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Elizabeth Lloyd
Ms. Blommer
English 1010
03 May 2015

Is solar power a viable source?

Self Reflection
I have always loved the art of writing. English class has always been my favorite, and
reading and writing seemed to come as second nature. This course, has pushed that loved to a
different extent.
Working in Concurrent, and this essay in particular, I had a very rude awakening to how
much I needed to grow as a writer. My laid back ways of viewing writing as no further skill than
what I practice in my art classes, needed to go. Throughout high school I had never realized the
mechanics that go with writing, and all that needs to be done when composing a research paper.
This project been a growing experience for me. The class discussions we had on how to
cite sources, how to find a credible source and how to decide how to interview, have need really
interesting. I have learned so many skills for college that i will need. I would have gone in blind
if it wouldn't of been for this class. One of the areas of growth that I have had is my technique.
My Technique has most expanded in this class in the area of citing sources. I was always
good at providing (what I thought) a citation when referencing someone else's work. This course
I learned the in depth way a source must be cited.

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Along with citing, comes plagiarism. I consider myself honest in most of my dealings, so
I was shocked to find out almost all of the work I had done in previous classes had traces of
plagiarism just because I didn't know the small things one could do, that is actually considered
stealing.
My Biggest issue with writing should not come as a surprise because I am a senior in
high school, and that is, procrastinating. Procrastinating has had its positive moments with me
this year. In a time crunch, it has forced some of my best thoughts onto paper. Deadlines have
pushed me past my comfort zone in what I was going to say, to something much better.
Procrastinating has also lead to some very negative things in my writing. One of the first
steps we took for this project was choosing a topic. Being able to choose a topic is actually a
very generous thing a teacher can do, giving the student free academic reign on the essay they
will be spending many nights with over the next couple of weeks. I had left choosing the topic
for this essay off to the last minute and so in a rush I chose solar power. I figured that I have
always been interested in the environment and that there would be plenty of information on it. I
did not realize that yes, solar power is interesting to me, but it is not something I am extremely
passionate about. With passion lacking from my essay, it was hard to write, and extremely
boring.
Another cause of angst while writing this essay was natural, life occurrences. During the
space of this one essay, I had my sister's wedding, my brothers proposal, four days backpacking
in the wilderness, two state licensing tests and my birthday. Each of these distractions were
unavoidable, but extremely time consuming and made writing this essay hard on me. However, I

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feel that this chaotic schedule gave me needs to prioritize has actually given me a taste of
college.
In the last hour of this assignment, I feel really proud of how much I have been able to
accomplish. I can see the growth that I have made and feel so much more prepared as a student
with this practice of my skills. This paper is the longest one I have ever written. I would be lying
if I said it wasn't difficult, and there wasn't hair pulled out over it, but I think having done this, I
will enter college with more confidence in my abilities, and a whole new set of tools I can use in
my schoolwork. I think that is the main goal of English 1010. I believe that my teacher,
administrators and the syllabus are all wanting to prepare students to further their education,
which for me, was a result of this course, and this final project.

Annotated Bibliography

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Benedetti, G. (2011, July 1). How Viable Is Solar Power? Retrieved April 24, 2015, from
http://www.innovation-america.org/how-viable-solar-power
In "How Viable Is Solar Power?" George Benedetti gives a brief overview, July 1, 2011,
of how solar power is tending, where it is most used, its effectiveness and its overall costs. Many
drawbacks to Solar Power include looks, costs and reliability, which Benedetti points out in his
intro. Readers may view these as all good questions of concern, but according to Mr. Bendetti,
these flaws in a technology of the future, are becoming a thing of the past. With substantial cost
drops due to a manufacturing decline in 2009 and 2010 from lower demand, increased
manufacturing capacity and higher silicon supply, solar power is becoming practical, with an
expectancy for the business to continue to grow, in all regions of the world.
Benedetti carefully structured his article. He establishes ethos with a very formal tone,
and scientific terms. Appealing to logos, he gives many examples of the draws to solar energy,
and its upcoming part in our energy recourses. Ethos is not as strongly emphasized, but the ties to
clean, safe energy is enticing to his audience. Benedetti's examples of thriving countries already
using solar power is relying of bandwagon appeal, which is carried throughout the entire article.
His most effective tool used is his reader friendly format. The structure of the essay provides an
educational environment sophisticated enough to maintain that ethos, as well as keeping the
attention of new solar enthusiasts.
This source is going to make a great foundation for my paper. Benedetti is careful to
avoid any bias. His points are backed up with facts and evidence as well as being recent so it is
still relevant. This article is a good contrast to my other sources since it is the only one that is
not from a new paper. This gives it a different intended purpose, providing a wider range in my

