Solar power currently accounts for less than 1 percent of the
world's electricity, but solar companies are working to make solar
power a cost-effective alternative to coal and natural gas.
A kilowatt of electricity from solar panels costs 35 to 40 cents
to produce compared with 3 to 5 cents for electricity produced from
coal, but if the cost of solar power can be reduced, solar power
may take the place of inefficient coal plants that emit high levels
of greenhouse gases.
The standard design for solar panels has been large blue or
black silicon rectangles, which convert 12 to 20 percent of the
sun's energy into electricity. Silicon's high price makes these
panels too expensive to compete with...
Log in or register for FREE access to this article and other Professional Roofing online content.