Sign Into Environment 911Solar Panel Innovation: Making Solar Power on the Moon
A Japanese firm has recently proposed making solar power on the moon, using an existing solar panel innovation. The innovative technology maximizes solar energy generation, and addresses the world’s ever-growing need for energy. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels or modules, have always been a promising means of generating power, for a world that is continuously growing in population, and in constant need of a sustainable source of energy. The benefits of using such a solar panel innovation is tempting, for a wide range of consumers including homeowners and large corporations.
The Benefits of Solar Panel Innovation
Solar panels, unlike most other power generators, do not give off harmful emissions that are detrimental to human health and the environment. Compared to traditional energy plants that use fossil fuels, like coal, natural gas, and oil, such a solar panel innovation relies on sunlight that is totally renewable and sustainable.
Some governments also advocate the use of this solar panel innovation, and promote it through various tax incentives. The United States government, for example, gives tax breaks and grants. Grants can be as much as $2,000, delivered in the form of a tax credit to private organizations and homeowners, who are interested in investing in solar panels. A number of cities, in the United States and other parts of the world, as well as organizations and commercial groups, are gradually switching to the use of this new solar panel innovation, because of its advantages and long-term benefits.
Making Solar Power on the Moon to Overcome Limitations of Solar Panels on Earth
Unfortunately, solar panels that are earth-based have limitations. They cannot fully function at their optimum capacity. These solar panels are quite vulnerable to atmospheric interference and other atmospheric conditions. Several solutions have been proposed, to overcome these limitations. Some of these solutions include projects making solar power on the moon, and the use of space-based solar panel technology. Space-based, solar panels are directly exposed to sunlight. Therefore, they are capable of functioning at full capacity. Several groups have recommended setting up solar energy platforms, in outer space, for the purpose of addressing the need for sustainable energy. The Japanese construction firm, Shimizu Corporation, advocates making solar power on the moon, by setting up a large-scale solar power station.
Making Solar Power on the Moon, the Starting Point
Shimizu Corporation’s plans of making solar power on the moon includes launching supplies and raw materials to the moon, and utilizing lunar resources. The lunar resources will be used to produce cement, concrete, and other building materials, at a lower cost. Construction work will be performed directly on the lunar surface. Shimizu plans to accomplish this, by using robots. The robots will be operated on a 24-hour basis, from the Earth. They will carry out tasks, like ground leveling, and the assembly of equipment. Shimizu Corporation calls this concept the Luna Ring. It will involve setting up a belt of solar cells, across 6,800 miles of the moon’s equator, which is directly exposed to the sun.
How the Luna Ring Concept Works
The Luna Ring concept of making solar power on the moon has taken two noteworthy points into consideration. The first is that the moon has no atmosphere. Therefore, weather changes and atmospheric conditions are absent, and will not hamper the efficiency of the solar panel technology. Energy will be generated on a continuous basis. The second point is that the Moon’s orbital period enables it to be conveniently aligned to the Earth. These two factors make the Moon an opportune setting, for the idea of providing the Earth with stable, renewable, and sustainable energy.
Regarding the issue of how the generated energy will be brought to Earth, a process dubbed as “beaming”, which involves transmitting solar-generated energy to the Earth, using reserves of radio waves, or laser technology, will be used.
The Luna Ring concept may seem far-fetched. Proposals, like these, are indicative of the human race’s continuous drive towards modernization and development.
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