Category Archives: Science and Technology

Advantages and Disadvantages of NFT or Non Fungible Token | Pros and Cons

Non Fungible Tokens or NFT’s are a set of unique non-interchangeable units of data. They are stored primarily on a digital ledger. Here, Non Fungible literally means that the product is unique. It is one of a kind which cannot be replaced with another one. For the most part, NFT’s use Blockchain technologies. Blockchain technologies creates a verified and authentic proof of ownership for easily reproducible items in NFTs too. As a result, NFT’s can be used on a wide range of products. Such includes photos, videos, audios. Also, it includes many other types of digital files. Generally, all things have their upsides and downsides. Similarly, NFT does also have their own fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of NFT and Disadvantages of NFT are also listed down below.

In the current day and age, digital products and goods are produced and replicated endlessly. Here, NFT’s work as “certificate of ownership” for those kinds of digital products to show their originality. As an example “Mona Lisa”, we can take a picture or purchase a print but there will be only one original. In the similar principle, NFT’s are digital tokens. It proves authenticity of the non-tangible goods despite their constant replication and reproduction.

Advantages of NFT or Non Fungible Token

  • Certificate of ownership

Digital goods are easily replicable and copied. They can be produced endlessly. And, this makes it’s hard to validate their ownerships. Here, NFT’s are the evident proof of ownerships through digital tokens. As they are on a Blockchain network, it can be easily associated to a single account. Furthermore, NFT tokens ensure that the buyers are safe from scam and fake goods too.

  • Authenticity

NFT’s are created on the Blockchain network meaning. Hence, each one has a unique token associated with it. Here, the uniqueness and rarity of the NFT also showcases its perceived value as well. Similarly, NFT creators can also limit the number of NFT’s inducing scarcity and driving the price upwards. Hence, NFT’s can easily show their authenticity through their quality.

  • Exchangeable

Exchangeability is also one of the most evident advantages of NFT’s. NFT holders can effortlessly trade them on specific markets. It includes variety of options for trading. Likewise, NFT’s are based on smart contracts. It means that ownership transfers can be done after fulfillment of specific terms and conditions. It occurs between the buyer and sellers.

  • Generates Economic Opportunity

Currently NFT’s are used in a wide range of digital products. Here, many content creators can gain profit through the trade of their digital goods. NFT’s integrate the ownership of the content. It results in the direct fund transfer to the owners. Hence, this can also prevent other platforms from profiting through their hard work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of NFT

Disadvantages of NFT or Non Fungible Token

  • Uncertainty

The ongoing craze over NFT shows that they are being sold for millions of dollars for a piece. People are purchasing them as an investment. Also they hope to profit from them in the future. On the other hand, many experts believe that this phenomenon is an economic bubble which will eventually collapse. Although, some NFT have value and growth potentials. It’s important to know that not all are created equal.

  • Lack of control

When it comes to NFT’s, ownership doesn’t equal full control. Here, the NFT’s can still be replicated and shared even if someone else has its ownership. Similarly, the original owner also doesn’t have any control for the duplication and distribution across many platforms. Therefore, this is also one downside of owning NFT’s.

  • Possibility of theft

NFT’s are digital products. It means that they are vulnerable to various security breaches and attacks. Here, they are under constant risks form attacks from h*ckers. Furthermore, many NFT’s exchanges are done on outdated or inefficient security protocols.  It exposes them to various risks as well.

Pros and Cons of Verizon Fios

Pros and Cons of Verizon Fios

Fios is the shorter term for Fiber Optic Service. The Verizon Fios is the service provided by Verizon. It is simply called Fios by Verizon. It is combined with internet service, television service, and telephone service. Fios uses fiber cables which are like hundreds of small hair-like strands of glass. These glasses use light to carry data to your devices. Here the light is used as a carrier, as the result, the speed of the transfer is greatly increased. It helps in smoother internet browsing and stable connection. Verizon Fios uses fiber optic cable as well. So, it is able to carry more data at a faster speed. Verizon Fios is the signature product that provides internet, television services, and telephone service. These services are sold as double or triple pay plans. Here are some of the few things you should know if you are new to this topic. Hopefully, it helps if you are switching to a Verizon Fios internet plan. So, let’s see the Pros and Cons of Verizon Fios:

Pros:

1. Faster and stable internet:

If you want speed and stability in your internet then Verizon Fios internet may be the answer. For speed, there are few plans by the Fios. The plan has a speed range from 100/100 Mbps to 940/800 Mbps. And the speed is not just there for advertisement. They deliver their promises.

