G.I. 1 - Ch. 4 - Solar Energy

• But today it is not yet used in any major way.

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• It can also produce electricity ....

• indirectly in solar thermal systems

• directly by using photovoltaic or solar cells.

The photovoltaic effect is a physical and chemical phenomenon.

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The cost of solar has dropped significantly in the past several years. A decade ago, an average 6 kilowatt hour residential solar system could cost more than $50,000.

Now, the outright cost of a typical home installation ranges from $16,200 to $21,400, which is a 62% average annual decrease.

• Solar power, overall, in 2009 was far more expensive than energy produced from oil, natural gas, coal, and even wind.

• The high cost of solar cells is probably the most serious hindrance to their wider use

What countries are investing into Solar Energy

• China: 204,700 MW (32.6%)

• United States: 75,900 MW (12.1%)

• Japan: 63,000 MW (10.0%)

• Germany: 49,200 MW (7.8%)

• India: 42,800 MW (6.8%)

• Italy: 20,800 MW (3.3%)

• United Kingdom: 13,300 MW (2.1%)

• The United States was once the world's leader in solar energy but the ending of governmental incentives after the 1980s and low natural gas prices ended its leadership.

• In 2005 solar power was mainly used in the United States to heat swimming pools

Some regions, such as parts of the Middle East and North Africa, are particularly well suited for large-scale solar thermal plants, and these plants are becoming cost competitive. 

The developing world is in fact, often mentioned as a vast potential market for solar energy because many of its rural areas still lack electricity.

• Much of the developing world fits this criterion

If one includes the hidden costs of fossil fuels. That is, the costs society bears now and will bear in the future because of the pollution produced and the costs of military forces to ensure access to fossil fuels, then one can may come to the conclusion that....

Solar energy is probably less expensive than fossil fuels right now.