The Future of Solar Energy

Because of how much the costs of solar energy have fallen, how mainstream solar has become, and how scary both climate change and our depleting fossil fuels have become, many people are wondering what the future of solar energy holds. Are prices going to keep dropping? Can we actually save the environment? Is solar going to help or hurt the economy? Keep reading this blog to find out about the future of solar energy and what our predictions are.

Solar energy will replace fossil fuels eventually.

Fossil fuels are not a renewable resource, so no matter what, solar energy is going to replace them eventually. On top of that, the problems caused for the environment and climate from producing energy through nuclear, coal and oil manipulation has created the need for sustainable sources of energy that will simply continue to grow. As one of the main methods of renewable energy, solar power is destined to benefit from this increased need for renewable energy sources, meaning that solar isn’t going anywhere.

Solar will continue to be good for the economy.

Many new business opportunities will become available for companies interested in investing in solar power, either as users who can take advantage of the cheaper energy costs and benefit from a greener reputation, or as motivated partners for change contributing to research and development in the area. Additionally, property owners who become investors will be able to reap the various economic benefits offered by local governments, electricity companies and even in the real estate business as solar panel installations continue to add value to buildings and homes. And even better, the increased need for solar is also causing an increased need for solar jobs. Last year alone, 250.000 new jobs in the solar industry were created, and that number will only continue to grow.

Solar technology continues to be researched and improved.

All over the world, agencies and laboratories working in the field of sustainable energies have been developing different possibilities to help create new technologies in the solar industry.

In the U.S., an investigation into a material known as ‘perovskites’ is showing great promise as a more effective version of the photovoltaic (PV) cells currently used on solar panels to harness the sun’s energy. This new material offers the possibility of improving efficiency and being more readily available to use on different surfaces by being applied through an ink-based paint. There are still studies to be done on perovskites before they are released to the solar energy commercial market to ensure their durability. Therefore, other investigators continue to look into the possibilities of improving the efficiency of the current silicone-based PV cells, which have a proven lifespan of approximately 30 years.

A combined team of researchers from Germany and Israel has also been investigating the ability to create a machine that is able to harness the sun’s power in the most efficient way we know of, photosynthesis. In Finland, they are also exploring the prospect of building a form of solar battery tree which would be able to conserve and store the energy produced to be later employed to power small appliances.

Another futuristic plan for growth in the solar field comes from the Japanese Space Agency, who are studying the possibility of solar farms in space in the near-Earth orbit so that they can be closer to the sun and optimize the collection of its energy.

One thing remains certain: solar energy is here to stay, and it’s going to take over more and more. Which means you should get in on the solar revolution right now. Check out the HahaSmart blog for all the ways you can turn your home into a solar paradise.

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