a household's carbon footprint by about 80% in just one year. There will be no emissions of greenhouse gases and ultimately aid in reducing global warming and rising sea levels.


However, a major concern regarding the installation of solar light panels in homes is due to space constraints. To generate more energy, solar light panels require a lot of space to collect as much sunlight as possible. In some houses, the roofs are not able to fit the required number of solar panels or they might not even have a roof due to living in housing and development board flats (HDB) (Vourvoulias, 2022). However, with the advent of technology, researchers have innovated transparent solar technology which is a huge game changer in the current market (Ozdemir, 2022). They are windows with built-in PV cells which will help to generate electricity while being space efficient. Hence there is a good potential that it could replace the windows in HDBs shortly.


In a nutshell, solar light panels are cost-efficient in the long run as it helps to generate a renewable source of energy. It is also effective in terms of energy generation due to Singapore being located near the equator. Furthermore, it is also eco-friendly as it does not emit greenhouse gasses that would harm the environment. Notedly, one obstacle that limits the installation of solar light panes at home is the constraint of space. However, with technological advancements, researchers have created solar windows that could potentially replace conventional windows for their immense advantages. Therefore, I believe that the government should incentivize residents who install solar panels to encourage them as well as to make the world a greener place.



References

How to Reduce Solar Panel Installation Costs. (n.d.). Harmon Solar. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://harmonsolar.com/how-to-reduce-solar-panel-installation-costs/

Liu. (2018). What is the future of solar energy? Economic and policy barriers. 01 Jan 2018

Ozdemir, D. (2022, April 27). Transparent solar panels could replace windows in the future. Here's how. Interesting Engineering. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/transparent-solar-panels-replace-windows-in-the-future-heres-how

P Nyir. (2005). OA5-Sun Protection. CiteSeerX. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.597.2005&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Solar Panels - Environmental effects of Solar Panels. (2022). The Renewable Energy Hub. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/solar-panels/why-are-solar-panels-good-for-the-environment/

Vourvoulias, A. (2022, August 30). Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy. GreenMatch. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy

Wait, R. (2021, October 9). How Solar Power Can Cut Your Bills And Your Carbon Footprint. Forbes. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/energy/how-solar-power-can-cut-your-bills-and-your-carbon-footprint/

What are solar light panels and how do they work. (2019, May 1). The Economic Times. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and-how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms

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