| Solar energy or power is the focus of the search for | | | | source. The determining factor as always will be |
| cheap alternative energy as we try to reduce our | | | | costs. Until the stage is reached where this form of |
| dependence on, and reduce the effects of, fossil | | | | energy is accessible to the majority of people it is |
| fuels. Using solar power as a means of creating a | | | | never going to be an alternative energy let alone our |
| cheaper alternative to our current energy sources is | | | | main source. |
| based upon the following principles. | | | | It all boils down to finances and in a world of financial |
| 1. Unlike our finite resources of fossil fuels, solar | | | | turmoil it is nearly always research and development |
| energy is an infinite and renewable energy source. | | | | that feels the swiftest and sharpest financial |
| 2. There are no harmful emissions. | | | | cutbacks. Research and development is the only way |
| 3. The harnessing of solar energy greatly reduces the | | | | that solar energy is ever going to reach the stage |
| very significant usage of water that is typical of using | | | | that it is available to the masses. The masses will only |
| coal, nuclear and combined energy sources. | | | | be able to avail of it if it is a cheap alternative. |
| 4. After the initial expenditure involved with the | | | | This is the vicious circle that solar energy and its |
| installation of a solar powered source of energy, plus | | | | proponents are caught in. Until the stage is reached |
| some maintenance costs, it is to all intents and | | | | where we achieve greater efficiencies in the use of |
| purposes free. | | | | this energy and the production of the units' solar |
| Advocates of using solar energy have always faced | | | | power will not be a cheap alternative. |
| two major difficulties with promoting this possible | | | | In recent times of economic boom the emphasis |
| form of cheap alternative energy. Currently it is not | | | | shifted from looking at cheap alternatives and fossil |
| in real terms a cheap alternative. Inefficiencies and | | | | fuels strengthened their position of dominance. If |
| the expenditure involved in the initial set up costs | | | | sufficient strides and financing did not occur during |
| means that solar energy is still viewed by the | | | | times of prosperity it is highly unlikely to occur during |
| majority as a fringe source of energy. | | | | an economic slump. |
| However great strides have been made in the search | | | | Local and national support for promoting solar energy |
| for greater efficiencies in the use of solar power. | | | | as a cheap alternative energy source is unlikely to be |
| Recently a group of U.S. scientists set a world record | | | | enough to see this idea lighting up our world. If this |
| in solar cell efficiency by transforming almost 41% of | | | | form of energy is ever going to reach the stage of |
| captured light into energy. | | | | being a cheap alternative it needs worldwide |
| Whilst this is obviously good news in the long term it | | | | collaboration and a long term strategy. Have we seen |
| is not enough to see solar power gain worldwide | | | | the light? |
| acceptance as being a viable alternative energy | | | | |