30 Billion square feet of flat roof top can be found in the United States. Imagine if there was a way to turn all that space into a viable means of collecting solar power. According to this Scientific American articlethere might actually be. The solution could come in cylindrical solar cells that may reduce installation and maintenance cost and could possibly provide a significant chunk of electricity.
Personally I think it would be great to see flat roof top space be used in such a way. It might not solve all the nations energy problems but it could be a way for businesses and building owners to lower their dependency on carbon producing energy such as coal. Of course only time will tell whether or not this is a solution that is actually practical. Still I like the idea and look forward to hear more about it.
Why aren’t we really developing and using more solar energy? I think it all boils down to the fact that our electricity is generally still pretty cheap. I’m not sure what the average American monthly electric bill is, but I think mine is probably around $250. For argument’s sake, say that is the average for everyone.
What would happen if that average doubled to $500? Would I start using less electricity? I might become a little more energy conscious but I probably wouldn’t start using candles. And I would still run my air conditioning in the summer. Now what if it doubled again to average $1000 a month? Now I just might start keeping the lights off more and not running the AC as much.
If our electricity costs started approaching what we pay for our rent or mortgage, you can bet there would be a major push for solar energy. We’d probably even see windmills in neighborhood yards.
What surprises me is that we as a society are starting to use alternative energy sources at all. You’re right that only time will tell how practical some of today’s advancements will become. But they will become practical. And I think it will be out of necessity.
Matt,
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I agree with you completely. The fact of the matter is that energy sources like coal and natural gas are not going to last forever and as they begin to run out costs will adjust to compensate demand. I am always excited to hear about new innovations in technology that can lead to alternative energy sources. Lets hope that the research keeps up and that awareness spreads.
Promoting a solar panel to a house is good for environment, like what you just said, we can prevent alot of carbon dioxide, monoxide and some toxic residue from the coal burning plant be reduced, especially in the developed country like yours. this could enhance futhur the reduction of green house effect and then your country can futhur following the protocol kyoto that until now yours refuse to participate.research in this field is important for the generation.to avoid this changing world become more and more rapid in destruction, exponentially increasing.