The future of solar power is exceptionally bright, like the sun.

The use of solar power has grown at an enormous rate over the past 15 to 20 years. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) statistics state that 500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy were installed in the United States in 2004. Just 10 years later SEIA reported 20,000 MW installed nationwide. The financial investment over that decade grew from $2.6 billion to an estimated $71.1 billion. Those numbers are steadily increasing with the implementation of numerous, large solar farms providing electricity to power companies across the country.

In the renewable energy sector, the implementation of solar energy sources is making steady strides to overtake its costly wind turbine counterpart. Solar panels have long been the preferred choice of homeowners to capture solar energy. Furthermore, corporate entities looking for clean energy sources are choosing solar generation over wind.

Economic Impact

As of July 2018, 29 US states have passed legislation imposing renewable energy standards and goals for the near future. Eight others have voluntarily set renewable energy goals of their own. These goals increase the demand for solar energy sources and advancements in renewable energy technology.

In the US job market positions for solar workers grew from less than 20,000 to over 174,000 in that same decade, from 2004 to 2014. Legislation requiring the implementation of clean energy sources will only increase that number going forward. The installation of residential and commercial solar panels has created a myriad of new opportunities for tradesmen and laborers. Residential and commercial installations are climbing while solar farms are popping up in many rural and some urban areas of the country. These projects create energy and jobs.

Research focusing on improved solar generation and technology is also a booming field. With increased demand comes the need for innovation, advanced technology, more efficient equipment, and more cost-effective installation processes. Although the cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically in recent years, researchers continue to search for more advanced technology.

The International Energy Agency expects solar generation to skyrocket in the next two decades. They are estimating an increase of 16 times the figures in current statistics.

Solar Power Explained

In layman’s terms, solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert photons of light into electricity.

Solar energy is clean and cost-effective. The flexibility of solar energy makes it even more attractive. Energy can be captured and distributed at one chosen point (i.e., house, building), or on a larger scale as in a solar power plant. The solar energy in both of these instances can be stored for later use, even when the clouds block the sun or after sunset.

“Active” solar systems operate via mechanical devices and equipment that convert the sun’s energy into useable power. Solar buildings are designed to use “Passive” solar to capture and store the sun’s energy for distribution in the same structure with an aim to maintain a comfortable environment for building occupants.

Current processes to capture solar energy include three active and one passive option:

  • Photovoltaics
  • Solar heating and cooling
  • Concentrating solar power
  • Passive solar

Gazing Into the Future of Solar

No one knows what remarkable discoveries lie ahead.

This can be said of the solar industry, but one focus of research has been proving very promising. The US, along with other nations, are currently studying a durable mineral compound called Perovskite. This is a man-made chemical compound that consists of calcium titanate oxide minerals. In technical terms it has a crystalline structure.

The discovery has the solar industry buzzing. The compound could drastically impact renewable energy by providing the ability for any surface to capture the sun’s energy. This mineral is being touted as the sought-after alternative for traditional solar cells.

This man-made material and is being tested in the form of thin cells of film for capturing solar energy. The crystalline structure is reportedly proving to be more effective at converting solar energy into electricity than past and recent studies or current technologies. With a lower cost and more flexible material, the discovery is being considered by many in the solar industry as a probable replacement for conventional silicon celled panels.

Crystalline silicon is harvested from the ground and goes through rigorous processing to manufacture quality, efficient solar cells. Perovskites are man-made through a manufacturing process similar to creating newspaper. The process is much more flexible and scalable in comparison to current solar technologies. Manufacturing rather than harvesting provides a potential decrease in processing costs, which is very promising to the future of the industry. These savings can be passed on to consumers. Lower costs will allow more home and business owners to enjoy solar energy savings.

Research and Development

Although the research is fairly new when compared to silicon cell testing, initial studies are showing that results meet or exceed silicon cell production levels. Their maximum potential is yet to be realized.

Solar cells produced with this new material are lightweight and bendable, allowing them to be attached almost anywhere. The more efficient, smaller cells are semitransparent and will potentially leave a smaller footprint on structures and open spaces. The lighter weight also adds less stress to roofs, walls, and other installation surfaces.

Varied processes allow the material to be printed, painted, or sprayed on any surface to capture energy from the sun. Innovations in manufacturing would allow for a myriad of applications. Speculation is also high that thin layers of Pervoskite could be added to previously installed conventional cells to increase production.

Traditional silicon panels are primarily used on both residential and commercial rooftop installations, as well as for utility-scale power plants. These panels currently achieve approximately 20% efficiency, capturing only one-fifth of the solar energy passing through them. Researchers claim that Perovskite compound is already proving more efficient at capturing solar energy than current technology. Expectations are high that efficiency can reach 40% with continued research. Yet, there remain obstacles to overcome.

To be sure, usage in the solar industry is still in the research and development stage. That said, there are numerous scientists hard at work to bring this phenomenal material to market. Toxicity and durability are currently being tested. Silicon solar cells went through more than 60 years of research and development before reaching the market at 20% efficiency levels that would produce substantial solar energy savings. Silicon solar cells have been tested and proven to withstand the test of time. Perovskite has not been studied long-term and therefore their life expectancy is unclear.

Many experts predict that Perovskite could come to market in just a few, short years. The book Taming the Sun takes a comprehensive look into the future of the solar industry. The author, Varun Sivaram, an expert in clean energy technology, also views Perovskites as a frontrunner in the advancement of solar technology.

Funding

Successful testing is imperative before the material can be released for public use. Funding for this research has come from many sources, including The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Although the research was praised at the recent American Council on Renewable Energy conference, federal government funding for the renewable energy sector is shaky. Local government and private funding can be a difficult hill to climb.

Continued research is key to successful innovation and the discovery of new technology and the future of solar power. Globally our competitors are also striving toward the advancement of renewable energy sources. For the US to lead the way in the renewable energy race, critical funding of research must continue. Only time and science will tell if Perovskites are a transforming factor in the solar industry.