No Longer Alternative Energy

09 Jun 08 | Commentary

Time was when we would think of anything that was a non-fossil fueled power as “Alternative Energy.” Something that space ships used, or perhaps some hippies living in the woods. Not so much anymore. As oil prices go through the roof and supplies become scarce, the question I hear more and more often is “Alternative to what?”

When I read articles in Main Stream Media outlets, like MSN, which tout Solar Powers ability to offset conventional power (It’s Solar Powers Time to Shine, June 5, 2006) it makes me smile. I have known this for many years as have the other people in the solar business. It has become the latest news for the un-initiated.

To make the alternative energy systems main stream, three things must happen:

Greater awareness by the public. Education is the key, installing a solar thermal collector is not the same as installing hot water heater or furnace. The typical house owner needs to have some general idea of how it works in order to make in informed decision. Solar 101 needs to be taught beginning in primary school science classes and carried on through collage.
Research and Development. Much more needs to be done, especially with photovoltaics to increase the panel efficiency and bring the costs down. R and D in other areas such as large scale solar thermal electric generation, solar thermal building heating, solar thermal storage, small scale solar water heating systems is also needed.
Level the playing field with the other fuels. Currently, big oil, big coal and big nuclear receive huge federal government subsides which are paid for by… you and me (if you pay any federal income tax). I would like to see this stop. Preferably, all the government subsides would end that way, solar, wind and small hydro would be able to compete head on with coal, oil and nuclear power. This is the European model. That will likely not happen, therefore, an acceptable alternative would be long term subsides for solar and small wind power.

As fuel prices go up, my phone rings more and more. I am optimistic that economic forces will drive solar and other so called alternative energy sources into the main stream, perhaps much sooner than anyone thought.

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