What is expected from Solar Energy on 2012 ?

The Renewable Energy industry will certainly continue to be driven by large-scale rooftop and ground-mounted developments. But PV has what other mainstream renewable technologies lack — the ability to invite itself into our living rooms and our back pockets. Solar has always had a technological following, but the industry is increasingly looking to make a direct connection through the products we use.
There have been steady gains made with solar technology powering everything from computers to electric vehicles. These partnerships are still relatively new and they have yet to hit shelves or showrooms in any significant way. But consumers are waiting. A recent survey found that nine out of 10 Americans want more solar energy and industry leaders are hoping this can be the year solar makes a splash on Main Street.
(source: Renewable Energy World)

Solar Photovoltaic Energy competitiveness with Grid

PV electricity is cheaper than many people think. In the coming years the technology will become even more cost-effective and competitive — and qualify therefore as a vital part of Europe’s energy future. Under the right policy and market conditions, PV competitiveness with grid electricity can be achieved in some markets as early as 2013, and then spread across the continent in the different market segments by 2020.

Over the last 20 years, PV has already shown impressive price reductions, with the price of PV modules decreasing by over 20% every time the cumulative sold volume of PV modules has doubled. System prices have declined accordingly; during the last 5 years a price decrease of 50% has been achieved in Europe. System prices are expected to decrease in the 10 coming years by 36-51% depending on the segment. Importantly, there is a huge potential for further generation cost decline: around 50% until 2020. The cost of PV electricity generation in Europe could decrease from a range of 0.16-0.35 Euros/kWh in 2010 to a range of 0.08-0.18 Euros/kWh in 2020 depending on system size and irradiance level.

(Source: www.epia.org)

Future Generations are relying on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has become more and more significant in the European energy market and will, without a doubt, play a key role in the long-term. Within less than two decades, renewable energy has developed from an alternative energy source in a niche market to one of the most important energy sources worldwide and a driving force for a sustainable 21st century economy. Renewable energy reduces import dependency and diversifies energy sources, contributing to future economic development in Europe. Decisions that can help continue this economically and environmentally important trend.

Renewable Energy playing a key role for achieving energy efficiency targets

Renewable energy sources and energy savings are the most straightforward means of both reducing emissions and improving security of energy supply. Energy related CO2 emissions have already been reduced by more than 20% against 1990 levels due to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. In addition, the renewable energy industry is one of the fastest growing sectors, providing jobs and bringing new technologies to the market, thereby helping to ensure that Europe maintains its technological leadership in global industrial innovation. However, the EU is increasingly being globally challenged by new market players. In order to keep its pole position, clear signals for investors are needed.
The decisions made today will determine the direction the energy sector will take in the long-term. It has to be made clear that high-carbon investments are expensive, and will remain so in the future. Only then will markets be capable of triggering the vital private investments (including capital intensive and long-term investments)which are needed for a transition to a resource-efficient.

Source: EPIA - Towards a truly sustainable energy system in the EU

The evolution of the Solar Energy cost from its commercial early days use

It was in 1956 when the first commercial solar cell was made available to the public at a very expensive $300 / watt. It was being used in radios and toys by then.

The space programs started to employ solar technology in 1958 when the “Vanguard I” was launched with the first satellite using solar energy to generate electricity. No doubt that the spatial programs were challenging for creativity as the sun is the only source of energy in space.

The Energy Crisis of the seventies awaked the need to find alternative sources of energy not to be fully dependent on finite resources (coal, oil and gas). Solar energy cells dropped dramatically to about $20 / watt.

Today the use of solar energy is progressing rapidly and new business is being developed around this renewable energy. Many Governments on developed and emerging countries have worked out their financial solutions through subventions and Feed in Tariffs to incentivise its commercial use. The cost is now $ 1 / watt and will continue to drop as new innovative technologies are created.

Flying in the future... have a glance with Airbus

In the past, air travel has mainly focussed on getting people from A to B as safely and as quickly as possible. But in the future, travelling could be an entirely different experience integrating different stages of the journey, making the trip so enjoyable that passengers won’t want to arrive, or even changing the way you pay.
Speedier air travel may not suit everyone. A lot of people simply love the experience of being above the clouds and away from it all.
Can you imagine the next generation of cruise ships being in the sky and not on the sea, with packages to suit everyone – complete with swimming pools, spas and even golf courses !... And perhaps you won’t even have to pay for your ticket !..., with the operators making their money from casino takings, restaurants and other attractions.
Do you want to see more about the experience of flying in the future?.... go to the "Future by Airbus" 

Solar Power is the Future... whatever happens on financial sector

The solar market is still virtually untapped and so much remains to be discovered. Someday solar powered airplanes will be taking off from airports around the globe. Solar cells and panels will continue to shrink and become more capable, powering everything that is currently powered via electricity at some future time.

Solar energy usage has advanced dramatically since the ancient Greeks began using it to light their cooking and heating fires. What is so exciting about solar power is we have only just begun to tap its potential. Innovative minds will continue to optimize the technology and develop exciting uses well into the future using solar power.