I was recently playing the word association game with some friends at lunch. The word was sun. Everyone said hot, summer, big, and bright. I said renewable energy! First, there was a moment of silence, then laughter! A few friends jokingly remarked,”What are you, some sort of scientist?” I smiled and replied, “Laugh now, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh later when I’m driving my solar car, and you all are paying $8.00 a gallon for gas!” More silence, and more laughter, but this time accompanied with a few pats on the back and nods in agreement.

There is a funny observation of mine, and that is every time I think of solar energy it reminds me of the Flintstones! Our cartoon of that modern Stone Age family. The Flintstones and everyone else in Bedrock were perhaps some of the most resourceful people around, and why? Because they used what they had. This brings me to the sun - this gigantic ball of energy. We have the sun, this unlimited source of power. The sun is so important to the human existence for without it we would perish. Every living thing on this planet is dependant upon on the sun. We need the sun for food, shelter, and warmth. We recognize its capabilities, and we know its strength. So why has it taken us so long to utilize its power?

Solar Energy Then:
It hasn’t. We have been harnessing the sun’s energy for over 100 hundred years now. Back in the late 1800’s solar water heaters were used quite like what we’ve begun to use today. It was a huge improvement over the conventional methods of wood and coal burning stoves. And electricity was too expensive. If you lived in a sunny state in the US, chances are you probably had a solar water heater.

It wasn’t until 1839, that Henri Becquerel first began experimenting with solar energy and discovered the photovoltaic effect. Throughout his experiments however, it proved to be very inefficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Meanwhile with the emergence of fossil fuels at such a low price, solar power began to be replaced by oil and natural gas.

What is photovoltaic?
Photovoltaic power is electricity produced directly from the sun using solar cells or photovoltaic cells (PV). Some of you may already have small appliances with this technology (e.g. calculators or watches).
*When the sun hits the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose. They move toward the treated front surface. An electron imbalance is created between the front and back. When the two surfaces are joined by a wire a current of electricity occurs between the negative and positive sides. These cells are grouped together in a PV module and the modules are arranged together in an array. (www.energyquest.ca.gov/) The energy derived from the PV cells can then be used for a number of things.

Solar Energy Today:
Today, solar energy has increased its efficiency, and is already being used and proving it’s worthiness in a number of ways that support public safety. In some states like California, the roadside call boxes are powered with a solar panel, many roadside signs use solar energy, and some cars are in the experimental phase. There has also been an increase in home installation of solar panels for electricity and the re-emergence of solar water heaters!

Solar power has very few critics, except for those who think that the technology is still too new, the efficiency isn’t great enough, the costs are still too high, and, like computers, newer models make the old ones obsolete. Despite those critiques, however, these few cons certainly don’t outweigh the pros.

The sun is an everlasting renewable resource. And it’s free! We will most likely run out of oil long before we run out of sunlight! There’s nothing that can’t be converted to run on solar power, yet! Photovoltaic systems require no moving parts, thus eliminating the potential for breakdowns and the maintenance that comes with engines. The cells can last for years, plus its one power source that does not produce any harmful emissions into our environment.

If you haven’t looked into solar energy yet, may I strongly suggest that you start to investigate if you are doing an extensive remodel or building from the ground up?
Here are some tips to get you started:
*Consider installing a new roof (if needed) prior to installing panels
*Locate and un-shaded south facing space.
1. Research your energy use.
2. Assess feasibility for your project: solar access, space needs, budget, etc…
3. Assess what energy efficiency and solar hot water options to install prior to PV
4. Contact installers for estimates

Don’t let costs and technology deter you from at least considering a solar install. Many states now offer rebates, tax credits and incentive programs to those households who offset their energy use by other means. Wouldn’t you like to receive a check back from your utility company instead of sending one out? Ask yourself how much they are paying you now! Technology is improving; that’s a good thing; but not so fast that your panels would be considered obsolete next year.

Places across the states are reporting record high temperatures; and with each passing day it’s only getting hotter. If we used all this abundance in sunlight it looks like we could have a very bright future.