Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy Systems

Soteris A. Kalogirou. "Environmental Benefits of Domestic Solar Energy Systems." Energy Conversion and Management 45 (2004) 3075–3092, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V2P-4BT8D39-1-1G&_cdi=5708&_user=1822432&_pii=S0196890404000160&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=11%2F30%2F2004&_sk=999549981&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkzS&md5=b630e8978a55074ec83125422d89970e&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

This article discusses the need for sustainable resources for energy which means the resource "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet


This article supports my research as a viable solution for renewable energy alternatives. This article discusses solar thermal energy and I would like to focus on PV for individual property owners. However, overall the effectiveness of solar and its ability to be an energy source with little harmful effect on the environment is effective for my needs.

Public health benefi ts of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas-Household energy

Paul Wilkinson, Kirk R Smith, Michael Davies, Heather Adair, Ben G Armstrong, Mark Barrett, Nigel Bruce, Andy Haines, Ian Hamilton,Tadj Oreszczyn, Ian Ridley, Cathryn Tonne, Zaid Chalabi. "Public health benefits of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions: household energy." Lancet (2009) 374: 1917-29, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6T1B-4XSTPDR-5-2&_cdi=4886&_user=1822432&_pii=S014067360961713X&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=12%2F11%2F2009&_sk=996250294&wchp=dGLzVtz-zSkzk&md5=f3749adb67a3f7eea9600594af1e7870&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

The article compares the health effects from carbon dioxide emissions from households in India (low economic conditions) and United Kingdom (higher economic conditions). In both instances, evidence is produced showing how deaths are occurring because of household carbon dioxide emissions. In India, cookstoves are the main contributor and in the UK, heating the house used 56% of the energy contributing to indoor and outdoor CO2 emissions. The authors explain further the direct link between CO2 emissions and increased cases of respiratory disease, pulmonary disease, and heart disease. The research shows that household energy interventions have benefits for climate and health. In the UK, households contribute 26% of CO2 emissions which makes intervention a practical solution to reducing these toxic emissions.

This article contributes good statistical information and research for my research question. Rather than focus on the dependence on fossil fuels and costs, this article focuses on the direct link between household CO2 emissions and health consequences. This is a great source of information supporting my research question.

Solar Water Heating System Integration in Residential Building

K. Golic

The article presents a plan for using solar energy to heat water. The plan considers not only functionality of the solar panels but also considers aesthetics, energy performance, and economic and ecological considerations, too. The authors explain that 20% of energy consumption in Europe is used for heating water. Solar water heating systems are a good renewable energy source in residential building and its use will reduce dependence on fossil fuels as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The authors present a comprehensive plan for converting residential buildings to solar water heating.

This article presents a good solution for homeowners wishing to reduce their carbon imprint. It goes into a little more detail about how it actually would be built than necessary for my research purposes but overall, the general idea is excellent for showing homeowners how they can individually participate in reducing carbon dioxide emissions., V. Kosoric, and A. Krsti´c Furundˇzic. "General model of solar water heating system integration in residential building." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 15 (2011): 1533-1544, http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.mnsu.edu/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6VMY-51XP77H-C-1&_cdi=6163&_user=1822432&_pii=S1364032110004211&_origin=search&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2011&_sk=999849996&wchp=dGLzVtz-zSkzS&md5=dedc961a14042019aa5db5888edb5fc1&ie=/sdarticle.pdf.

Are People Aware of Health Benefits from Switching Homes to Solar Power?

Solar energy as an alternative power source interests me because of its availability to people. We hear people talk about the need for use of alternative power sources but most often they talk about government or corporations using it to cut back carbon dioxide emissions or our dependence on foreign countries for oil. However, people do not have to wait for government or corporations to make moves in this direction. Solar energy is a viable alternative energy source available to anyone. Many alternative energy sources such as wind turbines are not a realistic power source for the average person. Who is going to put a wind turbine in their front yard, especially if they live within city limits? Most likely no one. However, solar energy provides a solution for the average homeowner. Converting a 1500 square foot home to solar power is no more expensive than many home improvement projects, such as installing a new septic system. Converting a home to solar power reduces carbon dioxide emissions which have been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The United States is the second leading contributor to carbon dioxide emissions in the world. It is time individuals take action to reduce this ongoing health risk. Homeowners have significant power to change the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted in the United States but most are unaware of how easy it would be to convert, the savings they would receive in power costs, and the positive effect conversion would have on the health of Americans. The purpose of my research is to bring awareness about the health benefits from using solar power.