Solar Investments

[NicoleHorner]

Sun is a great source of energy. It is believed that the amount of energy absorbed by the earth in one hour can fulfill a year’s energy needs of the world. The only problem is to tap it properly. Solar energy is tapped in two ways: Solar Power Plant or by using PV or Photovoltaic Cells, also known as Solar Cells. In solar power plant, the solar radiations are deflected using mirrors into a small space, say a pipe filled with a fluid. The rise in temperature of the fluid can be then used to boil water and produce steam for conventional generator.

Technology in the field of solar energy is advancing at a rapid rate. In 2007, the total installed capacity of photovoltaic devices was 8.7 GW. Solar cell production increased by 50% that year to 3,800 megawatts, and has been doubling every two years. The cost of solar energy, which has gone down 71% since 1980, will continue to drop as demand increases and more production capability becomes available. Additionally, conversion efficiency of silicon cells has increased from 4% in 1982 to over 20% for the latest technologies.

The solar energy can be cleanly converted into electricity, at the place of consumption itself. It is a cheaper source of electricity and can be generated during the peak hours when the other forms of electricity generation appear costly. [URL="http://www.worldenergyresearch.com/HowItWorks.aspx"]Solar power investments[/URL] are increasing everyday, owing to its easy and efficient usage.

[Bobsthelast]

It seems that the powers that be (PTB) have decided to hike up the price of the solar cells and make it prohibitively expensive for the common man. I would like to see these products come down in price in order to make them a bit more affordable.

[Greenerly]

I can't help but feel that people running the show in this industry don't want to drop the prices. If the sun is such a good energy source then why industry is not going towards exploiting it more?