A Curious Tale About Solar Panels
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A Curious Tale About Solar Panels
Exploring the Future of Energy
In September 2006, Scientific American dedicated an issue to envisioning a post-carbon energy future. The editors offered a sobering prediction: hydrogen-powered vehicles might take decades to replace gasoline and diesel ones. Until then, we'll manage as best we can.
But why is it so challenging for new energy technologies to transition from lab experiments to everyday consumer use? Consider solar panels as an example.
Solar Panels: From Niche to Mainstream
In London, an electronics store now sells educational solar kits for around £20. More robust, residential solar panels can be found in DIY stores for about £2,500?"a cost manageable only by the wealthy or the truly committed. However, it's a sign of progress that consumers can even browse these options.
Though solar panels may seem like a recent innovation, they're far from new. In July 1966, Wireless World featured D. Bollen's article on a solar-powered battery charger. Bollen highlighted the proven capability of solar cells in satellite applications, emphasizing their reliability and suitability for remote locations.
Early Innovations
Bollen's article detailed how to create a circuit that could trickle-charge a battery from a solar cell. He demonstrated that it could power devices, albeit modest ones, for short periods. His design was simple enough for even novice hobbyists, using readily available parts from suppliers in London and southeast England.
Inquiring with International Rectifier, the supplier of the cells, revealed that a single solar cell cost about four dollars back then, equivalent to $25?"100 today. Interestingly, the company also built the first solar-powered car?"a modified Baker Electric?"in 1958, using a solar panel made from a bank of smaller cells.
The Slow Adoption of Solar Technology
So, why have solar panels taken nearly fifty years to become readily available in shops? According to Southface, a U.S.-based sustainable-living organization, solar technology struggled to compete against the declining cost of fossil fuels in the 1990s. However, they believe that large-scale adoption in countries like Japan might herald a new era where solar cell production benefits from economies of scale.
Looking Forward
While it's uncertain how long it will take for a consumer-driven tech revolution to resolve our energy challenges, there's hope that increasing demand will accelerate innovation and availability in the solar industry.
Alistair Siddons, 2006
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