The solar power is increasingly becoming economically feasible as the new mode of power generation, the solar power is eco friendly and very economical as compared to the other methods of power generation. Investment has started making its way to the solar power generation projects and the technology is continuously evolving, becoming more and more efficient. It looks as if it shall become the major source of power generation in a short time.
Solar Power Generation Prices are getting Competitive
The factor that till a few years back kept solar power from overtaking the power generation as a major production source was it being expensive. When compared with the coal generated power, the coal generated power was a remarkable 90% cheaper than the solar power generation. Now the changed and recession hit economy of the world has played a major role in bringing down the prices of solar panel from 10%—30% in the last six months. Contributed to this lowered price is also the investment that is making its way in this power generation means, an example being the 3 times lowered prices since May, of the Sharp solar panel from a $5/watt last year to $4/watt. Many of the projects which previously could not be considered would now become feasible because of this price decrease.
The Introduction of Solar Films:
Solar films also known as thin-film solar have finally arrived and it is expected to revolutionize the solar power generation, companies like FirstSolar, Nanosolar and Sharp are bringing the solar film to the market. This revolutionary product usually comes in rolls and is manufactured in a way that is similar to that of printing, in this technology the solar cells are produced more efficiently than the traditional solar panel approach. In the traditional solar panel the solar cells manufacturing is more like the microchip production as a result of this new technology the initial pricing is as low as $1—$2/watt range.
The Solar Efficiency (a measure) is increasing
Solar efficiency is a measure of the power that is produced, compared to the sun’s energy that hits the panel, now the new panels including the Sun Power’s have solar efficiency as far as 22% while previously an average between 15% —20% was considered quite efficient, while the 15% was good enough.
Solar Film (thin-film) Efficiency is also getting better:
Along with the solar energy the solar film efficiency is also increasing, as compared to the usual 10% efficiency area which the film previously had, which according to a rough estimate was almost half the efficiency of crystalline panels. However the Industry professional are finding that the actual production may be higher, the film is believed to deliver better than the panels in diffused light and partially shaded conditions. In a project based in Israel it was found that the thin film solar as compared to the crystalline panels required 25% more surface area to produce the same amount of energy. This could go to prove that the actual efficiency is probably closer to 15% for films.
Utility Scale Solar
Utility scale solar which is transmitted through the traditional power lines is the PV power for the consumers. The solar power plants are usually located in the desert area where the sunshine travels unhindered and there are no buildings or anything to block it. Here a technology called the concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) that makes use of mirrors, tracking devices and the advanced solar panel technology to be able to absorb maximum possible energy from sun rays. Now with the new federal rules favoring the installment with tax credits etc this can be installed very favorably, many projects are already under way in Colorado, California and Arizona.
Alternative Energy Production getting More and More Expensive
With the alternative, current and prevailing ways of power generation getting more expensive, solar power generation will definitely emerge as the most efficient way of power generation. A very economic option as compared to other means of power generation and a very efficient one too.
Research Will Further Make the Solar Power More Efficient and Economic
Now the research, technology and funds all directed towards the development of this eco-friendly, very economical and efficient mode of energy production, this mode of Power generation will see a definite boost. University programs are now increasingly encouraging the use of this mode of energy.
Massive Investment making its way to this sector
A massive investment is making its way to this sector because of its profitability and its high potential to grow and become the major source of power generation.
http://www.solarpowerwindenergy.org
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