2. Unlimited data plan for clients:

Unlike other data plans where the limit is 1TB, Verizon offers unlimited data plans. This means you do not have to keep track of your data plan. As a result, you can play or stream and download as many HD movies as you want.

3. Very stable TV:

Verizon Fios’s TV uses the Fiber Optic cable as well. Since it uses fiber, the TV service is not affected by any type of weather. You can watch your TV shows and games without any kind of interruption.

4. Very good customer service:

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Verizon is the highest-ranked provider.
Hence, it is proof of very good quality service among its many users

5. Good deals with a bonus:

The deals provided by Verizon are great. They provide options for double and triple pay. Also, they will compensate you up to $500 if you are switching from another provider. So, it becomes a lot easier to switch.

So, we get to know the good stuff. What about its drawbacks? Here are some of them.

Cons of Verizon Fios:

1. Limited area of services:

The area of service provided by Verizon Fios is limited. It is available to very few states currently. So you have to check its services near you. Hence, for those outside the coverage area, you won’t be able to enjoy its services.

2. Pricier than other service providers:

Compared to similar other types of services provider like Verizon Fios, it is a bit costly.
The equipment that comes with Verizon is also a bit expensive. Hence the price.

In conclusion, those who are in the coverage areas should once try the Verizon Fios. It even gives you up to $500 to switch to their network. So you have to worry less about the cost and the cancellation fee. It provides unlimited data and great services and facilities. Because of this, it is great for both home and office. So, it is definitely worth a try, if you are planning to switch to the new one. Overall, these are the Pros and Cons of Verizon Fios’ internet service.

Genome Editing

Genome Editing: Pros and Cons

Genome Editing is the process where scientists change or edit the DNA of any cell belonging to plants, animals, bacteria, and even human beings. Scientists are trying to effectively develop a technique where they can manually edit the genetic material of cells. Genome editing working is done by introducing enzymes in DNA that cuts the DNA at a specific sequence. Those enzymes are specially engineered to target DNA at a specific sequence.

The most recent technique for editing is the CRISPER-Cas9 system. It is the adaptation of a naturally occurring genome system in bacteria. With this technique gene editing the process has become faster, accurate, and cheaper.

But why it is getting so much excitement on the topic? Mainly because it will reshape the future of people. Also, all complex diseases like HIV can be cured effectively. But there are some drawbacks to this topic. As well as most countries find the subject unethical. Especially, when the topic comes to human genetics and its editing. So, we will state some of the pros and cons of Genome Editing. Also, let’s discuss what the future of this subject is.

Pros of Genome Editing:

1. Treatment of complex human diseases:

Genome Editing is the best method for the prevention of human diseases. The disease that falls under hard to cure category is easily cured with this method. Scientists are researching the Editing Process to treat the diseases like cancer, heart diseases, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), and more.

2. Genetically modified crops for the increased agricultural product:

In terms of crops, Genetic Editing can help in editing the genetics of crops. It can be very beneficial to increase productivity. It can help crops to resist drought and diseases. Besides, it can drastically increase their yields.

3. Helpful to biomedical research:

Gene editing allows researchers to create drugs. The invention of such new curable drugs is helpful for medical practice and more research. Also, it helps in creating cattle that have no horns or have more meat and less fat.

Cons of Genome Editing:

1. Might cause unintended effect:

Gene editing relies on cutting unrequired sequences of DNA. But it might not mean that we depended on the expected result. We can see the unwanted effect as well.

2. The use of Genome Editing is Expensive:

It is good for plants and animals for an increase in productivity. However, the use of Genome editing is very expensive. For business purposes, it might not be beneficial to farmers who rely completely on agriculture.

3. Considered unethical:

Genome editing is morally unacceptable to carry in the context of human beings. Besides, our society forbids such types of experiments too. For editing human genetics the DNA implantation is to be carried out in embryos. Many countries and scientists do not support this for humans.

