Innovations in Solar Power

Some of the coolest new solar technologies have nothing to do with solar panels at all! Recent innovations have focused more on using mirrors, directional motors, and lenses to reduce the amount of photo voltaic and silicone products (which are very expensive) that are needed to produce energy. One of the most valuable shifts has nothing to do with technology, it has to do with the business model being used.

In terms of technology, one of my favorite products is the Sunflower by Energy Innovations. These guys actually worked with Google recently to install their traditional solar panels and I was lucky enough to randomly run into one of the lead designers from Energy Innovations on a road trip this month. This technology still requires using PV materials and silicon but it uses it way more efficiently by surrounding it with a lens. This method is called "high concentration". For those of you lucky enough to have access to the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA or to be given a tour there, you will see a Sunflower unit in the main lobby just under the Spaceship One repkica hanging from the ceiling! Check out the video of the Sunflower posted below...

Other methods for concentrating solar energy involve using parabolic shapes to capture light energy and either heat water or absorb it more efficiently. The most classic example of this technology is a dish shaped mirror with a steam or water powered mechanical generator suspended just above.

As new technologies emerge some people worry about investing in today's standards. Indeed, it can be daunting to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a system that will soon be outclassed and devalued. I think it's comparable to the advances we've seen with computers. A few companies are addressing these concerns by renting solar panels instead of selling them. In this way, they install and maintain the system and the consumer just pays to use it at their location. Moreover, as advances do take place in the industry the "renter" just upgrades their equipment over time and enjoys bulk purchase discounts and economies of scale. The residential consumer will never have to worry about the technology at all. One company that is pursuing this new business model is called Citisenre.

Another possibility all together is the adaptation of large electricity providers to using renewable resources. As this happens end users will continue using the same infrastructure they currently do but the power will suddenly be green. As this happens solar manufacturers will cater more to niche end users with remote cabins or vehicles that need additional power supply.