Hayes, D. (2014, April 22). As nuclear power dies, solar rises. CNN, Cable News
Network: CNN Opinion. Retrieved July 12, 2014, from
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/22/opinion/hayes-denman-solar-
power/index.html?iref=story search
Solar energy is now massively outgrowing nuclear power. In the last year alone solar energy has grown by 4.2 gigawats in the United States and in that time nuclear energy has grown by only 1.2 gigawats worldwide. This trend has caused some to call this the “true dawn of the Solar Age”. With growth in solar power comes the demise of nuclear plants across the country. Upgrades to reactors and new plants are being canceled and big players from the nuclear industry such as Warren Buffet have invested in solar technology, heralding an end to the nuclear age.
The surge in growth for the solar power industry is a promising start to what I can only hope is an environmental revolution. The technology to make efficient solar panels and to avoid the hazards that come with using nuclear technology is here. That we have a real chance to create a green society and to reduce the impact we have on our ecosystems is incredible. However the production of energy by solar power still does not come close to meeting the required levels needed to support our societies consumption of energy. This progress is great but only the beginning and the trend must continue for years before it makes a serious impact.
I am glad that people are looking towards solar technology instead of nuclear because its safer and more cost efficient. I also like how we can use small parts of it in our home and that its easier to use. People are also accustomed to it because of cars and heating pools so the technology can only get better.
Solar seems to be an excellent option for power given our concerns over global climate change. It is highly renewable and will only get more efficient as technology progresses. I agree with you that this trend must continue. If it does, we may eventually see solar overtake traditional power sources like coal and natural gas.
It is profoundly reassuring but there is a small voice in the back of my mind that is telling me this will just leave more room for nuclear weapons. Well you can’t have everything and this is just one more example. that said it really is great that there is so much growth for solar power.