Why Solar?
Solar energy is one of the most powerful ways we can cut our C02 emissions globally. We need to convince our political leaders to vote for a solar powered future in the developed and developing world.
Solar power can be a key part of the ‘Triple crunch – Energy, Climate and Credit’ and should be fully considered both in the UK and at the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December. The SolarCycle Diaries expedition aims to highlight solutions to climate change. In particular, it will focus on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaics (PV).
For the latest solar energy news, projects and information, please also see: www.thisissolar.com
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
CSP is a process whereby mirrors concentrate direct sunlight onto one area to create heat. This heat is then used to raise steam to drive turbines and generators to create electricity.
It has been calculated that - using current day technology - less than 1 per cent of the earth’s deserts, if covered with CSP plants, would produce as much electricity as is now used by the whole world. Several CSP plants are already in use around the globe.
However, updating electricity networks and paying for CSP plants requires a great deal of international cooperation and investment. The Desertec Foundation is working to promote and facilitate such international collaboration.
More details - and information on how you can get involved - can be found at www.desertec.org
Photovoltaics (PV)
PV is best known as a method for converting sunlight directly into electricity by using solar cells.
Solar cells produce direct current electricity from light, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. The construction industry can use PV to create zero emission buildings. Excess energy produced by these buildings can also be put back into the national grid. In the UK, the feed-in tariff for solar energy is currently under debate.
The SolarCycle Diaries – in association with the ‘We Support Solar’ campaign – is asking the UK government to set a rate for the solar feed-in tariff that will help promote solar power and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Solar PV is the fastest growing energy industry in the world. Due to this explosive annual growth, costs are dropping precipitously. This allows the industry to exploit economies of scale, accelerate technology advances, and maximize efficiency of delivery.
Nanotechnology
In recent years nanotechnology has led to the creation of flexible thin film PV panels. This technology looks set to further reduce production costs.
The team will use G24 Innovations flexible panels to cover their panniers and power the Nokia communications equipment needed to write these diaries.
