The Future of Solar Energy

Solar energy is the most abundant and cheap form of alternative energy to tap into. Current estimates suggest that almost 2.5 million exa-joules reach the earth every year.

This amount is over a 6000 times more power than all of the nations throughout the world utilize combined.

The only reason that most experts suggest solar energy is not the prime source of energy currently is because of cost. The current cost of developing new technology and replacing old infrastructure is higher than the current cost of fossil fuels. Government regulation and grant programs are slowly changing that dynamic due to environmental awareness.

Additionally, as time marches forward the future of solar energy is promising because of the nature of fossil fuels. Not only are fossil fuels harmful to the environment, but they are limited and as supplies dwindle, the costs will rise and inevitably alternative energy will take its place.

New inventions in the solar energy market are shaping the future and changing the cost dynamic of solar power. First, scientists are actively working on hybrid solar cells that not only look better, but are cheaper and have a higher efficiency rating. An increase in efficiency means a solar cell will generate more power than current or older solar cell technology.

Currently the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) holds the record with a solar cell at 29.5 percent efficiency. The key to efficiency according NREL scientists is utilizing more of the light spectrum. Research on new materials and multi-layered technology is underway to do just that.

Second, newer solar cells are in development that does not require classic purchase and mounting methods. For example, several companies in the United States, Europe, and Japan have developed prototype solar roofing shingles. These shingles will likely take the place of solar panels in the near future.

In addition to shingles, other inventions such as solar powered automobiles and aircraft are constantly in the news. Not many years ago, in fact, both an aircraft and a car traveled great distances without the use of any fossil fuels. Other ideas on the drawing board at agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are a space based generator that transmits power back to the earth, and fully solar powered spacecraft.

Finally, another invention, the solar reactor is currently being tested in a few countries and similar technology is already in use. A solar reactor is essentially a tower that concentrates solar energy to the point that temperature at a focal point in the tower reaches into the thousands of degrees. This technology can be used for manufacturing or electrical generation by heating water to do the same job fossil fuels are currently doing.

In all of the inventions mentioned above, one common factor will drive the future of solar energy. That factor is in the materials the solar cells are engineered with. The bulk of the solar energy market is based on silicon technology. Like any other form of new technology, scientists realize that current materials have limits engineers would like to overcome.

Some of the hybrid solar technology available includes inexpensive plastic photocells, thin polycrystalline films, organic dye injectors, and a revolutionary new technology under research called quantum dots.

As you can see the future of utilizing solar energy seems prominent with so many ideas and inventions on the market. The reality behind the situation is that the future is uncertain. While predictions indicate that by 2050 the rate of energy usage will double, the conversion to alternative energy sources is slow.

The world’s citizens will inevitably make the choice to utilize solar energy and other forms of alternative energy. The way for any individual to take part in the future of solar energy is to research solar power, get a job or degree in science or engineering, invest money in research institutes, purchase solar energy products, and voting for government measures to help industry switch from fossil fuels.

With environmental issues coming to the forefront of modern news, people are becoming more aware of alternative energy and the need to switch. The good news for any homeowner is that solar energy will not only save you money, but it can even pay for itself in a relatively short time.

Converting solar power to electrical power in the home is not future technology; it is currently available and with a modest upfront investment will pay for itself in just a few years. Purchasing solar technology today will increase the market and lower future prices. The future of solar energy in may ways is here now.