Solar Power: When Will it Be Cost Effective?

Reducing Cents Per Kilowatt Hour

Solar power has been improving in efficiency by leaps and bounds since photovoltaics were invented (at least conceptually) in the 1850s. The earliest solar power generating mechanisms operated with an efficiency of just 1%. Recent advanced in technology have improved solar power to an efficiency level of 40%. Thin copper, indium, gallium and selenium cell solar has reduced the cost of solar power although slightly less efficient. These thin cells are known as CIGS, and Nanosolar’s Martin Roscheisen says that CIGs are more versatile and resistant making them easier to use in more situations. Martin Roscheisen predicts that thin cell solar power will eventually reduce the price per kilowatt to just 10% of the present price of silicon based solar power within the next two decades, which would make it competitive with fossil fuel costs.

Spray on Solar Cells

Massachusetts based Konarka Like paint now manufactures a ‘spray on’ solar photovoltaic cell. Presently the applications are limited to cell phones are wireless devices, although some experts believe this type of technology may one day be substantially more efficient than present PV cell standards. Some other potential applications include special forces soldiers. Currently they carry heavy batteries for work at night. The weight could be pontentially reduced if some spray on solar could be used to recharge the batteries during the day for use at night. Perhaps solar power spray cans will one day become mainstream.

A scientist sprays a blue semiconductor mixture onto paper coated with silver cathode dots to demonstrate the ease with which solar cells can be fabricated in the field. Wire electrodes connect the cells to complete the solar array.

Solar Power: Still Five Times More Expensive Than Fossil Fuels

Unfortunately solar power still costs 25 to 50 cents per kilowatt hour, which is five times more than conventional fossil fuel based electricity. This is further complicated by shortages in polysilicon, the crystalline silicon used in photovoltaic cells. Unlimited free, clean energy from the sun sounds great to most consumers until they see the price tag. The high price of solar has prevented most of the USA from adopting solar power.

Angel Funding For Solar Power

According to Cleantech Venture Network, venture capitalists invested $100 million in solar start-ups just during 2006. The same source predicts substantially more will be invested in 2007. Generally, VC funding sources expect fast returns on their money, so perhaps this is an indicator that we may expect some massive growth from these startups.

Ronald Reagan: Not a Renewable Energy Advocate?

After Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980, he removed the solar panels on the white house which Jimmy Carter had installed. Allegedly, his lack of support also caused most solar power incentives, funding, and tax credits to almost completely disappear, resulting in an industry wide plunge in growth. During the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, the solar industry began to grow again. Although the GW Bush administration did not initially support solar power, high oil price caused them to take a second look, and in 2007, a $148 million USD solar energy development program was proposed.

Below: In 1979 Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the white house grounds, displaying great foresight. Later Ronald Reagan later removed the panels-presumably because they were no longer completely functional.

Solar power is truly a great potential source of untapped, clean, and virtually unlimited solar energy. Personally, I'm quite curious about space based solar power, where sunlight may produce several times more power (because there are no days, nights, weather, or even an atmosphere to get in the way). For now, I'll stay grounded on earth, but I do look forward to the day when solar power will become the standard. Presently, as this article mentions, it's simply just too expensive, even with all the government incentives. Once technology advances though, I think we can start looking forward to the day when solar power or other renewable energy sources will provide most of our energy. For now, I've seen numbers than indicate that all solar power combined accounts for less than 1% of global energy usage.

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