Solar Power

Theoretically, the sun can provide all of the world's energy requirements many times over. But capturing solar energy cost-effectively has only recently become a technical and commercial reality. The solar power industry uses two primary technologies. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology focuses the sun's rays to create steam that drive turbines. The sheer number of international companies and scale of investment in furthering solar technologies and solar power production installations is remarkable. Several factors are driving cost reductions and market adoption of solar power: ■ Alternative concepts - PV vs CSP technologies, fixed vs moveable fixtures, farm vs rooftop locations ■ Silicon cost - an essential, but increasingly expensive, input material to many solar technologies ■ technological innovation - thinner silicon, sprayed surfaces, printed solar cells ■ Innovative materials - organic materials, copper-based and other non-silicon approaches Skeptics note the relatively low conversion factor and resulting high energy cost; silicon supply challenges; and limited geographic deployment.		Did you know? ■ solar power comes from the Sun's light, not heat ■ solar received the most cleantech VC cash in 2007 ■ military use of solar technology is significant
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