Activity 3.2.3.1- Solar Power and Energy Policy

 Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event

1. Exploratory

Both the video and the article talk about how solar energy is becoming more popular in certain areas of Georgia as well as in other states across the United States. This is due to the creation of a solar panel assembly plant that has largely contributed to the manufacturing of more accessible solar technology.

2. Diagnostic

Companies in the United States have been motivated to produce solar panels and provide solar energy from within the country as a result of the imposition of a tariff on imported solar panel imports. This has contributed to the growth of the solar energy industry in the United States. Because of this, it is now more affordable, which enables a greater number of people and businesses to make the switch to using solar energy. 

3. Cause and Effect

When more renewable sources of energy are put into use, there is less of a detrimental effect on the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the increase in solar production is providing economic benefits, such as improved tax revenue and the provision of a significant number of employment opportunities to people who are in need of them. In addition, enabling farmers to practice regenerative land management results in healthier soil and has the potential to foster positive relationships between agricultural operations and solar power.

4. Priority

Since there is so much growth in the solar technology field, it has become a competitor to other major energy sources. There are still drawbacks to solar energy, such as the requirement of large amounts of land in order to be able to maintain a solar farm and other challenges that could slow down the growth process, but there are many advantages.

5. Application

Using solar energy provides the world with an alternative to fossil fuels and other energy sources that could do far more damage in the long term. The article also provides evidence that there are many benefits to using renewable energy when it comes to communities since it can be economically efficient and allow taxes to be repurposed to benefit more individuals, further encouraging more people to be more open to renewable energy as a source of electricity. 

6. Critical

The article challenged some of my presumptions, such as the fact that businesses like Facebook are attempting to use more renewable energy and investing in solar energy as a result. The growth of solar energy might potentially incentivize other companies to use larger amounts of renewable energy as well in the future. “And all signs point to continued growth. As word of the Facebook deal has gotten out, Brooks says, Walton EMC has gotten inquiries from other like-minded companies.” (Hsu, A., Kelly, M. 2019) This has mostly changed my belief that most companies would be resistant to switching energy sources because of things like land ownership or money and budget issues that could come up when switching.

References:

Hsu, A., & Kelly, M. L. (2019, June 24). How solar grew in Georgia despite lack of mandates on renewable energy. National Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/2019/06/24/733795962/how-georgia-became-a-surprising-bright-spot-in-the-u-s-solar-industry

Silicon Ranch. (2017). Silicon Ranch Hazlehurst II Project on Georgia Farm Bureau TV. [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/217896697