Solar Energy Usage

Alternate energy sources have become talk of the day and tapping of the same is given much importnace. the governement of India is giving soaps for the use of solar energy for lighting and agricultural purposes. It is highly useful in rural areas where electricity is scarce and difficult to supply. many villages are being lighted by solar lights. It is high time that we realize the importance of this energy source.

Solar energy should be a priority, but it isn't. A couple of points: The technology/systems can be made affordable, but they're not because 'other interests' stand in the way. Also, the use of passive solar can make a big difference in energy costs, but isn't being promoted.

I agree that solar radiation has potential, but right now its at the point where we cannot rely on it for solving our energy, and global warming, problem. The current efficiency of solar cells is such that it takes more energy to produce them than you would most likely ever get out of them. That means a net contribution to global warming. Passive solar collecters I think are better at the moment. In the future this could change, but not for 20 to 30 years I estimate.

I live in a place where the weather can significantly impact whether or not you have electricity at certain times of the year and I am interested in ways to employ solar, wind and water energy. If I had the facilities I would also recycle cooking oil to make biodiesel. The public buses here are now starting to run on this fuel and I am very excited to see it. Some utility trucks also run on natural gas. After hurrican Katrina people figured out how easily they could live without certain modern conveniences.