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Solar Power Energy

Solar power energy has its roots in the late 19th century. The American inventor Charles Fritts created the first solar cell in 1883. His gold plated solar cell was only 1% efficient in converting sunlight to electric power. In the two hundred plus years since then, the efficiency of solar cells has slowly but steadily climbed. The modern standard sits around 30% for a third generation solar panel.

The sun showers the earth with enough energy in one hour to run the global energy consumption for a year. The technical hurdles involve translating the potential energy of solar radiation into electrical energy that we can use in an efficient manner. The solar power also demands different grid constraints from traditional energy sources. Because the sun does not shine at night and is subject to cloud cover, the energy output of solar panels cannot be set to peak demand. Excess power must be stored for when we need it.

Our power needs cannot be met by solar energy alone. If solar power is combined with hydro and wind power; and supplemented with a new type of energy grid designed to store excess energy for times of peak demand; then there is a workable system waiting to happen.

 

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