Solar Energy - The Future's So Bright

Solar energy is a relatively young technology but it hassolar panel that's powering that electronic sign you're
come a long way in a short time. Residential solarlooking at.
panels weren't commercially available until the earlySee what I mean?
1990s and were prohibitively expensive. Since then, theThe Solar Future's Shining Bright
price has come down a lot while the technology hasWhat's happening with solar right now is pretty
improved by leaps and bounds, such that, in 2010, theamazing, but what's coming in the future will probably
future of solar has never looked brighter. Let's take aleave us all gasping for breath.
look into our solar crystal ball and see where we maySolar panels will be the size of an A4 writing pad, while
be going from here.producing as much, if not more power, than panels
Where Are We Now?currently 5 or 6 times that size. And thin is in. Panels will
Solar energy technology has come a long way in anot only be smaller but also thinner, with almost any
relatively short time. And just as well, because, with thematerial able to support the new technology.
frightening effect global warming is having on thePractically everything we do and use in and around the
planet and everything living here, there's never been ahome will be powered by solar. No more need for
greater need for solar energy and the otherwires and plugs or gasoline everywhere, because the
renewable energies that are also being developed.panel on the device or appliance will provide the power
Solar panels are popping up all over as more andneeded. Even using the vacuum cleaner may almost
more homeowners and businesses see the benefitsstart to seem like a pleasure with no pesky wires to
of solar energy. Homes are being heated by solaravoid all the time.
thermal technology, as are more and more swimmingTransportation will run on clean, solar energy. Planes
pools in people's backyards.and boats are already doing just that, but, rather than
Even utility companies are getting in on the act, asthe unusual, this will become the norm. Cars will run off
they're building solar power plants in areas of thea combination of electricity from the grid and from
southwestern United States, which receive moresolar until solar panels are made that are powerful
sunlight on a consistent basis, with the biggest solarenough to run a car with no other power supply
power plant in the world being located near Kramernecessary. High-speed solar trains will get us to our
Junction, California.destination quickly and cleanly.
Everything's Going SolarHomes and businesses will be a combination of
Have you noticed how many things are powered bypassive solar, using various materials to store the
solar energy these days? If you walk around yourpower for use when it gets cooler, and PV solar
neighbourhood, the chances are you'll see solar gardenpowering the household devices and electronics that
lights guiding somebody up the path to the front door.aren't solar themselves.
Next time you're in a public area such as an airportSolar technology is becoming part of our everyday
and you throw some garbage away, was that a solarlives, as we work to stave off the climate changes
trash compactor you deposited your precious discardsand upheavals caused by our addiction to fossil fuels.
in? When you park your car at a meter, does thatTune in your solar radio or have a shave with your
ticket dispenser have a solar panel in it?solar shaver. What's being done right now is incredible,
These are just a few examples of how prevalentbut it's nothing compared to what the future's about to
solar energy is becoming and the different kinds ofbring.
applications it's being used for.Watch this space!
As you're driving along the freeway, that's probably a