Issue 587 Problems with Solar Power May 8, 2015

Solar power is where you get free power from the sun.  In this case we will be talking about the two main obstacles that solar panels have with respect to replacing traditional fossil fuels.  Let's get started.

Absorbing Light:  The first key problem is that solar panels are not 100% efficient yet with respect to absorbing light.  They can to a certain degree absorb one particular spectrum of light very well, but cannot absorb the others, or the panel can absorb a variety, but never come close to even 50% efficiency.  Work is being carried out to fix this problem, but it is a hard process, for apparently, the alignment of the molecules and chemicals that make up the material dictate the level of efficiency.  While research is ongoing and progress is being made, this is a slow process, and thus will take many days, or possibly more years of trial and error to get it right.

Manufacturing:  Our other hurdle is the manufacturing process.  More particularly the chemicals involved.  To make the solar panel work, the manufactures have to use toxic chemicals which in turn leave toxins left over to be disposed of once a chemical is used up.  Thus, despite their use at protecting the environment, they can negate that just by being made.  Work is ongoing for a viable solution, and it also explains why heating and other aspects of solar energy are being explored so as to reduce the need for electrical energy usage and thus the need for large arrays of panels to be used which in turn mitigates the environmental impacts.

Conclusion:  Once these two key problems are worked out with respect to efficiency and manufacture, solar panels will completely surpass most, if not all fossil fuels especially if it is paired with an equally good battery to store the energy it collects.  A greener future is a sure thing if we give scientists enough time.