Conclusion:

We believe that genome editing is a very exciting topic for all scientists around the world. Besides, some common folks might also be looking forward to it. But currently, many questions are surrounding it. Altogether, we still require the proper answers to those questions. To carry out the gene-editing we need to do much more genetic testing. Once those tests succeed then we can confidently move forward.

pros and cons of mining

Pros and Cons of Mining

Mining is a process of extraction of valuable minerals or other geological minerals from the surface of the earth. Surface mining is quite common in practice these days. Both surface mining, as well as underground mining, has its own benefits as well as consequences to the surroundings. Some pros and cons of mining are:

Pros of Mining:

  1. Economic incomes.

Mining increases the per capita income of a country with the enormous earnings through import and export of ores which directly less to develop the human development index.

  1. Employment opportunities for people

Mining creates job opportunities for local people who are staying idle. Through mining, they can earn a good amount of money and support their family economically.

  1. Fulfill basic needs

The products obtained from mining can be used to fulfill basic needs such as build shelter or other important needs.

  1. Extraction of essential resources (raw materials)

Some essential raw materials such as natural gas, oil, coal, minerals, iron ores, etc. can be extracted from mining.

  1. Technological development

The extracted ores and raw materials can be further used in industries to make various other home-based products that can be used by people in their day-to-day life or future.

Cons of Mining:

  1. Loss of lives

Many labors suffer a lot and some also tend to lose their body parts or lives during the mining process as it is dangerous work.

  1. Causes environmental pollution

The waste material that is collected after the process is directly dumped in the water resources which ultimately causes pollution as well as affect the agriculture production nearby. Also, the smoke produces during the smelting process contaminates air making people suffer.

  1. Destruction of ecosystems

There occur different natural calamities as a side effect of mining such as landslide & flood due to improper & illegal mining.

  1. Chemical poisoning of people

During the smelting process, enormous quantities of pollutants are emitted which hampers the health of people. It causes different respiratory & skin diseases, black lung disease, radiation sickness, etc.

  1. No more resources

With frequent mining of non-renewable resources, there will be no more resources for our future generations.

Pros and Cons of Ecotourism – Good and Bad Aspects

Advantage and Disadvantage of Ecotourism – Some pros and cons of Ecotourism are discussed below separately:

There are many places in the world that still remain relatively unexplored. Ecotourism helps people to explore such places that haven’t been touched by human hands. Ecotourism refers to a sustainable solution to preserve ecosystems around the world while offering a good source of income for locals living in that area. There are many pros and cons of ecotourism that needs to be considered before embracing this form of economic growth.

Pros of Ecotourism

  1. Sustainable way to improve local economies:

Since ecotourism is related to the condition of the environment, it encourages development options that are sustainable to nature itself. The countries which can promote their diversity of ecological locations will have more tourists and there is an increase job opportunity to the locals reducing poverty in the area.

  1. Environmental awareness

With ecotourism, there is a lot of programs on environmental preservation by which the travelers can spread this environmental awareness information widely as well as implement it in their daily lives.
Pros and cons of ecotourism

  1. Promote local culture

Not only the employment opportunities but ecotourism also contributes to the preservation of traditional culture and practices. Local food products and crafted goods bind the local people and the tourist

  1. Conversation of the environment

The money that is collected through ecotourism can be further used in the conservation projects and awareness programs. It helps in protection of endangered species population and in reforestation.

  1. Gain more biological information

Ecotourism gives an opportunity to both the locals and the tourists to know more about the biology, ecosystem, and geology of a certain area. The knowledge gained can play a vital role in the conversation of different species in the area.

  1. Very affordable.

Many tourists can have the ecotourism experiences for a fraction of the cost of a traditional vacation at a traditional resort location. It requires only a few sources and resources.

Also read: Pros and cons of globalization

Cons of Ecotourism

  1. Degradation of the ecosystem

Humans always have the desire to explore more, go further, and push the rules.  The tourist visiting the untouched areas by humans may disrupt the ecosystem in that area. This may change the hunting patterns and also lead to soil erosion or even habitat loss.

