3.2.3.1 Solar Power and Energy Policy- Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event

 

Six-Point Critical Analysis of Current Event

1. Exploratory

Probe basic facts and knowledge found in the reading.

Georgia dedicated 500 acres of land for solar panels. There are more than 630,000 solar panels throughout the land.They say that they made this investment to grow renewable energy at an affordable price, while also having a positive impact on the community. The United States is known to be the second largest market for solar energy. Installing cost for solar has decreased more than 70%. The first solar project in Georgia 2013 was a success shorting the distance of supply lines. Helped businesses by being able to ship and receive supplies closer. Not only that but the tax revenue from this project is $8 million that will come back to the country. 

2. Diagnostic

Probe motives or causes. 

Florida and Georgia are known for their heat. Solar energy is a renewable source that would be wise to use in those states. Georgia took that step by dedicating land to do just that. The motive was not because of worry of climate change, but because of it simply being a great investment. The prices for solar power decreased tremendously. Leaving the cost for electricity cheaper. They have land and they have a lot of sun. It was a good investment for the state.

3. Cause and Effect

Causal relationships between ideas, actions, or events. 

Once the project took place in Georgia the tax revenue would come back into the country in the form of taxes. The effect is with that money it will be able to put money into the school system. The effect of having many solar panels was the cost of electricity to be cheaper. Lastly, the sun being constantly present in Georgia caused the solar panels to fully work at its full potential. 

4. Priority

Seek to identify the most important issue. (What is the most important issue?)

The most important issue was maintaining the land. Making it still suitable for the next years to come. Which is why they have a farmer named Harris who makes sure the land is healthy. It is important so erosion and carbon in the soil won’t take place. He explains what he will do, like make cattle rotate going on the land to fertilize it. The results will take years but very much possible.

5. Application

Probe for relationships and connect theory to practice. (How does this apply to you? How is this related to culture as we have studied so far?)

This applies to me, because Texas can be the next state to do the same thing. It takes one state to do something and succeed until more follow. Which is not a bad thing to do, but smart. The more we try to depend less on fossil fuels the less we worry about running out.

6. Critical

Analyze how this challenges your thinking/assumptions. (How did this change your thinking? Did it? Why?)

It really didn't change my way of thinking. I always thought people who had them on their rooftop homes were smart. The weather can be unpredictable, yes but the majority of the time it is very hot. Saving resources and money is an overall smart investment. To read and see that a state took a big leap in solar power was nice to hear. Even if their intentions weren’t climate change, they are at least doing something that does help the environment. While also maintaining the land that they invested in. Regardless, Georgia is investing in the future, and I fully support it. 

Reference

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

Links to an external site.

 [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/217896697