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research. The most important thing to me about this article, is it is a reliable source. The page has
everything I needed to properly cite it and follows all of the rules of a good source.
Bailey, E. (2015, May 25). Solar power picks up steam. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
"Solar power picks up steam" written by Emma Bailey and published on may 25 is an
article of the new rising practicality, and availability of solar power. Bailey argues that solar
power is becoming a more viable and affordable option for renewable energy and homeowners
new opportunity to explore many of the environmentally friendly options for powering
their homes. Bailey is careful to address complication of solar power like issues with power
companies, inability to work with the grid system and financial issues, but pairs each downside
with a way around a problem, or a stronger positive.
Bailey uses an academic tone to support her writings logos, even though it is an
opinionated piece. She hides bias from her opinion by showing the positive and negative sides to
each argument on solar power. Her references to other familiar companies and the dropping of
high powered names is another aspect of logos in her piece. Stating how easy, simple and
rewarding solar power can be establishes ethos throughout her piece.
I was extremely excited to find this piece because of how recently it was published. it
gives a fresh take on solar power. This is my most opinionated piece but Bailey keeps a stand
neutral enough that I'm not dealing with too much bias and can maintain ethos.

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Cardwell, D. (2014, November 23). Solar and Wind Energy Start to Win on Price vs. Conventional
Fuels. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/business/energyenvironment/solar-and-wind-energy-start-to-win-on-price-vs-conventionalfuels.html?ref=topics&_r=0

"Solar and Wind Energy Start to Win on Price vs. Conventional Fuels" published on
November 23, 2014 Diane Cardwell sheds light on natural energy, and its competitors coal and
natural gas. Renewable energy has accelerated this year due to subsidies , and the costs to
produce are lower than coal and natural gas. Cardwell views both power alternatives, stating pros
and cons for both source. She points out that solar and wind flaw due to inconsistent production,
and can't be used as demand sources. Alternately, conventional power sources produce pollution,
like carbon emissions, which face increasing restrictions and costs. Ultimately, Cardwell sides
with wind and solar energy.
Found in the New York Times, Cardwells ethos is established for her older, educated,
New York audience. A great example of a fallacy is in one of her quotes from Jay Godfrey . He
claims he was using wind power because it made sense for his ratepayers. Cardwell stayed at a
neural viewpoint to provide accuracy in her article, and gave great information on both variations
of energy.
This article was full of information on not only what I am studying, solar power, but also
its competitor energy producers. This helps broaden my knowledge base to help me understand
how solar power plays a role in the world, as well as giving me a view and information that is
different than my other sources. It also provides me with a good reference to costs and reliability
as well as a neutral viewpoint on the subject.

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Krugman, P. (2011, November 7). That's right: Solar power is now cost-effective. Retrieved
April 28, 2015, from http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/thats-right-solar-power-isnow-cost-effective/
"That's right: Solar power is now cost-effective" published on November 7, 2011 is a
story of the revolution of solar energy, by Paul Krugman. Krugman covers solar power, in its
very beginning stages. He glorifies the dropping price of solar panels due to dramatic and
sustained progress in technology, with prices continually falling. Krugman acknowledges the
rapid growth in solar installations, but states even more change may be just around the corner,
predicting that in a few years, electricity from solar panels will become cheaper than electricity
generated by burning coal.
Krugmans information may seem dated, but he was actually right in the edge of solar
energy production at the time, giving his article kairos. This was published in The Seattle Times,
a very credible paper in one of the largest cities in the U.S. His writing was edgy at the time, but
had much appeal to his older audience based in Seattle, a city powered off innovation. Seattle is
also known for its lush backdrop and environmental concerned citizens, making this a perfect
article for his audience. One example of a fallacy in his writing is his use of a slippery slope.
Krugman predicted that because of the falling cost of solar power, technology was on the cusp of
an energy transformation.
Although it may be a more dated source, I thought this publication would be great in my
essay so I could effectively show how solar power has transformed, and its roots from where it
began. This also gives views from someone from a different part in the nation which could give
my research a completely different aspect. This article may have a alight bias towards solar

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power due to excitement at the time, but I am able to see past it so my research is not effected,
because of my other sources.

