Solar Power
Sep 22nd 2008
Solar photo voltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity are most effective at the equator. With around 1000w per square meter of sunlight produced by the sun at the equator, our abilities to turn this available energy directly into 1000w of electricity are unfortunately limited to around a maximum of 20% given the presently available technologies. It’s an area that is moving fast in terms of technological development however, with the most noticeable benefits coming from cost reductions for solar PV systems per watt hour produced. This is vitally important as at present solar energy is unable to compete on an economic price comparison with the burning of fossil fuels. Assisted by an increase in oil prices and other fossil fuel prices however, we may begin to see some parity in the near future. When this time comes PV systems may begin to take off enormously, thereby benifitting from economies of scale in their production, further fuelling a price competitiveness over fossil fuels. When this happens, and indeed, as is the case now, we need to ensure that the methods used in their manufacture do not contribute to further environmental degradation. We need zero carbon production methods to produce zero carbon sources of energy. The same of course applies to other solar methods such as vacuum tube water heaters and even the design of passive solar heating i the construction of new buildings.
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