Getting Humboldt State University off the grid: why we can’t afford not to

The world's non-renewable resources for energy are slowly diminishing and cannot be replaced as fast as they are being consumed (OpenStax CNX). The limited supply of fossil fuel oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power are exponentially being depleted as the world's population grows. At this rate, natural gas supply will run out within the next 35 years, and fossil fuel oil will be depleted within the next 14 years (Carty). These frightening facts are the driving force behind the renewable energy source movement. World demand for energy is projected to more than double by 2050 and to more than triple by the end of the century (US Department of Energy). Renewable energy sources include solar, biomass, wind, geothermal and hydropower. The daunting task of shifting away from non-renewable energy polluters and emphasizing mainstream renewable energy sources into normal consumer and business practices is a necessary challenge society needs to start enforcing now. Determining which type of renewable energy best fits needs must be based on geographical constraints. For example, coastal areas may choose to utilize hydropower, areas with timber production could use biomass, or active volcano areas can tap into geothermal energy and of course solar energy. Renewable solar energy can be implemented anywhere. All of Earth's surface areas receive sunlight. Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. The most common form of harnessing solar energy is through photovoltaics (PV) (Solar Energy Industries Association). PVs are the direct conversion of light into electricity at the atomic level. Specific semiconductor materials absorb photons of light and release electrons, when these free electrons are captured, an electric current is created that can be used as electricity (NASA). Combining PV materials together form solar cells. Solar rays from the sun combined with solar cells result in solar cells emitting usable electric energy. An increase in solar energy use would drastically reduce carbon emissions compared to the current source of energy. Humboldt State University is dedicated to helping the environment with continued sustainability measures, a solar panel installation program might be the biggest contribution the campus could make to the renewable energy source movement.