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Which sentences show how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints?

Going Solar

The idea of harnessing the power of the sun is not a new one. As far back as the 1700s, a Swiss physicist named Horace-Benedict de Saussure created the first solar oven. More recently, solar panel use steadily grew in the 1970s and 1980s in cars and homes around the world. However, the use of solar panels appears to have lessened over the past few decades. This trend is unfortunate because this energy source has extraordinary benefits. Solar energy is renewable, sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient. Shouldn't we all consider investing in this valuable natural resource?
What better energy source to tap into than the sun. It is always there. While the sun goes down every night, it just as predictably comes up every morning. And while we all live in different climates with different degrees of sunlight, weather patterns and forecasts allow us to predict when and where we get the most sunlight. These patterns can work to our advantage.
Some people claim that solar panels are not effective because the sun doesn't actually shine 24 hours a day. They argue that because solar panels stop producing electricity at night, people still need to depend on other sources of energy. Although this may be true, they fail to take into account that people use the most energy during the day. The majority of people are most active when the sun is in full force. Therefore, solar panels are still worthwhile because the energy demand is greatest during the time that solar panels are operating at full strength.
Another noted disadvantage to solar power is that the production and installation costs of solar panels are very expensive and time consuming. However, one should consider that the cost of installation is long-term investment for homeowners that will save people money over time. People have been known to save thousands of dollars a year after converting to solar energy. Moreover, the use of solar energy not only saves money for individual home owners, it has the potential to save society billions of dollars.
Global warming and climate change are expected to cost trillions of dollars over the foreseeable future.These conditions contribute to severe storms, droughts, and wildfires that increase the likelihood of power outages. What better way to combat global warming and climate change than with solar power? Solar power is a cost-efficient and long-term solution with the potential to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
People should seriously consider the benefits of solar energy by weighing the pros over the cons. Even though it seems to take time, work, patience, and a large monetary investment, solar power is a sound solution over the long haul.

1 answer

The author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints in several sentences throughout the text. Here are a few examples:

  1. Acknowledgment of counterarguments regarding effectiveness:

    • "Some people claim that solar panels are not effective because the sun doesn't actually shine 24 hours a day. They argue that because solar panels stop producing electricity at night, people still need to depend on other sources of energy."
    • This sentence acknowledges the viewpoint that solar panels have limitations due to their reliance on sunlight.

  2. Response to the counterargument about energy production:

    • "Although this may be true, they fail to take into account that people use the most energy during the day. The majority of people are most active when the sun is in full force."
    • The author counters the claim by explaining the timing of energy demand, suggesting that solar panels' productivity aligns with when energy is mostly needed.

  3. Acknowledgment of concerns over cost:

    • "Another noted disadvantage to solar power is that the production and installation costs of solar panels are very expensive and time consuming."
    • This sentence recognizes the concern that the investment in solar panels is significant.

  4. Response to the cost concern:

    • "However, one should consider that the cost of installation is a long-term investment for homeowners that will save people money over time."
    • Here, the author counters the negative perception of high initial costs by framing them as a long-term benefit and savings.

  5. Summary statement about weighing pros and cons:

    • "People should seriously consider the benefits of solar energy by weighing the pros over the cons."
    • This sentence emphasizes the necessity of evaluating both sides before reaching a conclusion, indicating that conflicting viewpoints need to be balanced.

Overall, the author effectively acknowledges opposing viewpoints and provides counterarguments to support the case for solar energy.