Solar Panels, What is Next?

Week of May 8, 2011

Implementation and New Technologies on the Horizon
 
Solar panels have been in the news quite a bit recently.  From a shortage in 2010 to innovative new production methods to new locales of implementation, the buzz surrounding one of the easiest methods for achieving energy independence has been up and down.

The shortage of 2010 was caused strictly by business and the almighty dollar.  For American manufacturers, solar panels could be more profitably sold overseas in Europe and Asia.  This created a local vacuum of supplies when lowered consumer costs and government incentives pushed demand to a maximum.  With supplies low, suppliers had to find solar panels in other places for higher prices or wait, and both options chased away customers.  It seems in 2011, the spike in demand has leveled and supply has gained ground.  Prices of panels should drop and the cost of electricity and the given incentives should reignite demand in the United States.

Related to demand is silicon, which is widely used in the production of photovoltaic cells.  Organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules are widely seen as the solution to the silicon problem.  They are carbon based units used to convert light to electricity.  However, the OPV modules are costly and inefficient when compared to comparable silicon modules.  Despite this, US firm Emerson and Canadian firm Sanmina-SCI are pursuing research to test the cost and find wider uses for OPV modules.

In West Chester, PA, solar panels have been approved for installation on a parking garage.  The Borough Leaders United for Emission Reduction (BLUER) supported the project, which will run about $500,000.  Detractors are mostly worried about cost and that the current technology could become outdated.  Dissenting council members believed that given the economy, such a large expenditure wasn’t wise.  Several estimates pegged a return on the investment after 16 years, or about halfway through the expected lifespan of the project and $9,000 yearly savings.  In addition, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates could be sold to energy providers since the City of West Chester would own the system.  It is another story of a city deciding to step up and provide a good example by going green.

Solar panels are one of the easiest and most visible routes to energy independence and green living.  The technology is always changing and improving.  The shortage is over, and organic photovoltaic modules are starting to take baby steps to power the future.  However the time to start going green is now, before it is too late.

One Stop Green carries a full line of solar panels and solar powered generators to meet nearly any project needs.  One Stop Green can also do an energy audit to determine the best place and application of solar panels for your project.  Our experts can install the panels on your property to maximize the amount of energy collected.

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner. 

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