Making solar cells

[Padraic]

Evidently, even making the solar cell is pretty green!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23376364/

 

[flyfishermanj]

Interesting article, thanks for posting. I have some experience in installing these as both hot water heaters and supplemental electric systems. This is a good supplement to met the energy needs of society, can't see how it could be the cure all for energy crisis though. The parts are very expensive, they are getting cheaper, but still are pretty expensive. Takes forever to payback the savings in the northen states like Pa. Works very well in the south, as a result you do see more system in these southern states.

JH

 

[tabasco_joe]

Here is a site I found with links to solar radiation maps.

http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/

You can use this to calculate how much solar panel area you need depending on power needs and location.