When people talk about solar panels, they are essentially talking about photovoltaic panels that take energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. Because the sun is a practically inexhaustible source of energy, the hope among many researchers is that new technologies that utilize solar panels can eventually begin to produce enough electricity for the planet so that we can finally begin to decrease our dependencies on fossil fuels.
However, as we patiently await the great leaps in technology that are sure to come, already we hold plenty of evidence of how well even current solar panel technology can make a difference in energy savings.
A great example of this is what cities are doing with the street lights. Many cities have begun to replace many of their electric street lamps with solar power lamps. During the day, the solar panels atop the street lamp collect energy from the sun and store it in self contained batteries.
Then, as dusk falls, the city street lights simply draw the power that they need from the batteries that have been storing energy throughout the day. And, in many cases, this alone is able to provide ample lighting for the cars and residents of the city all through the nighttime. And, in many of these cities where such lamps are replacing the traditional lamps, the communities are finding that they are saving themselves millions of dollars.
And, already, across thousands of homes in the country, an analogous shift towards solar energy is occurring. For example, in the Southwest, many homes have already installed solar collectors on their roof to help lower heating and electrical costs. And now, many ecologically minded homeowners have begun to use solar powered lights, solar powered bird baths, and other similar amenities in their gardens.
And, if you are an upper income family with an outdoor swimming pool, you have likely been approached by a contractor about the feasibility of installing solar panels as part of the pool heating unit. This is because, a solar installation could potentially save the homeowner hundreds or thousands of dollars off of their annual pool heating costs.
So, even though these events are largely ignored in the regular press, it is clear that a private revolution towards solar energy is quietly tanking place under the radar.
Another sign that such a revolution is taking place under our noses is that many companies that produce solar panels and other equipment have begun to drastically lower their prices over the past year. Those who read the trade journals are well aware of this.
But, currently, most consumers still believe that solar power is expensive. But when the public, at large, becomes aware of just how drastically prices have come down, that's when you can expect the solar revolution to really take off.
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