  1. Threat to indigenous culture

The more tourists visiting a particular area may make the locals adopt the cultural behaviors of the tourists. Adaption to new culture may threaten the traditional practices.

  1. Can turn people into tourist attractions.

Tourist may go to an ecotourism adventure, but the goal is to see and possibly interact with other humans that they have never seen. The common example is the native tribes of Africa or the Amazon. This can be quite disrespectful to those people.

  1. Ruin natural habitats.

The place which lies among the highly visited ecotourism destinations have vast development and encroachment in and around the region, leading to the habitat fragmentation and destruction. This further leads to loss of species that depend on their natural habitats. New structures, pollution, noise and other activities can lead to wildlife disturbances

  1. Relocation of the local community:

Local communities may be relocated so that there can be space for the construction of hotels, excavation of natural resources so to expand ecotourism.

So, these were the Pros and Cons of Ecotourism. If you know more pros and cons to this topic, you may suggest us, So, please comment or contact us.

pros and cons of globalization

Pros and Cons of Globalization | Advantage and Disadvantage of Globalization

Some of the pros and cons of globalization are:

These days communication is quite easier from one place to another but still, we are divided into the broad brush of humanity. With enforced borders, people cannot travel freely from one place to another without some form of identification or consequences. Because of globalization, there has been changing in the way that we see the world, travel, and conduct business. Globalization is the idea of slowly shifting to a fully integrated world where all countries cooperate with each other. Globalization has its own benefits and consequences. Today we will discuss several pros and cons of globalization in detail.

Pros of Globalization

  1. Improvement in the Global Economy

One of the major advantages of the globalization is the access to international sale and business. The market of different companies has reached the topmost height and is in the version of rapid expanding every day. It furthermore has helped to breach the opportunity gaps between many countries.

  1. Increase in cultural awareness.

Globalization increases cross-cultural understanding and sharing among countries as people from all over the world now have the access to communicate freely with one another. It is also breaking down cultural barriers that have hurt the integration of countries for centuries and furthermore is helping people be aware of how people all around live.

pros and cons of globalization

  1. Can lift people out of poverty.

The globalization has lifted people out of poverty in both underdeveloped and developing countries. The globalization has increased employment opportunities in capital-scarce, labor-rich countries, i.e. developing countries.

Also, free movement of labor all over the world has helped them to be able to market themselves in areas that need people with their skills. This further helps in the economy of the country as well as the workers.

  1. Stop the issue of labor exploitation.

One of the major reasons why goods are produced cheaply in the world is because of labor exploitation. This can be seen with child labor, prisoner labor, and human trafficking. With globalization, it becomes possible to open business activities, thereby removes the need of a black market for cheap goods or services.

  1. Decisions For The World, Not The Country

Globalization promotes political and economic decisions that have a great effect on global benefit, instead of only focusing on local areas.

Also read: Pros and cons of getting a dog

Cons of Globalization

  1. Not Good For The Underdogs

With globalization, it is hard for early developing countries to be able to compete with the larger economies of the world and would likely crumble underneath the competition.

  1. Contribute to cultural homogeneity.

Globalization might lead to cultural homogeneity if there is a change in people’s tastes. Moreover, if a country is influenced by other countries culture and tradition, we may lose precious cultural practices and languages. Some critics of globalization worry that it’s creating a monoculture.

  1. Makes the Rich, Richer

Globalization is a great thing for owners and managers, but it is harmful to workers and laborers. The competitive nature makes rich people very rich, and they tend to keep exploit workers, children, and prisoners to keep up with demand. This means the rich can access what they want or need to become richer, but the poor gets poorer because they don’t have the means to access success.

  1. Diseases travel fasterpros and cons of globalization

When there is less movement of people in and out of the country, there are fewer problems with communicable diseases. The open access increases the threat of a new disease being spread to all the parts of the world.

