Solar Feasibility
While the hardware has been available for approximately 40 years, only recently have key components of photovoltaic solar power systems achieved a level of development resulting in inverters that safely connect to the utility grid and solar modules that reliably and cost effectively produce power at a price comparable to that of your electric distribution company.
Also of relevance is the first oil well was drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859 to satisfy demand for lamp fuel. Some of the oil produced by the well was used for wagon wheel grease; the remainder was refined for kerosene. Another by-product of the refining process was gasoline, considered waste it was dumped by refiners into nearby streams.
Our dependence on fossil fuel had begun but it high-lites the learning curve and error in judgment that arise as we attempt to understand and adapt to technologies and resources that will transform our life.
Compared to our experience with fossil fuels, solar power is still in its infancy. Increased demand for solar energy will fuel research and development, providing a catalyst for new products and improving existing ones.
For those individuals who say that solar power is impractical and offer no alternative solutions, I say give it time. We’ve had 152 years to develop fossil fuel technology, imagine where solar power technology will be in an equal amount of time.
The sun has illuminated the earth for 4.6 billion years, it’s estimated to continue shining for another 5 billion years offering a clean and reliable source of energy. Harnessing the power of the sun will provide jobs and reduce
our dependence on fossil fuels, a source of energy that is becoming increasingly expensive and unreliable from a delivery perspective.