Yaffe-bellany, David, and Ivan Penn. “Walmart Sues Tesla Over Fires From Solar Panels Atop Stores.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 20 Aug. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/08/20/business/walmart-tesla-lawsuit-fires.html.

Known for their energy driven from a renewable source, Tesla rarely causes any issues with the public. However, on top of walmart, Tesla’s solar panels caused at least 7 fires. Walmart argues that the panels were installed poorly in order to match the speed of profit, thus were carelessly unsafe. This trauma has caused Tesla’s share of the solar market to decline and its rival to increase, as properly installed solar panels rarely cause fires. Tesla eventually agreed to remove the panels from the roofs.  

I think this article is related to environmental science because although it is pretty well known that solar panels are very beneficial, it is important to keep in mind that rushing installment is highly dangerous. As popularity to “go solar” increases, companies that rush to gain this renewable source without taking the necessary precautions will inevitably face trauma. Therefore, it is important not only to install renewable energy sources to save the environment, but to install them properly, to ensure that no damage happens to the company, the economy, or the environment itself. 

Dao, Dan Q. “Here’s The First American Airport Powered Entirely By Solar Energy.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 30 July 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/dandao/2019/07/30/chattanooga-first-solar-powered-american-airport/#6f5e8fa67957.

Taking big steps for airports worldwide, Chattanooga, Tennessee has become the first airport to be entirely solar powered. This investment cost five million, yet can easily be paid back in under twenty years, and not only set the airport apart from others but also increased efficiency. The airport has also caused an increase in corporate support and engagement in solar energy as well, causing a global approval of the new system and hopefully a complete installment in the future. 

This article relates to environment as it shows the effect of solar energy powering an entire system, especially something as large as an airport, and how it only produced benefits. I think the airport is a great example of the potential effects of renewable energy because it caused no downfall on the airport itself, cost wise and in regards to efficiency. Therefore, there should be absolutely no reason as to why companies, other airports, or any businesses currently relying on energy that releases carbon to switch to solar power and benefit the environment before there’s nothing left. 

Higbee, Varlin. “Benefits of Solar Power Development Cross Party Lines.” Las Vegas Sun, 25 Aug. 2019, lasvegassun.com/news/2019/aug/25/benefits-of-solar-power-development-cross-party-li/

Although the parties in government so easily disagree, the one thing they can come to an agreement on is protecting the prosperity of citizens. In regards to future generations, and the current one, action must be taken on installing more renewable energy sources to lessen the output of carbon emissions. Through locating areas of prime energy potential and creating clean energy projects, not only will the environment benefit, but also taxes will lower, and more jobs will arise, while wildlife and land preservation is simultaneously funded. This scenario causes little to no inconveniences, making it extremely simple for anyone, no matter their political opinion, to stand behind.

This article is related to environmental science because it mentions the need to take immediate and certain action on changing the current source of energy as it results in too much pollution. It explains how simple and beneficial the process of adding solar panels as another major source, and how any feuds over the dilemma are not only irrelevant but incorrect. There is no negative impact from installing solar panels whatsoever, and can only cause the world and society good. Therefore, in my opinion, the article is entirely correct and should take action as immediately as can be done, because I think it is a foolproof plan that many could quickly follow. 

Cohen, Ariel. “Corporate Investment In Solar Energy Surges.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 29 July 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2019/07/29/corporate-investment-in-solar-energy-surges/#30ae6c842464.

Spreading the solar energy trend across the globe can be simple as long as it is made cost efficient, and first done by large companies. Apple and Amazon, for example, have both begun to launch solar energy activity by paving an example for their customers of being mindful of the environment. Further, the cheaper solar panels can cost, the more buyers will want to purchase them. Starting at around eight dollars, the cost of installation has significantly lowered to around two dollars. If this decrease in cost continues due to technological advances, solar energy is sure to spread globally. 

By explaining how easily it is to encourage society to “go solar” the article quickly convinces the reader they could just as easily do their part. Through mentioning the exact prices of installing solar panels and how shockingly low they are, it catches readers’ attention merely because it is affordable. Further, by providing statistics that show how much energy the panels themselves provide, it proves how truly efficient this renewable source of energy is. I, personally, was very convinced except my family already has solar panels for heating the pool, as we are aware they are environmentally beneficial. Additionally, I think by showing large companies’ involvement with solar energy proves how leading industries– which would commonly be seen as “anti” environmental movements because it would harm their business– are actually behind the movement, makes the need for change seem much more apparent. 

Oberhaus, Daniel. “A Tax Credit Fueled the Solar Energy Boom. Now It’s in Limbo.” Wired, Conde Nast, 13 Aug. 2019, www.wired.com/story/a-tax-credit-fueled-the-solar-energy-boom-now-its-in-limbo/.

Solar Energy faced an economic boost when the government deducted thirty percent of the cost of solar panels from citizens’ taxes. However, this contract only lasted 10 years and many are hesitant to renew it. Some suggest a production tax credit system that gives back money based on the amount of energy produced, rather than money originally invested. Others argue that because solar energy barely contributes to energy production in the United States, the investment credit method is preferred. Regardless, the contract either way must be continued, to ensure government protection over at least one renewable energy source.

This article relates to environmental science because it expresses how quick the government is to attempt and remove laws beneficial to the environment, merely due to cost. Because the tax plan for the solar panels was not proving to be efficient, companies are struggling to convince the government of the value of such a renewable source of energy. It also points out the success of wind turbines and how much energy they have provided under the correct tax system (production), thus suggesting that solar panels could have the same capability. Lastly, the article closes by mentioning that ending the contract completely would be far worse than either tax system option, as it would leave no policy at all left for regulating greenhouse gas production, or even any way to praise buyers for not worsening the environment through unrenewable energy.