As the cost of electricity continues to rise, more homeowners are starting to buy solar panels and install them as a means of lowering their utility bills. Temperature comfort has been a way of life for too long, and most individuals are only willing to be just so hot or cold. There has to be a more affordable means of enjoying the 'creature' comforts in life, and solar power is the next business to provide what the people want.
New technology continues to improve the possibilities of solar power. In its beginning, the efficiency ratings of the panels were not really all that good. But, new techniques and materials are starting to overcome the output wattage inadequacies, while continuing to offer up to 25 year manufacturers warranties. These panels offer hope of lasting much longer than it will take to pay for the units and installation.
Across the globe there are several countries currently involved in funding additional research into improved means of the photovoltaic process, and the resulting materials are proving to be even more durable. There are also materials being used that allow the new panels to actually be manufactured on a film and then rolled up for transport to the installation site.
Nanotechnology happened to stumble across a development in researching the reflection of light rays. When the discovery was realized it suddenly became a project to apply the same principles to solar cells, and the result was a solar panel with a 97% efficiency rating. This is something that was previously unheard of in hopes of solar applications. Now, there is the possibility that these panels could be used to cover outdoor walls and pick up sunlight from any direction.
Some of the applications for solar devices that are already in use are the lighted walkway fixtures which come on at dusk. Other outdoor lighting has included motion detectors to allow a panel smaller than one square foot to power flood lights. Dashboard panels which allow laptop users to recharge their machines, while using wireless to communicate via the Internet. Car and RV battery chargers which both charge and maintain standard automotive batteries. And, rural areas where conventional electric power is unavailable, now has solar power to operate well pumps providing water to remote livestock.
Several well known publications report that there is a new category of employees who are starting to replace blue-collar workers. These "green-collar workers" are being hired to fill jobs in the solar power industry, where these panels are currently being made. If the solar panels industry provides employment and business opportunities in every country, there will be many new jobs available and unemployment rates will go down.