As, Globalization represents the global unification of international trade, investment, information technology, and cultures. These were the pros and cons of globalization.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

Going green in terms of energy expenditure is the best thing you can gift to mother Earth. We have been slaying the only habitat, the Earth, form thousands of years. With the frequent burning of fossil fuels, we add on the carbon extracts on to the environment, causing harm which definitely is easier to create the reverse. If you are keen on making your house eco-friendly, opting for the solar panel is the wiser move. Opposed to the contrary belief, solar photovoltaic panels don’t require strong sunshine to actually generate electricity for use in the home. They still work on cloudy days, even during rainy days, but it is given that the electricity produced is less effective. Solar panels are becoming more effective meaning that the cleaner and greener energy are being used more often and the people are shifting towards renewable energy. Fewer things can be done in addition to solar panels like using both solar energy and grid electricity, letting you be benefitted by having the electricity supply available even in the absence of sunlight to power your home.

Solar Panels Pros and Cons

The prices of installing a solar system in your home are sliced due to many people and organizations showing their interest in the renewable sources of electricity. Whether or not you should opt to the solar energy, let’s discuss through the pros and cons listed below.

Pros of Solar Panels

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

  • Decreased electricity bill
    By installing a solar panel to harvest solar energy at your home, literally, you are slashing on to your electricity bill as solar energy is free for all. You can have your grid electricity cut off if your solar system produces enough electricity to power not only yours but a fewer house like yours. This will definitely end your dependability upon the paid electricity grid for power.
  • Get paid for generating electricity
    Under the government’s Feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, you can get paid for whatever electricity your solar panels generate. You can get paid for the electricity you generate for your home and even sell the electricity back to the grid if your system generates electricity in excess. You are totally benefitted by your solar panels and the solar system in any circumstances.
  • Easy installation and maintenance
    Installing a solar energy system is fairly easy and maintaining them is even easier. Unlike other renewable systems, solar energy harvesting system requires solar panels suited to your needs, solar batteries to hold power and solar inverter to convert DC electricity from the Solar panels to AC for household use. All this is just a one-time cost and can last many years with proper monitoring.
  • Increase the value of your house
    If you have installed solar panels on your house, and are willing to sell your house, you have higher chances to sell the house at an even handsome price than if sold without solar panels. It is due to the fact that you are using your own generated electricity through solar power and helping the environment by doing your part in decreasing dependability upon alternative sources like burning fossil fuels.
  • Free schemes
    There are some schemes available where you can rent your roof to the private solar panel installation firm to generate electricity. The electricity for you will be free for some scheme and you will have rent generated from renting your roof as well. It’s a win-win condition.

[Further reading… ] Solar Energy Pros and Cons

Cons of Solar Panels

  • Initial cost
    Though installing solar panels to generate electricity is one-time cost, it is a huge amount upfront. Neither solar panels, nor the inverter is cheap to install. The costs are declining with more and more organizations showing their interest, though for now, it is costlier. It is beneficial if you are planning to stay on that house for longer period or it is your own house.
  • Not constant electricity production
    Solar panels produce electricity as DC and needs to be converted to AC. Though, during winter and some rainy months, the sun is out there for less time which sometime isn’t enough for a solar panel to harvest enough energy. Hence, having sole reliability on the solar energy is not a good idea as well.
  • Not for all
    Solar energy can be harvested the most with the roofs facing south. Other options decrease the chances of utilizing the panels to their max. Also, if you have your house in city area among the high buildings, your solar panels might not receive much sunlight to provide you with much power. Hence, a proper research has to be done if you are planning on having solar panels installed on your house.
  • Requires huge setup
    If you want to be totally dependent upon the solar energy, you will require large number of solar panels to be installed in order to match your potential daily usage. Along with that, you will need a greater number of batteries to store all the power and supply the power to your electronics continuously. Hence, to power fewer bulbs, small and compact system is perfect while for a house, bigger and costlier system needs to be installed.

The conclusion of Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

By performing proper R & D, you can make your choice for the solar panel installation. It is not a rocket science to maintain a solar panel but it isn’t easy as well. Proper planning will help you figure out your system size and cost and you can have it installed on your roof. Looking at the pros and cons, it’s eventually your call at last.

What’s your thought on it, please let us know.

