Read the following letter from a student to the school newspaper. Then, answer the question(s).
Dear Fellow Students:
(1) I am an eighth-grade representative on the student council. At the beginning of this month, the council debated an intriguing proposal: a solar energy program for the school. The next week, the school newspaper reported that during the meeting I had spoken out against solar energy. Nothing could be further from the truth.
(2) I think the solar power proposal is ingenious. The school would add solar panels to its roof in partnership with a nonprofit foundation. The foundation would help pay for the installation, answering possible objections based on cost.
(3) The panels would reduce the school’s electric bills—and its carbon footprint. Some of the electricity we use in this city comes from generators that burn coal or petroleum fuel. The sponsors of the proposal projected that the panels could reduce the school’s use of fossil-fuel generated electricity by up to 30%. The nonprofit foundation would even contribute to the school’s STEM programs. We wouldn’t just be adding solar panels; we would be adding to students’ knowledge.
(4) With all these benefits—lower costs, environmental responsibility, and educational value— why would anyone speak out against this proposal?
(5) Well, no one did, exactly. Instead, I raised my hand in the meeting to point out a few streaks of gray in this otherwise rosy picture.
(6) First, solar panels themselves can add to pollution. Turning quartz, which contains naturally occurring silicon, into the metallurgical-grade silicon used in solar panels means refining the quartz at high temperatures. Reaching those high temperatures means—you guessed it— burning fossil fuels. In addition, the manufacture of current solar panels involves highly toxic materials that must be carefully recycled.
(7) There is a possible answer, though, to these problems: a new material called perovskite. By using perovskite in place of silicon, manufacturers can avoid some of the environmental costs and risks of silicon-based solar cells.
(8) The technology is still developing, and for now, silicon-based solar panels are the only realistic option. However, we should do a little research before committing to silicon. If long-lasting perovskite panels are predicted to be available soon, we might wait. If we do go with silicon-based panels now, then we should make a firm plan to replace them with a “greener” solution when they wear out. Once these concerns are addressed, the proposed solar panel program is a guaranteed winner. As I hope I have made clear, I support the program—with a few vital tweaks.
Sincerely,
Kira Wilson
1 answer
Questions:
What is the main purpose of Kira Wilson's letter?
Identify two benefits and two concerns that Kira discusses regarding the solar energy proposal.
What does Kira suggest as a possible alternative to silicon-based solar panels?
How does Kira feel about solar energy in general based on the letter? Provide evidence to support your answer.
What does Kira suggest should happen before the school commits to installing solar panels?
Answers:
The main purpose of Kira Wilson's letter is to clarify her position on the solar energy proposal for the school, correct a misunderstanding reported in the school newspaper, and advocate for a well-researched approach to the implementation of the solar panels.
Two benefits Kira discusses regarding the solar energy proposal are:
The potential reduction in the school’s electric bills and carbon footprint.
The contribution to the school’s STEM programs through the nonprofit foundation.
Two concerns she mentions are:
The environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing process of silicon-based solar panels.
The use of highly toxic materials in current solar panels that require careful recycling.
Kira suggests that a new material called perovskite could be a possible alternative to silicon-based solar panels, as it could reduce some of the environmental costs and risks associated with silicon.
Kira feels positively about solar energy, stating she thinks the proposal is "ingenious" and ultimately supports it. She emphasizes the benefits while also expressing the need for a few vital adjustments, illustrating her support is conditional on addressing environmental concerns.
Kira suggests that the school should conduct research on the feasibility of using perovskite panels before committing to installing silicon-based solar panels. If they choose to proceed with silicon, she recommends having a firm plan to replace them with a more environmentally friendly option in the future.
1 answer