The solar and solar energy industries have been developing rapidly in the past decade and are now recognized as competitive renewable energy sources. Nevertheless (perhaps because of this), solar energy is still being misunderstood, surrounded by rumors and false facts. , cast a shadow on its brilliant prospects.
This article describes the ten most common misunderstandings and facts about solar energy. Sven Lindstrom, chief executive officer of Swedish Midsummer Corporation:
Misunderstanding
The production of solar cells consumes more energy than is produced during their lifetime (in other words, the production of solar cells produces more carbon dioxide than the reduced lifetime of carbon dioxide).
Fact: This is not the case. Today, the energy recovery period for silicon solar cells is less than two years. The energy investment payback period for thin-film solar cells is less than one year! After this period, during the remaining lifetime of solar cells, Energy (and carbon dioxide) will be saved and accumulated. Therefore, solar cells are extremely environmentally friendly.
Misunderstood two
Without subsidies, solar energy is not financially viable.
Fact: Subsidies are rapidly being eliminated, and technological advances continue to make solar cells more efficient. Today, solar energy is cheaper than buying electricity (market prices) in almost all parts of the world where it shines. Over the past 12 months, solar energy costs Rapid declines are even more competitive than the cheapest fossil fuels. U.S. tycoon Buffett owns a utility company that recently negotiated a purchase price of 3.87 cents per degree with First Solar's Nevada plant. Perhaps the cheapest electricity price in the United States and most of the world.
Misunderstanding three
Once the global warming 'scam' is revealed, no one will be interested in solar energy.
Fact: Whether or not you believe in global warming (most people believe), solar photovoltaic power generation is an attractive route to self-generation, and its low cost is predictable. In sunny regions, this may be The cheapest way to generate electricity is to achieve energy independence for individuals, businesses, and countries. It also hopes to create jobs. Therefore, global warming, believe it or not, really has nothing to do with the benefits of solar energy.
Misunderstanding four
All solar cell manufacturers are losing money.
Fact: Some losses, but not all losses. Many silicon solar cell manufacturers compete in the same field with the same technology. Their days are difficult. Other areas are profitable, such as thin-film lightweight flexible solar panels.
The solar industry is still immature. Leading rankings and markets are constantly changing. In fact, we are witnessing a new industry that has been fledgling into the traditional integration stage. There are winners and losers. The surviving practitioners are faced with a bright future. A profitable future.
Perceptive rooftops and construction companies believe that photovoltaic building integration is the 'next big event' and they will be among the winners of the future. Solar cells will be better integrated with roofs and facades. The current building materials manufacturers have Great opportunity to win market share in this area.
Misunderstanding five
Only when Tesla or any other battery manufacturer begins mass production of low-cost, high-efficiency batteries for power storage, will solar power be attractive.
Fact: See Misconceptions 2. Solar energy is already a very cost-competitive energy source. Low-cost, high-efficiency batteries certainly enhance the attractiveness of solar energy, but solar energy is the fact that electricity is generated at the highest demand (ie noon), making solar energy a reality. The dependence on storage methods is lower than many other energy sources.
Misunderstanding six
Low-priced coal and current energy mix (often dirty fossil fuels or nuclear power) will continue to dominate global energy production for the foreseeable future.
Fact: Don't bet. If you don't trust me and most scientists, then follow the money. Utilities' bonds are being downgraded on Wall Street because their business model based on monopoly power generation is being challenged by a large number of self-generated power. Decentralized The cost of generating electricity has dropped significantly, and this has hurt profitable utilities. In many countries, such as Germany, solar energy has reached 'grid parity'.
Misunderstanding 7
Solar cells are ugly and unsightly, damaging the city.
Fact: It is undeniable that the current practice of installing conventional silicon solar panels on the roof has adversely affected the appearance of many old buildings. However, the trends of photovoltaic building integration will introduce solar energy into residential areas without attracting anyone's attention. The quality flexible solar panels can be well integrated into roofing materials, not only ensuring aesthetics, but also reducing installation costs.
Misunderstanding 8
In the future, solar cells can be brushed onto the facade with paint brushes.
Fact: It is true that photovoltaic building integration is exciting, and this statement is widely circulated in the field of mass science, but at least in our lifetime, this is not yet possible. The third generation of dye synthesis solar cells is extremely sensitive to humidity, In case of sunlight, it will degrade. This kind of battery cannot be painted with a brush, but must also be packaged and connected by a series circuit or the like.
Misunderstanding nine
Thin-film solar cells are made of rare earth elements such as indium, and such elements will eventually become exhausted (or soon).
Fact: Some scientists and politicians have stated that we will deplete rare materials such as indium, just as we are exhausting the world’s oil reserves. But this is by no means a fact.
Indium, silicon, cadmium, etc. are the basic chemical elements on the periodic table and therefore cannot be destroyed. Basic chemical elements cannot be 'depleted', but only change in form, location and application. Indium on Earth will always follow As much as it used to, it can be recycled. The reserves of indium in the earth's crust are three times that of silver, but no one says that silver will be depleted...
In addition, solar cell production equipment suppliers have succeeded in halving the thickness of thin-film solar cells in recent years, significantly reducing the need for rare materials in the process.
Misunderstanding ten
Everything will be powered by solar energy in the future.
Fact: There are certainly grounds for optimism about the future of solar energy, but in the future there will be a diversified energy mix, just like today. This combination of renewable energy components will increase, but will still include solar, wind, hydropower And other energy sources.
