| As the demand for energy continues to grow, the | | | | Another area where solar is making jumps is in new |
| world is looking to diversify energy platforms. Solar | | | | products. The solar panel has its limits, but few every |
| power is mentioned continually, but is it really viable? | | | | thought beyond it. Now various companies are. The |
| If you step back form the debate on energy sources, | | | | advent of solar dots is exciting a lot of people. Solar |
| you'll realize something quickly. Solar energy is already | | | | dots work by converting the energy in sunlight at a |
| the vastly dominant source of energy we use. It just | | | | molecular level. |
| comes in a form we don't really contemplate, which is | | | | The dots are actually quantum nano dots. Yes, nano. |
| oil. The first step of oil formation is the photosynthesis | | | | They work by forming a crystalline structure of certain |
| of sunlight by extremely small plankton like plants | | | | materials. When sunlight hits them, they release multiple |
| millions of years ago. | | | | electrons. These electrons, of course, form an |
| These days, we need a quicker way to convert | | | | electrical current that can be harnessed for use. Since |
| sunlight into energy. There is more than enough energy | | | | the dots are on such a small scale, they could literally |
| in a day's worth of sunlight to meet our energy needs | | | | be imbedded in just about any structure exposed to |
| for a year. The question is how to harness it in an | | | | the sun. |
| efficient and cost effective manner. Currently, we are | | | | Solar dots are expected to be cheap and easy to |
| failing when it comes to both elements, but are making | | | | make. The big, bulky solar panels will most likely |
| progress. | | | | become a thing of the past. With a high rate of |
| The solar panel has always been the prime | | | | efficiency and low cost, they will truly make solar |
| component of the solar industry, but it has one major | | | | power a viable energy platform for our needs. |
| flaw. It is incredibly inefficient. It traditionally converts 6 | | | | So, when can we expect to see these dots on the |
| to 10 percent of the energy hitting it in sunrays into | | | | market? It is unclear. No commercially viable product |
| usable energy. Recent trends have pushed this into the | | | | has been put together yet as there are hurdles to |
| mid teens. The really exciting news is new technology | | | | jump. The hurdles include how to capture the currents |
| could push this number into the 40 to 60 percent | | | | being created and how to deal with reliability and such. |
| conversion rates. If this occurs, the viability of solar | | | | While the future is certainly bright, pun intended, it will |
| becomes much greater because a smaller amount of | | | | probably be a few years yet before we all become |
| panel is needed to produce vastly more energy. | | | | very fond of solar energy. |