|
The sun is a promising source of renewable energy, due to the widespread abundance of sunlight and rapid advances in solar cell technology allowing us to capture and utilize that energy. I will briefly discuss some background on the need for renewable energy, due to the finite availability of fossil fuels and their contribution to global climate change, as well as the needs of people in developing countries. I will also give an overview of different potential sources of renewable energy, including the wind, tides, geothermal, as well as solar. Then I will discuss the present status of solar energy, specifically concentrating on solar cells that convert sunlight directly to electricity. I will give a taste of active research and development for better, more efficient, and cheaper solar cells; I'll present some of the work being done at the National Renewable Energy Lab, right here in the Denver area. Finally, I welcome the audience to envision a more sustainable future, based on our choices and aided by technology such as solar cells. |