Solar energy – the challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Solar energy is the renewable energy source that could meet a major portion of future energy demands required to sustain a global civilization. The potential of solar energy as a global resource is outlined and a rationale for solar energy use is presented based on the development of technology to convert solar energy into heat, power or electricity. The contributions of solar technologies to the US energy economy are projected. The status of promising distributed and centralized solar technologies is summarized and the influences on solar energy applications based on the actions of the public, industry and government are considered. Applications involving distributed and centralized solar technology for both developed and developing nations are discussed. The conclusion is presented that the development of solar technologies is a prerequisite for the inevitable transition to the global use of renewable energy resources.