Why Solar Energy Is Good

The concept of using sunlight to power our homes, cars, industries and everyday gadgets has been discussed, researched and utilized for many years now. It's cost saving and helps the environment by not relying on fossil fuels. And with the looming global energy crisis, there have been suggestions of many other alternative energy sources - from thorium power, coal, water, hydrogen and the list goes on. We need to keep this on track because the powers that be will do everything in their power to ensure you keep "filling up" instead of "saving up."

Here in Nevada, I notice a lot of homeowners using solar panels. The only problem I hear from neighbors and friends is that solar roof panels are aesthetically unattractive... butt ugly! In my opinion they are a bit of an eyesore, but who am I to tell an owner of his castle what to do with it, especially if that means stifling his commitment and sacrifice to saving money and the earth? I say sacrifice because reports indicate that within the first many years of use, solar energy currently costs the equivalent of 20-25 cents per kWh, compared with 8 cents per kWh for conventional electricity. This means the materials and cost of producing these solar panels are quite substantial and will not be a viable alternative for many even if they wanted to. Oh, and not to mention the sacrifice of being ridiculed as the ugly duckling neighbor. Sheesh, stop the persecution already!

A lot of research has gone into finding materials that are cheaper to produce and designable so that you can have the panels or material match the color of your roof. Perylene/Polymer Composite Solar Cells may provide a good alternative to silicon solar cells in its designability and lower cost of production. A company called Nanosolar also provides a cheaper and more aesthetic alternative to regualar solar panels.

Nanotechnology can even play a major role in providing widespread use and integration of solar power in objects you would never think possible - like a sweater or in a can of paint. Ted Sargent, a pioneer in solar science, is working on solar nanotechnology that focuses on capturing the infrared portion of the sun's rays, the portion available to us even in cloudy weather.

In my opinion, solar cells are a more attractive renewable energy source because, unlike wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power (which require windy areas, hot water reservoirs, and fast rivers, respectively) solar cells can be used in a larger range of locations. Even in regions where the sky is often cloudy, batteries can store the energy produced from solar cells while the sky is sunny for use at night and on overcast days. Solar energy - it's all good.

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