Solar Energy: Today and Tomorrow

Development in solar energy is currently gaining momentum. Recent emphasis made by the International Energy Agency about significant of solar energy confirms immense benefits of this energy. This has led to various solar energy innovations across the energy board. One of the institutions that have provided a lead role in this sector is the Rice University.

Rice University research scientists have come up with a spectacular innovation. The energy scientists have developed a technology that utilizes nanoparticles adapt energy drawn from sun into steam. The new concept developed in the Rice University Energy Laboratory for Nanophotonics has high efficacy. The process can convert a block of ice to steam. Further, the solar steam energy technology efficiency currently stands at 24%. With time, research and development this efficiency margin is most likely to be improved.

This technology is set to bring a revolution in the energy sector as it is meant to bring immense benefits to the whole globe. This will go in line with the objective of the International Energy Agency. The agency main objective is to ensure the world consume affordable and clean energy. The current energy technology development is set to afford the world energy consumers a long term cost benefits. Other energy innovations that are also set to benefit the world are the photovoltaic panels that will help world limit use of toxic energy components. As, the world oil reserve are set to decline, solar energy remains the best solution that the world can rely upon. This has led to setting up of solar plants in various parts of the word as alternative energy sources for future energy consumption.

Going by number of research studies on solar energy use it can be confirmed how the world is seriously taking solar energy issue. Some of the ongoing researches that will most likely bring immense benefits upon breakthroughs in the future are:

1). Solar Fuel Plants: Solar fuel plants are set to be operational by the year 2050.

2). Fully operational solar vehicles. Currently, they are partial solar powered cars that takes care some of the car energy needs. But, with ongoing research solar fully operated automobile are not far from being launched.

3). Solar Treatment Plants: One of the recent developments in water treatment processes is use of sunlight to kill water prone germs. This treatment process is set to be improved to cater for large water treatment plant. They are several studies that have been conducted studies and confirmed solar energy optimal ability to sterilize water.

4). Sterilizing of medical equipment: Solar energy is of late being used to sterilize medical surgical equipment as confirmed by Rice University scientists employing new steam solar energy technology. This is a positive development more so the developing nations where electric energy is under supplied and scarce.

The emerging innovations, such as recent studies that are set to improve on solar cells by Kings College London, Biophysics and Nanotechnology department are right moves in the proper direction. These efforts are all set to help the world to attain optimum solar energy consumption. High cost of gas is forcing the world to turn to alternative energy source that is both environment and pocket friendly. Solar energy remains the best available, safe energy option that must be fully exploited.

Martha Phillis is an environmental enthusiast, who is currently supporting econutssoap.com to help promote usage of organic cleaning products – something that can greatly benefit the environment.