NOVA: Solar Energy – Saved by the Sun
July 10th, 2009 by Green-Eco-Path-Finder
In the face of steeply rising oil prices and political turmoil in the Middle East, there is new urgency in finding a solution to our uncertain energy future. Breakthroughs in new materials and ingenious designs for solar collectors are transforming the technology into a vastly cheaper, more efficient alternative. NOVA presents the latest thinking from solar enthusiasts and skeptics as it investigates cutting-edge research developments. The film introduces viewers to the scientists…
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The sun has been identified as the energy source for tomorrow – since at least the 1950s. So far, however, it has failed to go beyond minor use in the U. S. Experts in the film state that the sun’s unreliable nature is its biggest drawback – not only rainy day problems, but evening shutdowns as well. The good news is that homes generating solar electricity while staying wired to the electrical grid don’t need batteries to store power for evenings and cloudy days. More good news is the fact that solar power is most effective during the hours when power requirements are greatest – afternoons. The bad news is that solar generation of electricity is still expensive – costing $15-28,000 for a home, up to $45,000 if solar water heating is also included. All the solar power generated in the U. S. at this point only allows the elimination of two coal plants; it’s less than 1% of total electricity generated. Germany, on the other hand, offers a vision of what could happen – they are on a path to generate about one-third of their electricity from renewable sources (wind + solar) by 2020. This is because government provides a substantial subsidy to solar power generation, on top of power in Germany costing about twice that of the U. S. (The DVD did not explain why this is. ) Improved technology hopefully will also bring major benefit. Current solar technology only converts red-spectrum rays into electricity; newer (much-more expensive) models can convert two or even three colors. More promising is the use of nanotechnology, though this wasn’t well explained. Finally, we can also reduce our carbon footprint through improved efficiency – eg. newer air conditioners. Bottom Line: Waiting to see what happens with global warming and rising energy costs is not an option. We need to develop renewable (from the sun) sources now. Unfortunately, the U. S. has instead been reducing funds for solar research.