Solar energy: Its status and prospects

Abstract

There is a clear need for development of alternative energy sources to replace the depleting hydrocarbon fuels on which we depend for 3/4 of our energy. The characteristics that would be desirable of future energy sources are that they be extensive, inexhaustible, widely available and that they present the minimum hazards to health, the environment, and the "quality of life". Solar energy, as one of the proposed alternatives, is examined here; the principal subprograms are summarized and their present status is described. The state of development of the different solar technologies varies widely from solar heating of buildings that is ready for commercial development to ocean thermal generation of electricity that is in design stages. It is found that several are well enough advanced to be "under-used technologies" and their cost projections under conditions of industrial development are favorable. The time scale for significant contributions from solar energy is, by conservative estimates, 10 years. Among the proposed alternative energy sources we find that solar energy is unique in its possession of the desired characteristics as well as further important advantages. It therefore seems appropriate that the utilization of solar energy be designated as our highest priority energy development goal.