PV Gap

Audrey Said:

Has the world wars among others prevented the advancement of solar energy technologies?

We Answered:

Though I'm just passing through and am merely going to comment, the World Wars actually helped speed up and expand technological innovation. I mean the reason why Einstein and many other scientists were busily trying to build a nuclear bomb was because they wanted to get it done before the Germans did. Advancements in aircraft, sensors and everything similar was to put one group above another group.

Steve Said:

Solar Energy: current technology and research?

We Answered:

well the most significant advancement in solat tech is over at nanosolar.com who is printing solar sheets for under a dollar per watt. Considering that grid parity is at about $4, this is a significant breakthrough in the solar industry.

http://www.nanosolar.com

Curtis Said:

What scientific or engineering major would be best for a career in developing solar energy systems?

We Answered:

Engineering of some form, probably electrical.

Firms will also work with physicists. I finished my Physics BSc last year and am now researching solar power for a masters. Physics based work is more 'upstream', I'm working at the research & design stage. An engineer would more likely work further 'downstream', eg on panel installation etc.

Most power companies (eg in the UK: Atkins, E.ON, Wind Prospect, nPower) will take physics, engineering, chemistry or maths graduates.

Phyllis Said:

How did Germany become a world leader in solar energy technology ?

We Answered:

in short, its because they came up w the technology though the weather least permits it.

the germans were the first to come up with the siemens reactor process technology back in mid 1900s. the siemens reactor its a highly efficient and cost, energy effective process to convert silicon to polysilicon where the end product, polysilicon are used to manufacture solar cells for the solar panels.

today, the siemens reactor is a much sought after silicon process (though there are other methods of extracting polysilicon), and so have been patented and kept under strict confidentiality, to only the big players of the solar energy industry companies from well developed countries like usa, germany, uk while china and taiwan as major stake holders are catching up in the game.

Peggy Said:

Why don't we invest money to Solar Energy Technology?

We Answered:

Sorry but nature is already doing just that. The plants capture the energy from the sun and store it in the seed as oil. If we were not so stupid we should know that. Sorry I forgot that U were brain washed by your teacher. I still like my world better.

Philip Said:

What are a few examples of technology that can be powered by solar energy?

We Answered:

- Photovoltaics, which provides electricity to anything that needs it.
- Solar Water Heaters, which provide hot water for a home and are very cost-effective.
- Cars! About 20 universities participate in the American Solar Challenge to build and race cars powered only by solar energy.
- Cooking, particularly in the developing world.
- Photosynthesis, which is pretty important to everything. :D