The essay under the analysis was written by Gerd Eisenbeiss, the program director of the German Aerospace Research Agency. In his work “The use of solar power should be increased”, he states that using solar power is an “ecological necessity”. His thesis also conveys the idea that the Earth energy resources will inevitably come to an end and it is solar power that will become the most efficient source of energy. He draws the conclusion, that the development of technological improvements is crucially important nowadays. Solar energy is so natural for humankind, that the population of our planet is destined to finish the fossil age and be called “a solar civilization”. Evident threats for our planet, caused by the usage of traditional fuels, make it extremely necessary for scientists to make necessary steps that will ensure involvement of solar power. Descriptions of power systems in Spain, German and Africa are given in the essay to show advantages and disadvantages of their different types. The author’s arguments are quite effective as he clearly describes the economical and moral needs and urgent necessity to solve burning ecological problems of today using solar power as an alternative source of energy. Though, I dare say that if the author used more positive examples and facts of its beneficial usage, his message for scientists, authorities and investors would be more attractive.
Gerd Eisenbeiss clearly states the essay’s purpose when he writes, “ The possibilities presented by solar energy must be opened …, and we will need the best minds available to do this “(para 4). The title of the essay from the very beginning clarifies the author’s message and tells the reader about the main idea. The problem that the essay discusses is clearly stated: solar power is still not widely used worldwide, whereas greenhouse effect, caused by carbon dioxide, leads to measurable warming. Unavoidable loss of the Earth’s energy resources, our responsibilities to the future generations provide more and more reasons for caution and precautionary measures, but not many countries make proper steps towards solar power.
The causes of the problem: low energy, low power density of the incident solar radiation, its dependence on the weather, its availability during daytime, high price, not enough level of state assistance, etc. can be considered as secondary. They follow from the main course: researchers haven’t come up with technology, cheap enough to make a more up-to date economical use of solar energy possible yet. The author uses examples to illustrate the problem: “Imagine a cube of coal…, which can produce roughly ten kilowatt hours of heat… But you would be waiting a year for a two-dimensional surface… to harvest the same amount of energy from the sun” (para 5). It illustrates the existing difficulties, connected with low energy and power density. Another example:” Water can simply be pumped into tanks in advance while the sun is shining or the wind is blowing…” (para 13) is used to outline the fact, that if photovoltaic installations function without connecting …