People often go by the mindset of, “If it isn’t broken, why fix it”. This is a way of thinking that simply amounts to the belief that there are much greater risks, than there are rewards in new and untried ways. While often times there is merit in being cautious and sticking to what has so far reliably produced the best results, there is also something to be said about the need for innovation, and how often times it is found in untrodden waters. And maybe the aforementioned phrase is misleadingly used, and should maybe go along the lines of: ”Even if it isn’t broken, why not improve it still?”.
On paper solar water pumps really do seem like a perfect first step towards innovation, as they provide an environmentally friendly way of getting clean water, and taking the field of agriculture forward. But as with any attempt to integrate new technology into a field that has been around since even before men had the written word, there are bound to be a few bumps along the way that need to be sorted out. Not to mention the fact that not every new technology is flawless, solar energy included. There are quite a few drawbacks and failings that still need to be worked out, and there is no shortage of people that are more than willing to remind you, in case you find yourself in danger of forgetting.
One of the most often mentioned problems with solar water pumps is the price of not only the installation, but the maintenance costs as well. Now, while it is true that the initial installation comes to a hefty sum, in the long run, the solar water pump will more than make up for it in free renewable energy. Additionally, as the technology itself becomes more widely implemented, it will see an inevitable decrease in price.
Another very well known reason is that solar energy is greatly influenced by environmental factors. Depending on your location, time of year, and weather conditions, the efficiency of the panels can drastically decrease. Not to mention that they gather no energy at night. But again, with the advancement of technology, we have seen solar panels change from the obsolete older models, into newer, more efficient designs, which take all of the previous factors into account, and are still able to provide a reliable source of power, and in the coming years they will only continue to improve.
There will always be consenting opinions regarding new and seemingly radical changes. However, with it steadily becoming the most viable option, because of the technological, as well as environmental advantage it offers over its rivals, solar water pumps are on the right track towards being the leading source of clean energy in the near future.
