by Bohdan Rewko (Bo of T.O.)

Created on: November 16, 2011

 The world has three basic ways of creating useable electricity. It can be induced through electromagnetic generation that is powered by hydro dams, fossil fuels, wind turbines, or steam from the heat of nuclear fission. It can be chemically extracted from batteries containing electolytes and metal plates. Or it can be converted from light energy using semiconductors that have photovoltaic properties. Eighty percent of the world's electrical energy is currently derived from steam turbines powered by some form of heat energy. This is perhaps the least efficient way to create electricity as it involves a two step conversion process. Still we cling to older technology because it is cheaper to run an old car into the ground than to buy a new one.

Historically speaking, the use of electricity to power the world is a relatively new phenomenon. It is therefore understandable that mankind continues to fumble around at finding the most effective means to generate and use electricity. Within the hundred and eighty years since Michael Faraday gave us the first electromagnetic generator, we have seen the planet transformed by electricity's countless and extraordinarily diverse applications. At the same time we have locked ourselves into a perception that electricity can only be delivered effectively by means of monstrous power generating plants and a high voltage grid of wires crisscrossing our continents. Although this may continue to be the case for a while, perhaps it is time to rethink our paradigm. Whenever we experience a major black-out, many undoubtedly start to wonder if there is not a better way.

 We now live in a century where satellites and remote desert homes are powered by our largest source of direct energy - the sun. If we stop to think about it, converting the sun's energy to electricity is simply the most efficient and economical long term solution to our electrical needs. For as long as there is a sun shining, we will have a source of free and clean energy. What's more, the silicon used in the formation of most photovoltaic cells, is among the most plenteous and atomically stable of elements. So, even though we will need supplemental forms of energy during those dark winter days, why can't the sun become our primary source of electrical power?

 What then keeps us from taking a leap into the future? Fear of change and the uncertainties associated with it are perhaps our worst enemies. The recent collapse of Solyndra, an American solar panel

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>