Innovative thinking in solar energy

The world is in dire shape. Climate scientists are discovering alarming effects of global warming that prove that we are in great danger of even worse climate-related consequences. The old adage states that “necessity is the mother of invention.” This is especially true of solar power, which is perhaps the most balanced solution to our energy needs. The obvious effects of global warming are driving the development of renewable energy technological advances. The sun provides our planet’s surface with more than enough energy to keep us going forever. Fortunately, clever inventors are at work to make solar energy more efficiently.

Estimates from The United States government state that the earth receives over 173,000 terawatts of energy every year, which is more than 10,000 times what humanity requires.

The challenge has always been managing that energy and converting it to electricity. For years the low efficiency of solar panels and the high prices per square inch of these panels made solar power cost-prohibitive. But that is no longer the case, notwithstanding the Trump administration’s tariffs on solar panels.

Solar panel costs holding their own

 In the five years between 2008 and 2013, the cost of solar panels plunged by over half. Between 2015 and  2017, researchers estimate the cost will fall another 40 percent. Researchers in the United Kingdom say they are stunned by how quickly solar power is growing. They calculate that the costs will fall fast enough to allow solar to provide a fifth of our energy consumption by 2027. That goal would have been extremely doubtful a few years ago. Solar technology has belatedly caught up with fossil fuel generation in terms of costs and efficiency. Solar is now at the brink of mass appropriation. But where can the technology go in the future?

New businesses frequently utilizing solar

New technology delivers new opportunities for business. Tesla and Panasonic are planning an enormous solar panel manufacturing factory in Buffalo, New York. Tesla’s Powerwall is already one of the more popular domestic energy storage designs in the world.

There is always tremendous demand for real estate and solar can be a big part of growth. Landowners and farmers can lease out their land for the development of solar farms.  All the new opportunities will drive prices lower and push the technology to expand over the years.

Bio-solar cells are coming

Researchers have experimented with biological material in solar cells and are getting impressive results. Bacteria (specifical cyanobacteria) can ultimately make it easier to power wireless devices. The efficiency of these bio-solar cells is not yet close to conventional PV cells, but there is hope the technology will gradually catch up. One of the researchers at the Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Seokheun ‘Sean’ Choi, believes bio-cells would be beneficial for remote areas where replacing batteries frequently isn’t an option. Thankfully, solar batteries have become more prevalent and useful and technological innovations are expected to make batteries more efficient.

Solar energy is ready to go today!

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. That's not intended as a high-pressure sales pitch. Climate scientists are urging humans to cease burning fossil fuels due to the rapid melting of Arctic ice. There is only one renewable technology currently equipped to handle the burden of the world's power generation: solar. The time for talk is done. We need to encourage as many people as possible to install solar in order to mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.

HahaSmart Blog - More Solar Tips and Guide
HahaSmart News - Stay Informed
Your Solar Incentives - See Credits and Incentives in Your Area
Check Your Home's Solar Price - See How Much You Save
Register Now - Unlock The Lowest Solar Prices in Your Area