When it comes to carbon emission and environmental pollution, countries such as Germany, USA, China and Russia are at the forefront as being the main polluters. Africa is discovered as a continent with extraordinary resources. There are corporates and governments that work together with communities in order to find solutions of combating economic drifts and carbon emissions. The extent of solar energy in Africa has foreseen a deserving investment in our resources.
South Africa is one of the African countries that is making good use of the solar power to generate renewable energy, for local electrification and pumping of water.
The technology behind solar energy is of quality effect, it helps generate sustainable power to last days off with no sun needed. The steady outlook of fossil fuel being the primary source is no longer a must have as the decision to limit the use of fossil fuels remains to be studied and discussed in climate change conferences, i.e. The South Africa International Renewable Energy Conference (SAIREC2015) and COP21 in Paris. The use of sustainable and renewable energy has been compared in approvals that have proven it to be an environmentally friendly way forward. Meaning, it is sustainable enough to avoid our grandchildren from wearing masks like China.
Here is why you should be using solar energy:
Advantages of Solar Energy
- Sustainable use of power
We all know that fossil fuels are outdated. No matter how frequent some people may try to defend it, the honest truth is, it is dirty, expensive and needs to be rested. Solar energy is renewable, and the world can use it sustainably as an alternative source of energy. Investments in solar energy are equivalent to investing in a farm, but, your revenue is generated double the pace.
- Reduce carbon emissions
The world is facing a crisis of global warming. One major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer is pollution from factories and vehicles that use unleaded fuels. Solar energy is very clean and helps to slow down the rate at which destruction of the environment is occurring.
- Cost is competitive against fossil fuels over a lifetime
In rural parts of Africa, people use solar energy to power their homes despite the fact that they have electricity supply around them. It is a clear indication that this renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuel. Purchasing some of the solar panels can be a little costly but it does not compare to the amount of money you will save henceforth. Also, the costs are will go down when more countries set up power plants.
- Can be deployed in remote locations
Africa is a continent that receives the sun rays throughout the year. Hence, it is a clear indication that there will be an adequate production of energy that can meet both large scale and small scale usage of power. Production of adequate energy also means that even the remote areas will have access to electricity at affordable rates. Besides, it will help slow down the depletion of fossil fuel for sustainability.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
- PV panels only produce when the sun shines and power output varies by actual solar radiation at any given time
The sun does not shine all day, and this can be a limitation to those who use home solar panels for power. However, that is an issue that can be controlled. With the advancing technology, there will be more inventions of machines that can trap more power energy while the sun shines and store it for future use.
- Cost is high on upfront CAPEX
Solar energy is expensive at the moment because there are fewer power plants in Africa, and the available ones lack the financial capacity run to the power plants on a large scale. More investment in the projects is likely to reduce the high costs of power production.
- New technology that people need to get comfortable with
People take the time to adjust to new technology. However, in order to adjust, they then need to practice the necessary technology to approve it as being safe. Solar energy is ten times safer and productive than fossil fuel electricity. It’s a comfortable source of energy. The more African states invest in it, the more the distribution of quality, effective and sustainable energy.
