Technological powerhouse IBM recently developed a new kind of solar cell which is more efficient than previous cells and is comprised mostly of inexpensive and abundant materials. This innovation is one of many that continue to make solar energy a thriving area of research. In fact, over the past few years, it seems like I've only read about innovative breakthrough after innovative breakthrough in solar energy research. And yet, somehow, I can't think of a single one of my daily activities which has any relationship to solar energy at all.

So what's the hold-up? Why aren't we all driving solar-powered flying cars? (Just kidding. I mean, why aren't we all reading by solar-powered lamp light?) The main issue right now is cost. Solar panels simply cost too much to produce, install, and replace for them to be a viable alternative to the coal-derived electricity most of our homes are already wired for.

Despite the obstacles currently surrounding solar energy, I would guess that solar is our best bet for mainstream sustainable energy within the next few decades. Wind energy sounds great, but the logistics of harnessing and transporting that energy would require a complete overhaul of our current power grid, something I don't think our nation is prepared to do anytime soon. Solar energy, on the other hand, is readily available and requires very little transportation.

But that convenient proximity and availability means nothing if the means of harnessing that energy are not cost-effective for home-owners. Hopefully that's where IBM's new solar cells may help. Since these new cells use cheap and abundant materials, instead of rare elements like tellurium, the cost of producing these cells should go down. And since the cells are more efficient, homeowners should get a much higher return on their investment in the panels.

Another exciting potential innovation in solar energy is Solar Ivy, a project by the Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT) team. The team has created a working concept of small, mass-produced sheets of solar “leaves” which could be applied to the sides of buildings. The group claims that the small nature of the panels would allow them to be produced, installed, and replaced more easily and cheaply than traditional solar panels. The group is currently competing for a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project to move forward with their idea.

So what do we do while we continue to wait until solar energy is finally a consideration when we're apartment-hunting or building a new house? I say we keep our eyes on the prize: keep up with new solar technology, support projects which hope to make solar panels commercially viable, and don't be afraid to take the first leap when some method of solar energy seems like it could be a possibility for you. Practical solar energy methods probably won't enter our lives with a splash. It will be a gradual, experimental process with its ups and downs, but our planet will thank us in the end. Why not be one of the first, when the time comes, to propose solar energy for your home, dormitory, or apartment?

Sources

Efficient Solar Cells from Cheaper Materials, Technology Review.

Solar Ivy Grows Closer to Production, OhGizmo!

-Natalie is a blogger for The Daily Vine. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.