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Introduction
Imagine a world with less pollution and lower energy costs, all from an abundant energy
source that would never run out. Solar energy has the potential to achieve all of these objectives,
and has in a small way. If we increase the amounts of solar energy that we use, we will reduce
the amount of energy we obtain by burning fossil fuels, which will reduce the of air pollution.
Seems perfect right? Why question something that could save money, recourses and the ozone of
our only home? Like most things, it's not that simple.
Solar panels are expensive and the costs to install them, almost worse. Many also worry
of the hazard solar panels create while, and after installation. Diane Cardwell argues that solar
power flaws due to inconsistent production, and it inability to be used as a demand source.
Everyone can agree of the positive impact they would make if we could all switch to using
panels, but the issues that come with tend to be intimidating, and shadow the revolutionary
technology solar power is.
In 2008, Americans saved more than $19 billion and avoided greenhouse gas emissions
equivalent to those of 29 million cars through choices they made with energy-saving measures
and energy-efficient homes. Fred Horch even states that when using solar power, your
pocketbook, your lungs and your children will thank you.
The cause is clear, the struggle to get there, is out of reach for many. This paper will
expand on the evolution of solar power, enlighten its potential and expose its costs. All leading to
the question, is solar power a viable source?
Literature Review

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With new technologies, hype and skepticism are quick to follow. As the years have
passed since the breakthrough of solar energy, arguments for both sides have become more
passionate. Developing solar energy may seem like a no-brainer, but there are some concerns
about the capabilities of solar energy and its practicality. An innovation created for
environmental and economic savings is not entirely perfect. Some are able to look past these
flaws but pointing out the endless positive outcomes, while others remain traditional, and
skeptical. Is there an right view on solar power? Can we make an accurate assumption of where
solar power will lead in the future? These four articles include viewpoints and opinions from full
believers, to anti-innovation, and those in between.
Starting at the strong end of those against solar power, we have Davis Swanarticle. He
begins with very logical example of why solar panels should not be seen fondly. He brings in
very known arguments against solar panels, like outrageous costs. However, Swan took a
different view on this topic of solar power. He points out safety hazards that could come from
solar power; an argument completely different from every other article. Swan argues that
installing is dangerous and the presence of roof-top solar panels has been identified as a
significant danger to fire fighters. He paints a very compelling, pathos filled picture of the down
side of solar power.
Moving down the gradient scale, Ozzie Zehners presents a less passionate argument
against solar power. His section in Life style, Life savings made a perfect source because it was
directly compared to Williams argument for solar power. It focused mainly on the financial
down sides to solar power. He discredited many stereotypes, or fads about solar power. For
example, he claims that solar cells may be marketed as green, but they are harmful to the
environment and human prosperity . This was a great example of ethos in his writing. Zehners

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also uses logos when reasoning that solar energy may appear to have the potential to be
economical but there are hidden costs and tied in a logs as his use of rhetoric to provide that
credibility.
In "The Case For & Against Solar Energy" Richard Gaughan does an excellent job of
maintaining a neutral viewpoint throughout his article, exposing valid arguments and facts from
both sides. I consider this source to be my umbrella for my research. This neutrality in his
writing maintains the pieces logic, creating logos. For solar power, he explains that solar power
systems have very low maintenance requirements, and typical warranties will cover a system for
25 years. Gaughan adds that sunlight is abundant, and systems don't emit pollutants making solar
power environmentally a great energy source. Gaughan balances that positive opinion with a
contrasting one. Although solar energy is environmentally friendly on its face, there are
environmental impacts in the places where large solar plants are situated, like desert plants. He
further establishes his ethos with a quote from The National Parks Conservation Association on
that topic.
In this opposing argument to Zehner, Williams makes great claims of economical
positives that come from using solar power. As someone with panels in his own garden, he
makes a great source because he has firsthand experience with this technology. Not only does he
claim that his panels aren't a nuisence, he also states his financial saving with solar panels over
the course of his life. His facts and figures for the cheap costs of solar power and examples of all
the places it is thriving and could potentially expand to, Williams establishes his logos.
Commentary

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Born and raised in Utah, I have grown very fond of the long winter months. I look
forward to Saturdays spent at the top of the mountain at Alta with my dad and Wednesday
afternoons jogging in the crisp air with my dog. But as I've grown, I've noticed the factor that can
limit me from doing these activities; pollution. It will be hard to ski once our ozone is too warm
to foster snow. Red days in the winter (warnings of high pollution in the valley) keep my dog and
I indoors due to the fact that running on those days is the equivalent to smoking a pack of
cigarettes.
Measures in decreasing our pollution output can seem drastic like never driving your car,
or not heating your home in the cold winter nights. I will be the first to say I could never do that.
Luckily, we have the technologies to continue our import lifestyle practices while keeping our
trace on this earth at a minimum. The best way I can think to reduce our carbon footprint, is by
using power alternatives, which brings us to the question; Is solar power a viable source?
In Value for your money Dionne Bunsha talks in this video about how solar power is not
only good for the environment, but also your wallet. According to Bunsha, after 3.5 years your
initial payment on the solar panel will have been paid off, and everything after that is essentially
free energy. There is money in solar power, which is exactly what George Danby was trying to
depict in this cartoon.

