Why have we so slow to adopt solar power? I do believe that America is a great nation filled with great minds, and when we set our minds to it we can accomplish anything! We put a man on the moon in a few short years. We’ve harnessed the atom for good and for bad. So why have we so slow to take up the cause of solar power? The only thing we are missing is making it more affordable and more efficient. That may soon be changing. There are some exciting things happening in the world of solar, and some breakthroughs that may make sunshine a valuable commodity. There is a company called Solyndra that is making cool new cylindrical solar cells. Check out EcoGeek for the full article, but the idea is that the cylinders will be easier to install and have more surface area and require less orientation to the sun. A company called Konarka is working to make simple panels for portable power needs. The Most exciting news is the move into the industry by some big companies. The more the competition, the higher the demand for innovation. We are seeing solar panels that are designed like roof tiles, solar panel windows, and even solar panels being integrated into the skin of buildings.
Now, solar panels are starting to pop up all over the world. Jimmy Carter had them installed on the roof of the white house in the seventies, and I hope Obama will put them back. In Israel, there is a new kibbutz that is slated to be the first solar powered community. Duke energy is renting rooftops in North Carolina to produce a portion of its electricity for the grid from solar power. In Spain, reflectors are being used to concentrate the sun’s rays and make them more efficient. Dubai, who never does anything small these days, is building an entire covered mixed use center under a solar powered roof. How much electricity could be generated in war torn countries in the Middle East that do not have reliable electricity? Holy Sunshine-even the Pope is getting into the act. He is having solar panels installed at the Vatican! I think that solar power is an idea whose time has come!
Tags: Energy, Solar Power
