Oh dear, the transparencies of this issue are really rather poor, this one being definitely the worst.

Posted on October 15, 2007 — by DenisG

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...how much of that 1-second burst of energy is directed at the Earth?

I agree that solar power has huge potential and is a barely tapped energy source. However, the costs associated with harvesting solar power and converting it into electricity are still very high (compared to other fossil and alternative fuels).

Daylight can easily be used to save considerable energy right now. Incorporate lighting controls in all spaces where daylight might replace electric lighting during portions of each day.

Many states offer rebate programs to offest the costs associated with such lighting upgrades. There is significant research showing energy savings from 25-75% in applications using properly-commissioned daylight controls and occupancy sensors.

Posted on October 15, 2007 — by DJLRogers

1 comment

With respect to the costs associated with harnessing the bountiful energy production of the sun, they do indeed present themselves as being on the steep side. To remedy this, a single company would but need to establish first a reliable product, and then market it effectively. It is impossible to argue that there is no market. Look at what Ford accomplished with his efficiency of the assembly line. Within seven years of production, over half of a million people were enjoying the comforts of the automobile, and at a reasonable price too. If a universal model for harnessing solar energy was created and marketed at a price comparable to that of say, the annual cost of other means of energy, the concept of solar power as the principal means of energy is seemingly plausible.

Posted on October 16, 2007 — by theonlyryanever

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This is a very elementary way to look at solar power. When I say elementary I mean that it is the quality of that of an elementary student. Sure that energy is out there but can someone harness it and provide it to my house for less money than conventional methods?

Posted on October 17, 2007 — by J_Blaze

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Well, while the article leaves room for doubt, the economic fundementals are improving as manufacturers improve solar panels, and also as the price of Crude moves ever upwards
Grave maintenance and Care!

Posted on October 18, 2007 — by Ericthered

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Solar Power is the future. We need to stop thinking of a cure all for our engery problems and think of the engery issues as a complex ecosystem. Solar engery, hydrogen fuels, etc will all play a part in helping to solve our engergy problems.

Posted on November 26, 2007 — by digiru

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There are new technologies discovered using nano-enabled polymer photovoltaic materials that are lightweight, flexible and more versatile than traditional solar materials. They can utilize all sort of passive light and can even collect energy from heat making it possible to use it in textiles so even clothing could potentially collect energy from our body heat.
Check out www.konarka.com
They aren't the only ones getting ready for mass production but they are the innovators.

Posted on November 29, 2007 — by baron

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