Ideation Prosess: Solar Singlet Fission Technology (Essay Sample)

Solar Singlet Fission Technology
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Solar energy regarded as one of the most reliable sources of energy. In the recent past, the development of technologies in solar energy harnessing sector has resulted in significant efficiency and benefits as far as energy and consumption are concerned. Singlet Fission is the most notable development that has revolutionized solar energy harvesting. Essentially, photovoltaic solar cells work in a similar way; a semiconducting material (mostly silicon) is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. When photons (light) hit the semiconductor, a free electron is created. According to (Greyson,2007), the Shockley-Queisser limit states "A single photon can only create a singlet (single) exciton, with any extra energy dissipated as heat resulting in a max efficiency of 33%.”
Four Chemistry scientists at the University of California discovered how to turn a single photon into more than one exciton through a process they named singlet fission. Theoretically, doubling the number of excitons results to up to 60% from 33%. There is still a lot of research currently on organic cells hence this technology is yet to mature. Solar cells energy is pushing towards 50%+ efficiency, this mark will render solar power more palatable as far as economics is concerned. The deployment of this technology is projected to cause economic shift in the energy sector.
Economic effects
Power generation from solar and other renewable sources rather than fossil fuels has significant health benefits. Coal and natural gas plants’ emission accounts for a large percentage of air and water pollution, (Casper, 2010). This pollution has led to breathing problems, heart attacks, cancer and neurological damage. Embracing solar energy is found to reduce premature mortality as well consequently reducing health costs. Essentially, solar energy doesn’t require water to operate, therefore, the processes do not pollute water sources or strain water supply by competing important sectors like agriculture.
Comparing solar technology and fossil fuel technologies (more mechanized and capital intensive), the solar industry creates more jobs. For instance in the United States, renewable technologies including solar harvesting have directly employed more people in various sectors; project development, installation, operation and maintenance, financial and consultation services among others. Apart from job creation, local governments collect taxes from project owners and this can be channeled to important public projects and services especially in the rural communities. Solar energy provides more affordable power compared to fossil fuel electricity. Its implementation can play a key role in the stabilization of energy prices across the globe.
Apart from initial the cost of installation, solar panels do not have any other costs. It implies that once the project is implemented, the company, institution or individual will not incur any other expenses as opposed to other energy sources, (Boxwell, 2012). Financially, this is a significant advantage. In any country, there are remote areas that can be difficult to get non-renewable power infrastructure there. There areas include islands, mountains and forests. Solar power is certainly the solution. Use of solar in such areas can help run industries among other development projects that require power to operate. Consequently, medical and educational facilities can be developed in these areas to help bring basic and essential services to citizens leaving there.
Statistics shows that the cost of fuel is ever increasing consequently increasing power costs. This is a major issue in most developing and under-developed countries. The governments in these countries find it quite costly to distribute power to all parts of the countries. It makes it hard for businesses that require power to operate hence affecting development negatively. Employment opportunities are also limited further defining the devastating condition of most people. Initiating solar energy in these countries can certainly be vital in growth and development of the nation as well as the people.
Today, manufacturing and control of energy is in the hands of capitalists, increasing exploitation of masses. Energy and power are considered the most powerful weapon that capitalists have. Introduction and use of solar power are projected to shift this power since communities and smaller groups can cease reliance on the power grid.
Alternative perspectives
There are other forms...