Where is Solar Energy Today

by Joel Akin 2003 copyright

Almost 27 years ago I wrote a paper on Solar Energy for my Journalism class. It was not the paper that stood out but the fact that Solar Energy is still with us and in 2003 still stronger then ever. And based on present technology Solar Power could sweep the world with ways to power homes that 27 years ago would have seemed like science fiction.

 The ways and means of gathering solar energy and dispersing them are gathering steam at an escalating rate.

 At one time is was simple silicon chips which provided maybe 5-10% energy and silicon which was slow to grow and expensive. Now methods of growing silicon cheaply and easily are already in testing. There is also double and triple layers of semi-transparent silicon which allows greater 'surface' for the sun to provide energy.

 Several companies are now in the process of creating solar films which will be super cheap and can be applied like a sun-screen over large buildings or small buildings providing coolness in summer and still providing power to lighting and machines.

 One company in Australia is delving into a nano based dye which could be applied to your household window creating enough power perhaps for the entire building while allowing you to enjoy the view from your couch or chair.

 A Saskatchewan company is creating a solar hybrid product using solar panels to separate hydrogen from water. The hydrogen would then be the fuel to power your home, vehicle or business. They believe in 5 years they will be on the market.

 Some believe that the present percentage of power achieved from solar panels is still not enough to make it a viable alternative. Even NASA has not been able to surpass 18% of energy from their panels sent to space. And to power the space station they need a huge amount of panels to accomplish this. Private businesses are working at a percentage of about 20% which is far better then what we used to have but a far cry from the energy needed to run a car, truck or entire home.

 Part of the problem is simply our demand for large appliances, bright lighting and hunger for constant hot water. There are technologies now in place to build energy efficient homes and appliances but with gasoline being so cheap there is still not enough incentive to switch to alternatives.

 But if there were a war in the Mideast or a disaster of some kind it would be those with alternative power who would more then likely survive and be comfortable even in a colder climate.

 Solar Panels are enough to provide up to half the power in most homes but people don't want to rely on two power sources. So either present technologies in Solar energy will have to be improved and perfected or Solar Energy will remain on the sidelines for another 27 years. Much talked about but easily forgotten in our efforts to find an easy way out.