Solar Power

If we could solve the world's energy crisis with a renewable, pollution-free, no-cost energy source, shouldn't we take advantage of such technology? Solar power is one such technology and it's a real, feasible way for utility companies to generate power for thousands of homes. Look to the solar power system in Australia for an example.

Solar power is energy harvested from the photons present in sunlight. A series of solar cell modules, or non-reflective glass panels, is typically placed on the roof or a residence or business to collect the solar power energy.

Solar power energy is then transferred to an inverter, which converts the DC electrical power into usable AC electrical power. Any excess solar power is stored in a battery for later use, like at nighttime and during cloudy days.

Australia, known for its frequently sunny and clear skies, is one of the first countries to really invest in solar power technology for the whole nation. In Melbourne, Australia, solar power is heading into the spotlight. In 2006, construction began on a 1600-foot solar power "greenhouse" tower to produce enough electricity to power 100,000 homes in Australia.

Solar power in Australia came as a result of the Australian government's plan to have at least 2% of all of the country's power come from renewable resources by the year 2010. Australia turned to the organization EnviroMission to lead the way and design a solar power plant.

The solar power greenhouse in Australia works in a similar fashion to solar power modules. Solar power cells line the 260-foot-diameter tower to accumulate solar power energy and redirect it to Australian homes. There is no effect on the environment with solar power in Australia, and once the government's proposed investment of $75 million is paid, there will be little further costs to run the solar power facility in Australia.

Some environmentalists in Australia think that Australia is too heavily dependant on oil and its own coal and uranium reserves to fully explore the benefits of bringing solar power to Australia on a larger scale. Instead, the government is mostly backing a "clean coal"-burning method of generating power, which unlike solar power, will still be responsible for some pollution and much financial burden on the Australian taxpayers.

Critics say that the Australian government is too concerned with the expensive rates of initially installing solar power in the country. David Mills, chairman of Solar Heat and Power in Australia, has given up on convincing the Australian government to concentrate on solar power and is moving his company's headquarters to California, which has its own initiative to power the state with one third renewable energy sources by 2020.

Still, hopeful environmentalists think that perhaps with the successful installation of the Melbourne solar power tower and others like it, Australia will one day make full use of all its sunny skies and become the leader in solar power that it has the potential to be.