We should rely more on solar power

The energy from the sun is so powerful, only a fraction of what hits the Earth on a single day could power all of humanity.

Solar technology is discovering more ways to efficiently and inexpensively tap into solar energy.  Along the way, many uses of solar power have been discovered.

For thousands of years, people have used the radiant heat and light from the sun to cook their food and regulate the temperatures of shelters.  Today, solar cookers still are used to prepare a meal without the use of electricity.  Likewise, passive solar techniques can help you warm or cool your home through strategic placement of windows and landscaping.

Solar renewable energy is on a recent upswing, as we may finally be realizing that fossil fuels are finite, and also contribute to global climate change.

There are two primary types of solar panels:  photovoltaic (PV) panels generate clean electricity, and solar thermal panels heat water for household and commercial uses, without electricity or natural gas.  Solar water heaters are perhaps the most affordable and practical use of solar power.

You might have seen solar panels on rooftops around town, but did you know that they are a great alternative to gas-powered generators for boats, recreational vehicles, construction sites and even military operations?

When you consider the wide variety of uses of solar power, you may be asking why are we not tapping into this renewable resource more often?

Limitations on solar energy as a primary power source?

As we search for viable renewable energy sources in recognition of the finite, polluting and and politically-fraught aspects of fossil fuels, the question remains.  Can we consider solar power as a primary energy source?

We’ve reviewed the disadvantages of solar energy (along with its many benefits), in order to consider the pros and cons for this alternative power resource.  Of course, among a number of issues to be considered include the fact that solar is expensive and not particularly efficient, overall…. yet!

The solar power debate will continue to rage on.  Yet, the abundance of free solar power cannot be overlooked.  New solar technology developments are announced on a regular basis.  Efficiencies are increased and prices continue to fall.  Certainly we should be able to find a way to harness this endless energy source, especially considering facts like these:

In full sun, you can safely assume about 100 watts of solar energy per square foot. If you assume 12 hours of sun per day, this equates to 438,000 watt-hours per square foot per year. Based on 27,878,400 square feet per square mile, sunlight bestows a whopping 12.2 trillion watt-hours per square mile per year.

How far can we take PV power?

Its high time for us to elevate solar power as a truly significant power source, which can finally get us away from talking about the myth of “clean coal,” or ignoring the fact that oil exploration and drilling is harming the environment in ways that cannot be sustained.

But why solar power, instead of the alternatives?

In part, the answer is found in the very diversity of the renewable energy resource.  From solar hot water to solar electricity, you can shower, cook food, warm your home and more.  Particularly in developing nations, reliance on solar power just makes sense!

Solar power as a primary energy resource is a proposal that is still under consideration.  Yet, we can warmly witness its blooming across desert southwest regions in the U.S., and even in less sunny climes worldwide.

Do we really need to sit in judgment over whether solar power is the way to go for renewable energy?  Perhaps we should just wait and watch things unfold?  Weighing solar against wind, biomass, nuclear and more is one task.  Considering the resource against oil and natural gas is practically a no-brainer.

EADS Astrium Solar Panel Laser: Solar Power That's Out of this World

Europe’s biggest space company, EADS Astrium (an aerospace subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), has announced that its entering the field of space-based solar power.  Over the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about space solar power – also known as SSP – but many have dismissed the idea as a little too…. out of this world.

EADS Astrium joins several other companies that believe in the future of this futuristic renewable energy resource and are making investments accordingly.  Pulling solar power from space can actually be more efficient than earth-mounted solar panels as you can have exposure to sunlight 24/7 without weather disturbances or the pesky darkness that falls every 12 hours or so on Earth.  In addition, the concentration of energy from sunlight gathered in outer space is significantly more intense.

Its one thing to gather space solar power with giant solar panels, but another task to transmit the solar energy back down to earth.  EADS Astrium has devised an infrared laser system that will beam the collected solar power to transmittal stations where it can be fed into the grid by utilities purchasing the power.

The lasers will be an improvement over prior SSP designs that planned for microwave transmission systems; these often raised safety concerns and appeared to be relatively inefficient.  By 2020, Astrium plans on having a space based solar power demonstration project in place.

Solar Power from Space

Will we enjoy solar power that’s out of this world during our lifetime?  What once seemed like science fiction is steadily gaining traction throughout Europe, Japan and the United States.  With advances like EADS Astrium’s laser transmittal system, the prohibitive cost of SSP appears to be coming down, while efficiencies increase.

It may be less than a decade before we’re reaching for the stars for solar renewable energy!

Complete Coverage of the Latest Advances In the FieldEnergy experts predict that wholesale electricity prices could easily rise 35 to 65 percent by 2015. Add to this the growing need for energy independence and the need to reduce carbon emissions and it is very clear that the development of low-cost renewable energy, such as solar energy, is essential for our economy and our national security. With the potential for low-cost, renewable energy that can create jobs while reducing (more…)