New technologies are bringing down the cost of solar power.
Many interesting ideas have been coming from the pursuit of clean, renewable solar energy. Solar's potential for providing for society's energy needs has not been fully realized for technical and economic reasons. Research continues, however, to find new ways of harnessing solar energy. Government agencies, eager to innovate, have created a variety of economic incentives to make solar options more attractive.
Solar Power from Deserts
According to DESERTEC Foundation studies, desert areas are ideal places in which to develop solar power plants. In many cases, desert land receives generous amounts of sunlight. Also, desert land tends to be sparsely populated due to harsh climate conditions, so the land is inexpensive. Solar power generated in deserts can be sent over long distances to population centers via low-loss, high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) electric lines. These proposals carry multibillion-dollar price tags, but have the potential to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.
Solar Ink
Traditional solar cells are made in a way similar to computer chips: they're both made of high purity silicon crystals. While durable and reliable, the high cost of making them has kept solar electric power at an economic disadvantage. New technologies for making solar panels aim to change that. A special ink made of nanoparticles, molecules designed to absorb sunlight, can be painted on surfaces like walls, roofs or windows, turning everyday objects into solar panels. In addition, the solar ink can be printed on rolls of plastic or paper. This technology has the potential to lower the cost of solar power, making it a more equal player in the energy marketplace.
Solar Power Purchase Agreements
The high cost of solar panels for homes and buildings means a large cash outlay for the owner and a 20-year investment payback time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed Solar Power Purchase Agreements (SPPAs), which shift the up-front installation costs to a third-party company. The owner signs an agreement with the company, in effect leasing the solar panels. The owner then can enjoy lower utility bills without making the large up-front investment.
