2007-02-06 08:43:13 · 8 answers · asked by Sylar 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The problem with solar energy is that it's so dilute. To power a typical U.S. city exclusively with solar power, the area you'd need to cover with solar panels would be much bigger than the city itself - even given 100% efficient solar panels (and needless to say, 100% efficiency is not possible).
The only way to bypass this problem is by placing solar power satellites in orbit and then beaming the energy down to earth. While theoretically possible, the technology to do that is still in the realms of science fiction.
Earth-based solar power can be a useful contributor to our energy needs in certain situations, but it won't ever be able to provide a large fraction of our power needs.
2007-02-06 09:11:55 · answer #1 · answered by Bramblyspam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uh, we're already using solar energy.
If you mean will it ever become the dominant source of energy for producing electricity? That would be, no. Beyond pie-in-the-sky utopian fantasies, solar will simply NEVER be economically viable across large parts of the world where sunshine is either unreliable or comes at a very low angle of incidence.
Will it be an integral part of power generation in the future? Yes, along with many other forms of energy.
2007-02-06 08:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having seen the contributions solar systems make today, in spite of the relative inefficiency, I feel that it will become a major source of power. In some areas, it is mandatory to install a photovoltaic solar system in a new house.
In my case, my system supplies all of my electricity. Well, not all. Last winter I ran the gas furnace for two hours on a very cold day. This winter I have used no gas for heating at all.
New technologies are improving the efficiency. Remember, gas furnaces are not even close to 100% efficient. Fossil fuel power generating plants are not 100% efficient. Power transmission from the plant to your home is not 100% efficient. Don't knock it until you have tried it.
2007-02-06 16:10:27 · answer #3 · answered by Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is in current use today, but it will NEVER be the main source of power for humans. Not because of technology, but for economic reasons. Solar energy is FREE and that does not make for a good market condition to sustain our society.
2007-02-06 10:02:21 · answer #4 · answered by Big D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are using it now but on small scale. It is just too awkward to harness and use. I had a teacher who ran his house entirely on solar power. I also have a family friend who installs solar panels for a living.
2007-02-06 08:46:31 · answer #5 · answered by Mike J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are using it now but it is fairly inefficient.
2007-02-06 08:50:09 · answer #6 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we are using it even now
2007-02-06 08:49:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We already do.
2007-02-06 08:51:04 · answer #8 · answered by Curt Monash 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