Winter 2000

Dear Sir,
       I have been doing research in the field of solar energy, and I now
believe that solar energy is ready to go mainstream.  I would like your
opinion on how feasible solar power is for the public sector.  Do you
believe that solar power will become a greater source of electric power in
the near future?    I thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jeff B. - Student at Idaho State University

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Dear Jeff:
First of all, I would like to emphasize that "solar energy" in the broad
sense is not just "solar electric," but is also solar water heating, solar
space heating, passive solar home design, biomass energy production, wind
energy (it is driven by the sun), etc.   The growth of solar energy will
depend, as it has for the last two decades, on what happens to the price of
conventional fuels and uopn state and federal legislation.  Currently the
price of petroleum fuels is still such that most Americans feel most solar
energy options are not cost effective.  However many of us, who recognize
the depletion of our conventional energy resources and their effect on the
environment, feel that "renewable energy" is a good buy.  But, one should
not be blind to the fact that, for example, PV grid-connected electricity is
still about 2 to 3 times too high to complete against conventional
electricity.  On the other hand, stand-alone PV is economical in many cases.
    
Some renewable energy applications that are generally cost effective are:
solar water heating (particularly against electricity, but marginal against
natural gas), passive design of buildings (insulation, orientation, thermal
mass, day lighting, etc.), solar space heating (the further north you are
.... within reason), and just plain energy conservation.  You will note that
I don't list any solar electric options if a/c conventional electricity is
available.

Another very relevant factor is that the cost of conventional energy is not
correctly assessed.  It does not include the cost of protecting our foreign
energy supplies (Middle East, for example) and does not account for the
adverse impact on the environment.  If these factors were included, the
actual cost of renewables that are now considered not cost effective would
be.

In any case, to answer your basic question, renewable energy is bound to
increase its contribution in meeting our energy demand.  But the rate will
depend a lot on the political scene, whether the Congress is progressive or
not regarding renewable energy.  But as for you, in your lifetime solar
energy (renewables) will be a household word.

Thanks for the inquiry,
The Solar Guy