subject: Solar Panels May Have Ultimately Arrived At Economic Efficiency [print this page] The last example of this particular phenomenon was apparent in the early 70's, when there was a crude oil trade embargo and hence, no gasoline. Substitute energies began to pop up here and there with several individuals jumping on the band wagon. But, gasoline soon returned in abundant supplies and unconventional energy sources dropped beneath the average consumers radar screen again. Now, in 2009, the common consumer is observing petrol prices go higher and found a realization that global warming will be affecting finances in the near future. Substitute energy is back in the sentiments of the regular consumer and, perhaps, this time for good.
Where did solar go?
Solar power for the home was a big seller throughout the energy crisis of the 70's. Many homes found tri-pods of solar panels on their roofs collecting what power they could. These devices were seen mostly in environmentally sensitive Arizona, but soon, they were found across the World. Regrettably, the solar power cell of the 70's simply was not all that cost-effective and cost quite a little to put in and maintain. Solar panels never went away; they just slid back into the laboratory to watch for solar panel 2.0.
Solar is back and ready
Today's solar panel is not your father's solar panel. Based upon which kind of energy you care to create, electricity or hot water, today's solar panel has come a very long way in the form of photovoltaic's and will go further still. These cells, when combined into panel form, convert the suns rays (so-to-speak) directly into power ready for use. They have also turned out to be extremely efficient, more environmentally sound and much less costly.
Who's utilizing the panels?
As pointed out, it takes a change in the purse strings to see a marked change in a consumer's practices. With a technology and paradigm shift on the order of solar panels, it requires a solid leap ahead in panel efficiency, costs of panels , associated elements and an improve in current costs of fuel. When these factors attain critical mass, solar panels begin to appear, not at the consumer level, but at the corporate and industrial level.
Why solar panels now?
Solar panels are currently being used largely for the reason that fuel costs are just too high to ignore to opt for a new technology that is worth checking out. Companies have readily available empty roof area and the choice of trying something on a bigger scale to determine if it works versus continuing to pay higher fuel bills and environmental costs. The entire concept is extremely self serving. There is no environmental consideration involved.
