Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.
Solar power, heralded as one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, has seen remarkable advancements over the past few years. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity, producing no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. This clean energy source has been crucial in the global fight against climate change, with many countries making substantial investments in solar infrastructure. One of the main advantages of solar power is its abundant nature. The sun provides more energy in one hour than the entire world consumes in a year. This makes solar power a virtually inexhaustible resource, especially advantageous in regions with high levels of sunlight, such as Australia and the Philippines. These countries have significantly expanded their solar capacities, reducing their reliance on imported fuels and enhancing energy security.
When compared to hydropower, solar power has several distinct benefits. While hydropower projects can generate large amounts of electricity, they often require substantial environmental alterations, such as damming rivers, which can disrupt local ecosystems and communities. Solar installations, on the other hand, have a much lower environmental impact and can be deployed on a smaller scale, making them suitable for urban and rural areas alike. In Canada, the integration of solar power with wind turbines has shown promising results. Hybrid systems, combining both solar and wind energy, can provide a more consistent electricity supply as they balance the intermittent availability of these resources. This hybrid approach helps mitigate the variability associated with renewable energies and contributes to a more stable and reliable power grid. Overall, the evolution of solar power technology and its integration with other renewable sources presents a compelling argument for its increased adoption worldwide. As countries strive to achieve their climate targets, solar energy will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the transition to a sustainable energy future.