The Changing Landscape of Solar Power in the United States 🔋 🇺🇸
A guide into the steps taken to produce renewable energy
America's relationship with solar power has evolved rapidly over the past decade. As leaders set ambitious climate goals and demand for renewable energy rises, utilities have scrambled to build utility-scale solar farms across vast stretches of open land. However, this approach has not been without controversy. In many rural regions, massive solar installations have disrupted fragile desert ecosystems and farmland. "Joshua trees are torn down to make way for solar projects," lament critics. As piles of bulldozed trees attest, projects have caused an uproar by altering plant and animal habitats on a large scale. Agriculture advocates also argue valuable farmland is being lost. Looking ahead, finding suitable land to build solar at the necessary scale remains a challenge. According to studies, over half of utility-scale solar facilities already utilize deserts. Another third occupy croplands, with the remaining facilities situated in grasslands and forests. Urban areas, accounting for just 2.5% of installations thus far, represent an untapped resource. Photovoltaics researcher Joshua Pearce has studied solar power for two decades. He believes parking lots could help address solar's land problem, if covered with canopies of solar panels. "There is an awful lot of parking lot space in the United States that we can take advantage of that's already essentially unused," notes Pearce. "It's wasted space except for parking underneath it. And it's not even used most of the time."Many US cities were designed decades ago prioritizing cars over other modes of transportation. As a result, parking lots cover over 5% of developed urban land nationwide. Repurposing these concrete jungles could generate significant solar capacity without disturbing natural habitats or farmland. France is already embracing this model. A 2023 policy will require outdoor parking lots with over 80 spaces to cover at least half their surface with solar panels. Officials estimate this could add the equivalent power of ten nuclear plants worth of solar. Most importantly, parking lot solar utilizes cleared space close to existing infrastructure and customers. The benefits don't stop at energy generation. Canopies provide valuable shade for overheating vehicles while covering from snow. On hot days, shaded asphalt could even help combat urban heat islands. However, significant obstacles remain for parking lot solar to take off in the US. Chiefly, canopies are much more expensive - 50% to 100% pricier - than ground-mounted farms. Their elevated design requires extra structural support and anchoring to withstand high winds. For companies to recoup this higher upfront investment, strong policies and electricity pricing are needed. To better understand solar canopies' economic potential, Pearce co-authored a 2017 study using Walmart Supercenters as a model. Surprisingly, the researchers found canopies could turn a profit even in lower sun areas like Michigan through selling power to the grid. At Walmart stores nationwide, canopy capacity was estimated at a massive 11.1 gigawatts - comparable to France's parking lot goal. Pairing canopies with rooftop panels at each location would likely generate more than enough electricity to power operations. Stores could also sell excess power to the local utility or act as anchors for community microgrids during outages. While canopies may not be practical everywhere, Pearce's work demonstrates their viability as renewable investments in the right high-flux, high-traffic locations. If more US companies and policymakers embrace the concept, parking lots represent untapped potential to meaningfully advance the nation's clean energy transition. By putting underused urban spaces to work generating hometown power, solar canopies offer a win-win approach balancing climate, economic and community needs. As the landscape of solar development continues evolving, parking lot installations deserve stronger consideration. With conscious planning, they could help address criticisms of sprawling desert and farm projects while bringing solar's benefits closer to the nearly 80% of Americans living in urban areas. By leveraging existing infrastructure in our cities, canopy solar points the way towards a renewable future defining new purpose in overlooked asphalt wastelands.
About the Creator
Rakindu Perera
I’m a highly successful content writer with articles recognised by huge varieties of organisations. Also being in completion of a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, I have the upmost know when it comes to exteme applications.
