Solar energy 'ignored for 40 years' is back in the spotlight Special

Alternative energy sources have long been little more than an alternative to fossil fuel staples. With legislative models based on carbon offsets, solar energy may offer an intriguing option.

Never mind the collapse of Spain's solar energy subsidies, or the vast Gulf of Mexico oil field discovered by BP, modern energy solutions can be found among solar providers. Part of the solar game is securing federal stimulus dollars. While U.S. Vice President Joe Biden continues to defend the success of the $787 billion stimulus program, it is clear that solar energy companies are well positioned for federal and state stimulus dollars. But why should the government invest in solar over other alternative energies like wind and geothermal sources? "The highest cost for energy is during the peak periods of midday and the lowest are early morning," said Michael Orshan, Solar Sales Director for Cobham SATCOM's Patriot Solar Group in an email interview. "It makes sense to focus on when energy is needed the most. This is where solar does better than wind, because solar is creating the most energy when it is most needed." Mr. Orshan added that renewable energy is often a local decision. "Biomass, geothermal and wind are not always the best local solution. Lack of water, lack of geothermal access and lack of acceptable terrain effects these options. Solar is always available, sometimes more then expected and sometimes less, if people live there then solar must be available," Orshan said. But solar energy is only as good as the sun is shining, at least those were solar energy's limitations in the past. What has changed technologically in the past decade or so that allows solar energy to be considered a viable alternative to fossil fuel sources? "There are three ways to create electricity from solar energy," said Mr. Orshan. "One, we are most familiar with called photovoltaics or PV. This is when light hits a semiconductor and a chemical reaction forces electrons and protons to move in opposite directions to create current. That’s what panels do. Introduction of new semiconductors, such as gallium with arsenide is one improvement happening today. The second is adding more light to the equation on either silicon or gallium. Either way, you get more current and unfortunately, heat. These systems are coming out now. Third is thin film which creates a chemical semiconductor with unique properties that capture light in new ways. Basically though, the idea is to capture more light and current." Steam creation is equally important to this process of creating electricity, and large-scale solar projects can help power the pistons needed to create the abundance of electricity needed to satiate American demand. "The next way to create electricity is by using reflective surfaces to boil liquids, create steam and then move pistons in a steam engine creating electricity. There are a number of these types of devices being built, for utility companies as these are big projects. Some of these tend to collocate next to existing power plants and the fossil fuel takes effect at night while the solar steam or thermal plants take over during the day. There is some innovation to make these 24 hour plants by heating up salts that will continue the steam process after the sun is down. This is expensive, but important," Orshan continued. Mr. Orshan also cited hot air technologies, but he was honest in his perspective - saying that we will "probably never" be free of our dependence on fossil fuel sources. However, what are the trends in solar energy that allow us to dream in the manner that we do? And, more importantly, what are the threats to the promise of broad-scale expansion of clean solar solutions? "The two subjects to focus on are technology and business," said Mr. Orshan. "For forty years solar energy has been ignored. Today there are massive amounts of funding going into solar technology. I think we should feel comfortable on the focus, resources and opportunities there. Business might be another story. Who controls energy? How does it get distributed? How much should energy cost? Are businesses still treated different than residences? Can anyone build a solar farm and sell energy? What about the smart grid? Is energy centralized or decentralized? I think these are some of the questions that need to be agreed upon or supply and demand needs influence. I’m sure there will be battles ahead on incumbents and new companies wanting to enter the market. I think this is the biggest threat to long term renewable energy and of course solar." And there it is. The genie's bottle may be identified, but what are our wishes? Solar energy certainly has its place in the sun.