Summary response draft 2

 The LiveScience's article on “How do solar panels work” (2022) informs readers about the basic functions of solar light panels. According to the University of Minnesota Duluth, in a solar panel, light sources will separate electrons free from their atoms, creating electricity. In simpler terms, they convert light energy to electrical energy. In a panel there consists of many photovoltaic cells made of silicon. To work, the cells need to set up an electrical field which will exist when opposite charges are separated. According to the American Chemical Society, a top layer of phosphorus and a bottom layer of boron is added to both layers of silicon to further assist in production of electrical field. Thus, when a photon from sunlight knocks an electron free, the electrical field will separate the electron from the silicon junction. Other components of the panel will convert the free electrons into usable power which then travel by the metal conductive plates on the side of the cell to wires and into our households. Since global warming is a persistent issue in the current times, Singapore should increase the usage of solar light panels as one of the sources of energy as resources are finite and there is a need to cut down on usage of our natural resources and the only way to do that is to make use of renewable sources of energy such as sunlight.  

There is a need to conserve our natural resources. As the number one source of renewable energy (Zafar, 2022), Singapore can work towards the adoption of solar lighting as one of our primary sources of energy to shift towards a greener city. All sources of energy from the usage of solar light panels are naturally produced and are permanently available and will not affect our finite fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels is also one of the largest contributors to global warming and climate change as enormous amounts of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere directly which causes global warming (IPCC Working Group et al., 2013). “95 percent of Singapore’s electricity is generated from imported natural gas” (Teh, 2021). Even though Singapore uses clean fossil fuels as its main source of energy, there are still emissions being released and “scientists are warning that emissions must be slashed to net zero by 2050 if the world hopes to curb the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degree Celsius and avoid climate catastrophes.” (Teh, 2021). 

One of the main reasons to choose solar light panels over other renewable energy sources of energy are its mobility (Mitchell, 2019) especially for a compact city like Singapore whereby space is limited. Solar light panels can come in all shapes and sizes, and some are exceedingly insignificant compared to windmills or dams which deems it more suitable for small countries like Singapore. In the case of portable solar light panels, Dr Reindl states that "In the absence of other renewable energy resources such as wind (there is very little wind around the equator), hydropower (no big river streams here) and without sufficient land for growing biomass, harvesting the sun's energy is the most viable form of green electricity generation in Singapore." Given the number of high-rise buildings in Singapore, there are many locations whereby solar light panels can be installed to gain enough sunlight for energy conversion. 

Another reason to adopt the solar light approach is because of its minimal maintenance costs. The solar power systems do not really need much maintenance (Aris, 2022). The only job required is to clean them several times a year (Aris, 2022). In addition, solar systems do not consist of any mechanical parts and therefore there is lesser wear and tear parts to replace. Other than the initial cost for the installation, repair and maintenance for the solar light panels are extremely low and affordable.  

Singapore suffers from inconsistent weather conditions, and this is a major constraint as solar panels required substantial amounts of sunlight for it to generate electricity efficiently (Eric, 2022). This is especially true during wet seasons in Singapore where there are huge cloud covers blocking off the required sunlight. There is nothing much that one can do about natural weather conditions. In these scenarios it may be a huge issue if Singapore only depends on solar energy as the main source of energy. However, Singapore is also looking to approach means of low carbon solutions such as carbon capture that also have the potential to control harmful emissions. With more alternatives, Singapore will not be limited to natural gases or solar power for energy source (Energy Market Authority, n.d.).  

In conclusion, with challenges brought about by climate change, there is a need to change the way we use and produce energy. This is particularly so if energy demands in Singapore continues to rise due to our fast-growing economic developments. That is why Singapore chose solar energy as one of the means of sustainable energy source as not only does it not emit any pollutants, but it is also suitable for small countries due to its mobility and low costs. One such obstacle is the drastic weather conditions in Singapore, and this can be solved by other means of approach in reducing carbon emissions.  

 

 

 
 
References 

Harvey, A., Dhar, M. (2022, Feb 11). How do solar panels work? LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html 

Zalfar, S. (2022, Feb 14). What are the advantages of solar lighting. EcoMena. https://www.ecomena.org/advantages-of-solar-lighting/ 

Rehman, S., Rehman, E., Mumtaz, A., & Jianglin, Z. (2022, Jan 25). A multicriteria decision- 
making approach in exploring the nexus between wind and solar energy generation, 
economic development, fossil fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. Frontiers in 
Environmental Science, 9, 819384. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2021.819384/full 

Elworthy, M. (2019, Aug 27). 9 reasons you need to invest in solar lights. The Lighting Outlet. https://thelightingoutlet.com.au/blogs/news/the-benefits-of-using-solar-powered-lighting 

Teh, S.N. (2021, Sept 5). Energy from sun viable source of green power. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/energy-from-sun-viable-source-of-green-power 

Vourvoulias, A. (2022, Aug 30). Pros and cons of solar energy. Greenmatch. https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy 

Koons, E. (2022, Jun 16). Solar power in Singapore: A shining energy source. Energytrackerasia. https://energytracker.asia/solar-power-singapore/ 

Energy Market Authority. (n.d.) About Singapore’s Energy Story. https://www.ema.gov.sg/ourenergystory