Pros and Cons of Lithium Ion Batteries

Pros and Cons of Lithium Ion Batteries

Batteries as the source of power have been our undeniable part. Everything that doesn’t run directly from the wall socket, is definitely powered by batteries. The battery being the portable source of power has been very famous in every gadget, household appliance, and can even power small device to a bigger house.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are essential to our energy-dependent lifestyle. We put on watch on our wrist, mobile phone in our pocket and other devices as well. They come in two types, rechargeable and non-rechargeable power source. It has been a couple of decades since the commercial debut of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and today they are dominant in the market as the top choice of portable power. They can be constructed in various shapes and sizes, making it the most preferred one to squeeze the battery even in the tighter of the spaces. The batteries are lighter than their alternatives. Like every other technical component, Li-ion battery to isn’t untouched with the disadvantages.

Lithium Ion Batteries Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Lithium Ion Battery

Image: AZoM

Though the battery is widely used one and is being used for over two decades, there exists equally valued pros and cons. The pros and cons of lithium-ion batteries are given below.

Pros

  • High energy density:

Greater energy density is the chief advantage of Li-ion battery. The devices available in the markets are shrinking in size and need to survive longer between the charges as well, so having the higher density Li-ion battery will help them keep size small and charge holding capacity relatively high.

  • Self-discharge:

The batteries tend to lose their charge much faster when not in use. But with Li-ion batteries whose self-discharge charge is very low than the existing batteries in the market, the problem of self-discharge is highly minimized.

Also Read: Wind Energy Pros and Cons

  • Priming:

Some batteries out there have a need to be priming. Priming is the method of fully charging and fully discharging a battery. But Lithium-Ion battery has no such need. Therefore, li-ion battery saves a significant amount of time and hassle of charging and discharging before they can actually be used.

  • Low Maintenance:

Many batteries out there require frequent battery check by the means of charging and discharging even when not in use. This ensures that there is no memory effect, due to which the batteries start holding less charge. But memory effect doesn’t happen with li-ions, so, there is relatively lower maintenance required with Li-ion cells.

  • Variety of types available:

Li-ion batteries can be manufactured in a variety of types. Some devices require higher current density like in mobile devices and some require high current level like in power tools. Hence, li-ion batteries can be manufactured suiting every device’s needs and wants. This technological advantage has made the li-ion battery the ideal to use the battery.

  • Quick charging:

Unlike other batteries, li-ion batteries take a fraction of time to charge which makes it feasible to use. For example, you can charge your mobile device batteries at the higher speed just by choosing the chargers that can safely charge the battery with a higher current. But other batteries might just take longer time for similar capacity battery.

Cons

  • Protection required:

Li-ion battery and cell require a protection circuit to protect the battery from being overcharged and discharged too far below. The circuit protects the battery by not getting it deflected too far from the safe current limit. Though modern technology has the protection circuit either within the battery or in the device for protection.

  • Expensive:

The li-ion batteries are almost 40% expensive to manufacture than nickel-cadmium batteries. This makes the li-ion battery expensive than the nickel-cadmium and other batteries.

  • Ageing:

The Li-ion batteries suffers from the ageing effect. The charge holding duration is affected by the age of the battery and also the charging cycle. Some manufactures mention the maximum charging cycle of the battery as well. When the battery needs to be stored, the battery can be better charged up to 40-50% and stored in a cool place to increase the life.

  • Transportation:

Transporting the li-ion batteries is relatively risk task, specially by air. Although the battery is transferred in the luggage, but there must be a special care taken to avoid the batteries from short circuiting and should be kept in protective cases.

  • Immature technology:

The li-ion battery is still in the development phase, the manufacturers are constantly researching and trying to produce batteries with higher capacity. It doesn’t work out every time though, under an unfavorable condition of heat, no ventilation, high current flow and others, the battery might explode as well and catch fire. We have seen many incidents of a mobile battery exploding.

Conclusion

Every technology has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. The cons of the technology cannot be eliminated completely but necessary steps can be taken to minimize the cons. By understanding the positives and negatives of the li-ion battery technology, we can make better choices of using the appropriate ones in the appropriate devices.

Wind Energy Pros and Cons

Wind Energy Pros and Cons

We have been naturally gifted with lots and lots of sources to extract energy from. The basic unit of life, the sun, provides us with warmth and light which can also be used to extract energy. The flowing river can be used to power houses through hydro-electricity. The heat as well can be used to extract electricity. The wind energy too is and alternative source of energy. There are areas all around the globe where the wind flow at just right speed over higher course of time that can be used to drive huge blades of windmills.

