The past few years have seen an explosion in interest in solar power projects. Environmental concerns combined with a slowdown in the return of more traditional investments has helped fuel this growing appetite. A wide variety of investment opportunities are available. These range from direct investment in fledgling solar companies to the purchase of shares in large solar energy index funds. Even more complex investment vehicles are available for the savvy individual or institutional investor. As with all investments, you should only choose vehicles you understand and consult an expert for advice before committing any money. Online discussionsof solar investment with other investors can also be helpful.
Investment in Solar Power on the Rise
Solar Projects around the World
Interest in solar energy projects is not confined to the United States. Solar projects have been springing up around the world. Spain has been a leader in large scale solar projects. Among the most notable are several large Concentrated Solar facilities, both built and in the planning stages. Portugal, inspired by its next door neighbor, has seen many small and medium size solar projects spring up lately. Algeria and other North African countries are exploring ways to capture solar energy in the Sahara Desert and transport the electricity to Europe. Among the most exciting projects is one in India to use solar energy to power mobile phone networks.
Affordable Solar Technology
Making use of solar energy is not limited to large-scale industrial or government financed projects. There has been a recent boom in the number of affordable consumer products designed to harness the energy of the sun to help power your home. Roof-top solar panels are the most obvious examples but there are many other products. Among the most affordable are solar-powered battery chargers. These allow you to deploy a simple solar panel whenever the sun is shining and recharge batteries for a variety of uses.
Having Fun with the Sun
Not all consumer solar products are designed around the serious need to replace energy derived from hydrocarbons with renewable watts from the sun. Some solar products are just intended to engender fun, excitement and a sense of play. Solar powered toy cars can zip around the racetrack indefinitely. Solar-powered pond lights can drift around the water at night bringing the ripples to magical, colorful life. Perhaps the most wonderfully decorative example is a solar powered fountain. It can be put in any well lit space to enliven it with the soothing sights and sounds of flowing water.