The term “renewable energy” has been a topic of curiosity for many, including myself. It begs the question: how can solar energy be considered renewable when the sun itself will eventually die? And if it is renewable, who or what is responsible for its renewal?
As a student in upper grade school, I remember watching a film about the sun that explained how everything, including coal, originates from this celestial body. However, the film also mentioned that the sun would eventually burn up, although not anytime soon. This left me wondering about the concept of the sun renewing itself.
To seek answers, I turned to Google. I found some good news – the sun actually regenerates its energy at a rate much faster than we can utilize it here on Earth. In other words, the sun naturally renews its photovoltaic energy exponentially faster than humans can harvest it.
But this raises another question: if the sun is renewing itself faster than we can use its energy, then it seems like it is getting ahead of itself. Additionally, where does the used energy go? Furthermore, what does the term “photovoltaic” mean in relation to solar energy?
According to Google, “photovoltaic” refers to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light. This definition seems to suggest that the sun is not just a big burning blob of gas, but rather a source of light that interacts with certain substances to produce electricity. It appears that my previous understanding of the sun as a simple burning object was not entirely accurate.
To delve deeper, I searched for information on whether the sun would eventually burn itself up. I discovered that the sun’s fuel, hydrogen, will indeed run out at some point, leading to its eventual demise. So, it turns out that the old film I watched was correct – despite its self-renewal and self-regeneration, the sun is not immortal.
Now, let’s explore the term “energy” itself. According to my online research, energy is closely related to matter and cannot be destroyed. It simply changes states. So, how can something be renewed if it is constantly transitioning to a different state of being? This is a question that I find myself pondering.
In my simple understanding, renewable energy is akin to firewood. When you burn logs for energy, you can plant a seed or sapling to replace them, thereby renewing the source of energy. However, technically speaking, this is not renewable energy itself, but rather energy produced from a renewable source. We, as humans, play a role in the process of renewing the fuel source for energy, just like squirrels do.
Despite my skepticism about the use of the word “renewable,” I am not against the utilization of solar energy. I simply dislike feeling manipulated by marketers who may use the term carelessly.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – wind energy. Is it truly renewable? According to a brief online answer, the answer is yes. I must admit, I am not surprised. “Renewable” seems to be a convenient catch-all word.
In conclusion, the concept of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, raises interesting questions about the sun’s lifespan, the nature of energy, and the role of humans in the renewal process. While the term “renewable” may be used somewhat carelessly, it does not diminish the importance and potential benefits of harnessing solar energy.