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The Ocean's Changing Colors: A Clue to Climate Change 🌎
The mesmerizing beauty of the deep blue sea has captivated humans for generations, but what we see is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the colors of the ocean. Beneath the familiar azure surface lies a world of colors we can't even perceive. The health of the ocean, it turns out, is intricately connected to these hidden colors, and scientists are now using satellite technology to detect changes that might be attributed to climate change. In this article, we will explore how the color of the ocean is more than just a visual spectacle and how scientists are unraveling its mysteries.When we gaze at the ocean, we see a stunning shade of blue, but this color isn't arbitrary. It results from the interaction of light with the various components of seawater. The ocean absorbs and reflects different wavelengths of light, with blue being the prominent color that gets reflected back to our eyes. But the ocean's color is not static; it can change due to several factors. Particles in the water, like sand or silt, can introduce red hues, making the water appear different shades. The presence of phytoplankton, tiny marine organisms that contain chlorophyll and are naturally green, can also impact the color of the ocean. When phytoplankton populations thrive, the ocean takes on a greener hue. While these color shifts might go unnoticed by the human eye, they are significant indicators of the ocean's health. In particular, scientists are keen on tracking the "green-ness" of the ocean, as it offers insights into the state of the marine ecosystem. Phytoplankton form the base of the ocean's food web, and their abundance directly affects the overall health of the ocean's inhabitants. To measure these subtle changes in ocean color, scientists rely on satellites. Given the vast expanse of the ocean, satellites provide the only feasible means to collect consistent and comprehensive data on its color. However, the challenge lies in reconciling data from different satellites with various instruments and detectors. These discrepancies in data create obstacles when trying to discern meaningful trends. Phytoplankton's chlorophyll content, which is a vital indicator of the ocean's health, can be incredibly variable, both seasonally and annually. This variability means that obtaining a clear understanding of chlorophyll trends necessitates an extensive dataset spanning decades, all collected by the same instrument in a standardized format. In practical terms, this is a significant challenge as most satellites have limited lifespans. For instance, even though we have enjoyed the prolonged success of the Hubble Space Telescope, most satellites in Earth's orbit do not last as long. In recent developments, researchers from the UK and the US have introduced a promising solution. They propose using remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs), a parameter that measures the wavelengths of light bouncing off the ocean surface and returning to the satellite. Unlike chlorophyll, which relies on a single wavelength, Rrs averages information across various wavelengths. This multi-wavelength approach minimizes the inherent variability in the data, resulting in cleaner and more reliable results. The key advantage of Rrs is that it necessitates a shorter dataset to draw meaningful conclusions, requiring approximately 20 years of data to infer trends. Fortunately, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), located aboard NASA's Aqua satellite, has been collecting Rrs data for two decades. MODIS's mission, which initially aimed to last only six years, has provided invaluable insights into various aspects of Earth's environment. By analyzing the Rrs data, researchers have identified a significant change in the color of the oceans since 2002. Surprisingly, this green-ification of the oceans is not directly related to sea surface temperature changes. Instead, it appears to align with predictions made by climate models, which anticipated color changes in roughly 50% of the ocean's surface. While the exact reasons behind this shift in color remain elusive, its connection to climate change is becoming increasingly evident. The greening of the oceans represents another facet of the complex effects of climate change. While we tend to associate climate change primarily with rising temperatures, it is a multi-faceted phenomenon that brings about various transformations. The change in the color of the oceans serves as a stark reminder that the climate crisis is not limited to warming; it impacts diverse parameters simultaneously. The consequences of these changes are far-reaching. Alterations in ocean communities can have profound effects on fisheries and marine ecosystems, requiring adjustments in our approach to conservation and resource management. Moreover, the redistribution and changes in plankton populations may have implications for carbon storage in the oceans. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in absorbing carbon emissions, making the oceans a critical ally in mitigating climate change. Any shift in this system deserves close attention. The beauty of the ocean extends far beyond its captivating blue surface. Beneath the waves, subtle changes in color tell a story of ecological health and evolving environmental conditions. Thanks to satellite technology and parameters like remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs), scientists can now decode these colors to better understand the ocean's complex ecosystems and their responses to climate change. The surprising greening of the oceans provides valuable insights into the broader impact of climate change, beyond temperature changes alone. As researchers continue to investigate this intriguing phenomenon, we may gain a deeper understanding of the ocean's vital role in our fight against climate change and the importance of preserving its delicate ecosystems. The unexpected longevity of instruments like MODIS aboard NASA's Aqua satellite underscores the importance of ongoing scientific observation and exploration, even when missions exceed their original expectations.
By Rakindu Perera2 years ago in Earth
How Much Do You Need in an ISA for a Passive Income That Beats the State Pension?
For many people in the UK, the State Pension is expected to form the backbone of retirement income. But with rising living costs and growing uncertainty about the future, more savers are asking a crucial question: Can I build a passive income that beats the State Pension — and how much would I need in an ISA to do it?