Wind costs us nothing, it is free everywhere and for everyone. This leads to a conclusion that the operation cost too is cheaper after once when the turbine starts to move and electricity is produced. The United States is planning to produce 20% of its energy from the wind by 2030, decreasing the reliability on the traditional fossil fuels. Research and development is taking place to address the challenges of making the wind power cheaper and more viable to individuals and the business enterprises out there.

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy:

Wind Energy Pros and Cons

After the solar energy, wind is speculated to be the alternative source of energy that could possibly aid in decreasing the consumption of fossil fuels. Though every technology has it upward side as well as the down side and wind energy too has it. The pros and cons of wind energy is listed below.

Pros of Wind Energy

  • Clean Source of Energy:

The production of electricity from wind is clean opposed to the coal, oil and other source which pollute the environment. Wind energy decreases our reliability on fossil fuels and helps in the improvement of environment as well as nations economy.

  • Renewable source:

Wind is renewable source of energy in a sense that till there is atmosphere on Earth, there will always be wind. Unlike fossil fuel, burning the fuel decreases the availability but wind energy doesn’t spend up on using. As long as the sun shines and wind blows, the wind energy can always be harnessed.

  • Cost effective:

Wind energy is produced through rotation of turbines. The turbine provides continuous energy as long as wind blows and doesn’t need any external energy to run the turbine. You don’t even have to harvest the turbine to produce electricity from your home, rather you can buy energy from the organizations which provide electricity from wind energy. It is cheaper to buy and cleaner to use.

  • Use of modern technology:
    Modern wind mills look sleek and attractive unlike older chunky and rusty wind mills. Modern ones are white, slick and good looking, if you have one on your land, you don’t have to worry about them being an eyesore.
  • Rapid Growth and Huge Potential:
    Wind energy has seen tremendous growth over last few years. U.S has seen growth on wind power capacity and is planning on producing 30% of total consumption of energy through wind power. Wind turbine are available in many shapes and sizes and you can have them according to your requirement and budget. It has huge potential as an alternative source, the need is just to have proper research done in order to find areas with maximum potential.

Also Read: Solar Energy Pros and Cons

Cons of Wind Energy:

  • Wind reliability:
    Wind doesn’t have any fixed schedule to flow. It does have a fixed time of year when it is the fastest, but it cannot be said that it will be this windy today. At the time when wind won’t help you, you won’t have any energy produced. And sometimes when there are high winds or storms, the wind might damage the turbine as well.
  • Threat to wildlife:
    The wildlife is under potential threat by the turbines, specially the flying ones. It becomes harder for the birds to fly across the areas with wind turbines. There isn’t a particular solution to the problem, but it’s definitely something that has to be watched for the possible consequences.
  • Noise Pollution:
    The wind turbines can become very noisy as they produce around 50-60dB of sound. If you have one by your house, it can be annoying. It’s a 24hrs torture. However, technology has been searching for a potential solution to minimize the noise of the turbine, but having house away from such wind turbine would be ideal.
  • Suitable to certain location:
    There are certain areas on Earth where the flow rate of wind is relatively constant and productive. The wind turbines are mostly set up in rural areas and for the energy to be transported to the urban areas, there has to be longer transmission lines to be set up which can cost extra in infrastructures.
  • Cost:
    Wind turbines are relatively costlier to setup in the beginning. The infrastructures will cost you a lot and it is hard to find someone who actually harvests wind energy to sell. As fossil fuels are easier to extract and easy to use, wind energy has potential disadvantage over fossil fuel due to cost.

Conclusion on Wind Energy Pros and Cons

The bottom line to this energy production technology is that the world is preparing for the alternative source and the wind energy looks promising one. There will be a day when along with solar PV panels’ farms, there will be a farm for the wind turbines as well and the consumption of the fossil fuel could be decreased to nil.

Solar Energy Pros and Cons

Solar Energy Pros and Cons

 What is solar energy?

Solar energy can be simply referred as an energy provided by the sun which is in the form of solar radiation creating possibilities in the production of solar electricity.

