How does your income determine your energy?

Both individuals and business owners have increasing concerns about protecting the planet. And debates continue over which form of renewable energy is best. While solar technology has gained popularity throughout the United States, not everyone embraces its use.

Some environmental activists assert that nuclear energy is a better choice. Meanwhile, disparity remains between energy and prosperity.

Why renewable energy is important worldwide

For some environmentalists, energy density is a crucial consideration in energy production. When it comes to land use, solar power requires 450 times more than nuclear energy to produce the same amount of electricity. And 17 times more material is necessary for producing solar panels.

Recent reports suggest that the production of certain forms of energy can negatively influence people on different levels, and for a variety of reasons. The human factors at the root of the energy debate include:  

• A lack of access to electricity affects 1 billion people
• Running water is inaccessible for 2 billion people
• Burning biomass and wood kills 3 million people annually

But the disputes over energy production involve more than the effect those resources have on people. In some cases, sustainable energy conflicts with intellectual property rights.

Energy disputes disrupt human and legal rights

As the owners of the largest solar farms in the United States strive to produce energy, Hanwha Q Cells moves to bar imports from competitors who allegedly infringe on one of the company’s patents.

The South Korean company recently opened a factory in Georgia. And if the International Trade Commission opens an investigation into the alleged patent infringement, it could affect the solar industry for the next year and a half.

In trying times of sustainable energy disputes, that may seem like a long time to wait for answers. However, if you developed a product to provide affordable, sustainable energy, protecting your interests could be imperative in helping you bridge the gap between environmental and economic constraints.