By Aarif Lashariabout 12 hours ago in Earth
Tiny Lion Cubs Struggle To Keep Up With Mom
In the heart of the African savannah, life is a constant lesson for young animals. Few scenes are as endearing — or as heartwarming — as tiny lion cubs trying to keep pace with their mother. These little bundles of fur face a world full of challenges, from learning to hunt to avoiding dangers, all while depending on the guidance and protection of their experienced mom. Watching cubs wobble and tumble as they attempt to keep up with their mother reminds us that growing up, even in the wild, is a journey full of struggle, determination, and adorable missteps. The Early Days of Lion Cubs Lion cubs are born blind and helpless, usually in litters of two to six. For the first few weeks, they rely entirely on their mother for warmth, food, and safety. Even after opening their eyes and beginning to explore, the cubs are far from independent. The first months are crucial. Cubs learn social cues, hunting basics, and survival skills simply by watching their mother and the pride. But as anyone who has observed them knows, there’s often a huge gap between observation and action. Tiny cubs often struggle to match their mother’s pace, especially when she moves through long stretches of savannah or leads the family on patrols. A Mother’s Role in the Wild For a lioness, raising cubs is a full-time commitment. She hunts, defends her territory, and teaches her young, all while staying alert to predators such as hyenas, leopards, and even rival lions. The cubs, meanwhile, attempt to mimic her every move — often with clumsy yet charming results. A mother lion’s patience is remarkable; she frequently slows down, nudges them along, or stops to ensure no cub is left behind. These moments, while stressful for the tiny cubs, are vital learning opportunities. Struggling to Keep Up: Why It’s So Hard There are several reasons why tiny lion cubs have trouble keeping pace with their mother: Short Legs, Big Steps: Lion cubs’ legs are tiny and their coordination is limited, making it difficult to cover the same distance as an adult lioness. Curiosity: Cubs are naturally curious. A single butterfly or rustling bush can distract them, leaving mom to pause repeatedly. Energy Levels: Young lions tire quickly. Even with frequent naps, the cubs’ stamina is far lower than their mother’s. Learning Through Play: Play is not just fun; it teaches hunting, balance, and social skills. Running off to pounce on a sibling or chase an insect is all part of their education. Despite these challenges, the cubs’ determination to keep up demonstrates their resilience and growing understanding of the wild world. Lessons in Teamwork and Survival Every cub struggling to keep up is also learning crucial survival skills. The journey across the savannah is more than a test of speed — it’s a lesson in: Coordination: Cubs learn how to move efficiently across different terrains. Patience: They begin to understand the rhythms of adult life and the pace required for survival. Social Skills: Staying with the group teaches cubs how to interact with siblings and the pride, which is essential for their future roles. Observation: By following their mother, cubs study hunting techniques, territorial behavior, and predator awareness. Even the moments when cubs stumble or lag behind are essential for their development. These experiences prepare them for independence, which comes sooner than many might expect. The Cutest Moments in the Wild Anyone who has watched tiny lion cubs knows that their struggles are often irresistibly cute. Video clips from wildlife reserves frequently show cubs toddling along, tumbling over each other, or getting distracted mid-step. Observers often comment that these little stumbles reveal personality, determination, and playfulness, making them one of nature’s most heartwarming spectacles. While their mother is serious and focused, the cubs inject a sense of humor and lightness into life on the savannah. Why This Matters The struggles of lion cubs aren’t just adorable — they’re vital for understanding wildlife behavior. Conservationists and animal behaviorists use these moments to study growth patterns, social structures, and survival strategies in lion populations. These observations also highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats. Cubs must learn in a safe environment to survive; habitat loss, poaching, and climate change make these early struggles even more dangerous. Protecting the African savannah ensures that future generations of lions can experience the same lessons and playful tumbles. The Road to Independence Within a year, these tiny cubs will be more agile, faster, and more confident. By the time they reach two to three years old, males may begin to leave the pride, while females often stay and become caretakers themselves. Every misstep, tumble, and lagging moment is part of the journey toward strength, coordination, and independence. Watching them now gives us a glimpse of the challenges they will overcome, and the survival skills they will carry for life. A Celebration of Motherhood Ultimately, these scenes remind us of the incredible bond between mother and cubs. Her patience, vigilance, and teaching are the foundations of their future. The cubs’ struggles highlight the trials of growing up, while their determination showcases the resilience and beauty of wildlife. For those observing, it’s a powerful lesson in care, guidance, and perseverance, not just in lions but in the natural world as a whole. Final Thoughts Watching tiny lion cubs try to keep up with their mother is both entertaining and enlightening. It’s a story of growth, struggle, and resilience — a reminder that even the fiercest creatures start small, learning step by step. These little lions capture hearts while teaching life lessons: patience, determination, teamwork, and the importance of guidance. As they tumble and waddle across the savannah, they show us that growth is a process, one adorable misstep at a time. For wildlife enthusiasts, animal lovers, and anyone enchanted by nature, these tiny cubs are proof that even in the wild, love, care, and persistence are universal truths.
By Aarif Lashariabout 13 hours ago in Earth
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