Electricity can be generally produced directly from photovoltaic cells which are made from materials which exhibit the “photovoltaic effect” i.e. when the sun rays hits the PV cell, the photons of light excite the electrons in the cell which makes them to flow because of which the electricity is generated. Solar energy is mainly produced during the day particularly during hot days when air-conditioners drive up electricity.

Australia is known as the sunniest countries in the world so it has huge potential for solar PV to make a significant contribution to electricity generation.

Solar Energy Pros and Cons

photocell boards

Pros of Solar Energy

  1. Renewable

The solar energy available is a renewable energy source which ultimately means that the people cannot run out of solar energy unlike the non-renewable energy sources.

People can have the access to solar energy for another more 6.5 billion years according to NASA.

  1. Good Availability:

Solar energy can be said as the mostly used energy which is easily available all over the world. Not only the countries closer to the Equator but also the countries far away have highest capacity of solar power in the world.

  1. Sustainable:

With being abundant and renewable the solar energy source is also very sustainable. This energy source meets the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. There isn’t any way that people can over-consume or over use the solar energy.

  1. Environmentally Friendly

Excessive use solar energy does not cause any kind of pollution. However, there are some emissions which are related with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems which is nothing in comparison to most conventional energy sources.

  1. Reduces Electricity Costs

Using a solar energy, the homeowners can reduce their overall electricity expenses as solar energy produce more electricity than what they actually consume. It is calculated that adding solar panels to your home can bring in monthly savings of well above $100 in many states. As a result many homeowners choose leasing or power purchase agreements to finance their solar panels.

  1. Used in various purposes

Solar energy is used for different purposes such as generating electricity in places that have no grid connection, for distilling water in different places, or even to power satellites in space.

  1. Shared Solar

Because of lack of proper sunshine, shading, insufficient space and ownership issues, many American homes are unfit for solar panels. Due to improper sun rays distribution, people have introduced shared solar system, so the homeowners can subscribe to “community solar gardens”, and generate solar electricity with no solar panels on their own rooftops.

  1. Financial Support

The effective costs of solar panels are much less than the price before it used to be. Also in some cases, the price of a residential photovoltaic system can be cut more than 50%. Hence, government and state rebates have become available both on utility-scale and for the majority of homeowners.

  1. Low Maintenance

The attached solar power systems do not require a lot of maintenance. The solar panels require cleaning a couple of times a year. And in most of the cases, serious solar manufacturers ship 20- or 25-year warranties with their solar panels.

  1. Improved Technology

Technological improvements are being made in the solar power industry with new innovation in nanotechnology and quantum physics with the potential to triple the electrical output of solar panels.

Also Read: Pros and Cons of Drinking Beer

Cons of Solar Energy

  1. Price

The price range of solar panels is among the most debatable aspect on the entire solar energy pros and cons list. The solar panel used to be very expensive in back days but nowadays, the best solar panels can in many situations be cheaper than buying electricity from the utility. This has been made possible by its incentives.

  1. Intermittent

Solar energy is not the first choice of any people when it comes to meeting the base load energy demand because it is an intermittent energy source. Its access to sunlight is very limited at certain times i.e. morning and day time and during the overcast days it can be difficult.

  1. Energy Storage is Expensive

The technologies used for energy storage systems such as batteries to help smoothen out demand and load, making solar power more stable is quite expensive.

However, there are good correspondence between the access to solar energy and human energy demand. The electricity demand of the people increases in the middle of the day, the same time when there is a lot of sunlight!

  1. Exotic Materials

Some solar cell is made up of materials that are expensive and rarely found in nature. It is common among the thin-film solar cells which is based on either cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS).

  1. Associated with Pollution

Though solar energy is less known for pollution in comparison to fossil fuels, some problems do exist. The manufacturing processes of the panels are associated with greenhouse gas emissions. Some harmful gases Nitrogen trifluroide and sulfur hexafluoride has been traced during the production of solar panels. These are among the most harmful greenhouse gases which have many thousand times the impact on global warming compared to carbon dioxide. As a result, the transportation and installation of solar power systems can also somewhat indirectly cause pollution.

  1. Requires Space

For solar panels to be kept in a house, the power density, or watt per square meter (W/m²) should be considered when looking at the amount of power which can be derived from a certain area of real estate of an energy source.