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Solar power is much less intimidating once you have the proper background knowledge
on it. Many people are intimidated by costs. Solar panels have dropped at a sharp rate in pricing
the last couple of years, and most likely will continue to drop even more. Even when
homeowners have expressed interest in getting their own solar power system, many banks have
been reluctant to finance such small projects. Solar leases address most of these issues. By
signing a contract with solar leasing companies, homeowners can have solar panels installed on
their home for free. Homeowners then lease the panels on a monthly basis and enjoy a variety of
perks along the way. These are all alluring facts that could change the image of solar power.
Providing this information to the public, we give knowledge as power.
Financial costs aside, many also worry about the reliability of solar. After interviewing
John Bradley, a homeowner who has used solar panels for the past 3 years, I was shocked at how
well it actually works. Bradley said that he uses his solar panels in tandem with the power
sources that he was using before. He now saves hundreds of dollars a year on electricity bills but
can continue to live his life as he did before. Bradley also stated that despite the nasty rumor of
how hard installation and maintenance can be, his panels have been effortless. His wife is all for
this upgrade on their home, and is happy that the discrete placement hasn't changed the look of
their home.
Solutions and Conclusions
Despite belief, using solar power doesn't have to be a drastic measure. Being earth
friendly doesn't mean cutting all power sources and going off the grid. Small changed in our
habits like using green recourses is all it takes to keep our planet lasting for generations to come.

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Using energy-saving recourses is actually quite simple with our advances in technology, and as
that technology increases, it also is becoming more affordable; many just don't know it.
One of the biggest steps we can take to increase the amount of solar power we are using
is by getting the information out there. Knowledge truly is power. Many of the issues that are
questioned with solar power can easily be answered through research. I think that more
advertisements on solar power could really excel the industry to a new level, one that would
change the way we view the world. This would invite homeowners a new opportunity to explore
many of the environmentally friendly options for powering their homes.
After reading numerous articles and essays, thumbing through countless picture and
watching several videos, in several languages, my view on solar power has expanded more than I
ever thought it would. Ultimately, I believe that solar power is a viable source of energy. It is
clean. Sunlight is readily available and converting it to energy will not deplete the
amount of sunlight that reaches earth. It is life lasting. Solar panels require very little
maintenance. They do not have any moving parts and last a very long time, sometimes
30 years or more, without routine maintenance. They are affordable. Krugman covers

glorifies the dropping price of solar panels due to dramatic and sustained progress in technology,
with prices continually falling and Cardwell states that renewable energy has accelerated this
year due to subsidies, and the costs to produce are lower than coal and natural gas. Dionne
Bunsha adding that after 3.5 years, your initial payment is repaid and your panel provides
practically free energy for the rest of its lifetime.
I am all for solar energy, and believe it is the best power alternative. However, Bandetti
said it best in "How Viable Is Solar Power?" stating, "the clean power, is less power".

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Work Cited

Bailey, E. (2015, May 25). Solar power picks up steam. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
Benedetti, G. (2011, July 1). How Viable Is Solar Power? Retrieved April 24, 2015, from
http://www.innovation-america.org/how-viable-solar-power
Bunsha, D. (2007, October 28). Solar energy: A viable means of power. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
Cardwell, D. (2014, November 23). Solar and Wind Energy Start to Win on Price vs.
Conventional Fuels. Retrieved April 28, 2015
Danby, G. (2013, November 7). How can we make solar power affordable, viable? Pay people
for it. Retrieved May 26, 2015
Gaughan, R. (2012, April 19). The Case for & Against Solar Energy. Retrieved May 26, 2015
Krugman, P. (2011, November 7). That's right: Solar power is now cost-effective. Retrieved
April 28, 2015
Swan, D. (2014, January 6). Why roof-top solar panels really don't make sense. Retrieved May
26, 2015
Williams OBE, G. (2014, January 18). For and Against: Solar Energy. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
Zehner, O. (2014, January 18). For and Against: Solar Energy. Retrieved May 26, 2015.